Bail Hearing for Travis Flowers Delayed Over Prosecutor Conflict

A bail application for Belize City Council employee, Travis Flowers, was stalled in the High Court today. Flowers, facing charges of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, and dangerous harm, will have to wait until Friday for his hearing. The case, number 118 of 2025, was called up before Justice Nigel Pilgrim. However, the Crown representative, Alifah Elrington, Head of the Prosecution Branch, requested to recuse herself. She cited a conflict of interest, stating she knows both the accused, Travis Flowers, and the alleged victim, Calvin Cumberbatch. Elrington requested an adjournment until Friday, March 28, when the original prosecutor, Dercene Staine, will be available. Justice Pilgrim granted the request. Flowers, a 17-year senior employee of the Belize City Council, appeared virtually from the Belize Central Prison, where he is currently remanded. His attorney, Leeroy Banner, also appeared virtually. Flowers was charged on March 9th and arraigned on March 11, denied bail, and remanded until May 13. In his affidavit to the court, Attorney Banner argued for his client’s release, citing Flowers’ 17-year stellar employment record, his lack of previous convictions, and his status as a father of one. Banner’s affidavit detailed Flowers’ claim of self-defense. He alleges that Cumberbatch initiated the altercation, punching Flowers in the face, and that a struggle ensued for Flowers’ firearm. The affidavit states that Flowers, fearing for his life after Cumberbatch overpowered him, managed to regain possession of the gun and fired in self-defense. The court will now wait until Friday to hear the full arguments for and against Flowers’ bail.