St Ann's Bay Mayor, machete attacker settle case through mediation

Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, Michael Belnavis, and the man who attacked and chopped him with a machete inside his home in St Mary, Chad Thomas, have reached an agreement to settle the case through mediation.

Thomas, who was charged with housebreaking, wounding with intent and malicious destruction of property, has agreed, under the deal, to undergo counselling and not to be seen at Belnavis’ property or its surroundings in St Mary.

Belnavis, who was represented by attorney-at-law Charles Ganga-Singh, did not seek damages or any compensation from Thomas.

As a result of the agreement, the case against Thomas was dropped.

The matter was heard in the St Mary Parish Court on Monday, November 9, before Parish Judge Nicole Kellier.

It was reported that on January 20, 2025, Thomas attacked Belnavis with a machete after entering his home in Boscobel, St Mary.

Thomas used the weapon to inflict wounds to his head.

The mayor reportedly managed to drive himself to a medical facility, where he was admitted for treatment.

An investigation was subsequently launched, and Thomas was later arrested and charged.

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