Carib Scope

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  • NEBL Responds to Disputed Game Letter and Scheduling Confusion

    NEBL Responds to Disputed Game Letter and Scheduling Confusion

    As the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) enters its final stretch of regular season play, with a $100,000 grand prize awaiting the eventual champion, a growing web of controversy has thrown the league’s credibility into question, centered on a disputed matchup, a counterfeit official letter, and conflicting scheduling announcements from league leadership.

    The root of the conflict stretches back to an April 25 matchup between the San Pedro Tiger Sharks and EZ Investments Giga Dream Ballers, a game that ended in unresolved dispute. In the weeks that followed, team representatives have received contradictory guidance from the NEBL office over how the league would resolve the contested result, leaving multiple squads uncertain of their playoff positioning.

    The outcome of a rematch for the disputed game is far from trivial: it has the potential to shift the final playoff seeding for multiple teams, including the Cayo Western Ballaz, a side that has publicly pushed back against the league’s plan to replay the matchup. Earlier in May, the Cayo Western Ballaz issued a formal threat: if the league moved forward with the rematch, the team would refuse to take the court for their scheduled May 16 game against the Belize City Defenders.

    Just days before that scheduled game, a letter bearing the NEBL’s official letterhead dated May 15 spread widely across social media. The document laid out a clear ruling: both squads from the disputed April 25 game would forfeit the contest, receive zero points, and no rematch would be scheduled. It added that this ruling aligned with a prior May 4 league communication, noting that both teams had refused to complete the originally scheduled contest, and confirmed that all remaining regular season and playoff schedules would remain unchanged. Relying on the assurance that no rematch would take place, the Cayo Western Ballaz moved forward with their May 16 game as planned.

    That calm was shattered just three days later, on May 19, when the NEBL sent a WhatsApp message to all team owners and general managers that directly contradicted the May 15 letter. In the message, the league announced the disputed game would in fact be rematched on May 27 in Dangriga.

    In a recent interview with local outlet News Five, NEBL Commissioner Leroy Banner clarified the league’s official position: the May 15 letter that circulated online was never produced or authorized by the NEBL office, despite bearing official letterhead. Banner called the document a work of “mischief makers,” and confirmed that the league has always intended to order a rematch of the disputed April 25 contest. Notably, neither the May 4 league communication referenced in the fake letter nor the counterfeit May 15 letter have been posted to the NEBL’s official public Facebook page, leaving fans and teams reliant on secondhand leaks for information.

    The chaotic sequence of events, from the initial disputed game to the fake letter, boycott threat and last-minute policy reversal via informal messaging app, has sparked sharp criticism from basketball fans across the region. A viral screenshot circulating on social media sums up widespread fan frustration: “The lack of consistency in NEBL’s governance continues to undermine confidence in the league. The bylaws exist for a reason, and their proper enforcement is essential to maintaining credibility and fairness. The NEBL has become a circus. How disappointing.”

    As the league prepares for the scheduled May 27 rematch, the controversy has left many questioning whether the NEBL can restore trust among teams and fans ahead of the playoffs and the $100,000 championship title.

  • Health, empowerment focus for St Joseph celebrations

    Health, empowerment focus for St Joseph celebrations

    Preparations for 2026’s national Independence celebrations in Barbados’ St Joseph Parish are now moving from planning to active implementation, with event organizers centering this year’s programming around three core pillars: public health outreach, community care, and resident empowerment across the parish.

    On Sunday, members of the St Joseph Parish Independence Committee launched their campaign with an inaugural community walkthrough in the neighborhood of Dark Hole, where they connected directly with local residents to introduce the full slate of initiatives planned for the year ahead. This opening outreach effort aligns with the committee’s 2026 theme: “Rekindling our spirit and reclaiming our pride in Saint Joseph,” which frames the year’s activities as an opportunity to rebuild connections between organizers and parish residents that may have frayed in recent years.

    Parish attendant Anjela Holloway shared details of the walkthrough in an interview with Barbados TODAY, explaining that the team intentionally selected Dark Hole as their first stop to prioritize residents who had long felt overlooked by community initiatives. “Today we went to the area that we knew as Dark Hole to visit the residents in the area to sensitise them about the community independence celebrations that are happening this year and what the parish Independence Committee for St Joseph will be doing for 2026,” Holloway said. “We wanted to meet with our Josephines to feel how they are feeling about their parish and what we can do to help this year in 2026.”

    Holloway noted that many Dark Hole residents approached the committee’s visit with initial caution, a reaction rooted in a history of being overlooked by local organizing efforts. But as conversations unfolded, that hesitation gave way to enthusiasm and engagement. “At first they were a little hesitant because you see people come in and you don’t know what they’re coming for, but when we started to talk to them and interact, they were very interactive, very happy to see us,” Holloway described. “They felt like they would have been forgotten and to see that we chose Dark Hole as our first place, they were very excited.”

    One of the flagship new initiatives launching as part of this year’s celebrations is the Soothing Soul program, developed to expand elderly care and mental emotional support for senior residents across the parish. Holloway explained that the program will train local volunteers to provide holistic care for older community members, addressing both physical health needs and the less visible need for social connection. “We’ll be teaching persons how to care for our elderly population,” she said. “Not only health-wise, but even if it’s just to sit and talk to them, listen to them, because everybody needs a listening ear.”

    Beyond care-focused programming, the committee has also planned a multi-part empowerment series designed to build resident skills around financial literacy and long-term personal development, creating lasting resources that extend far beyond the Independence celebration period.

    During the Dark Hole walkthrough, residents also took the opportunity to raise long-standing local concerns, including poor road conditions and ongoing water access issues that disproportionately impact the neighborhood. While the Independence Committee does not have the authority to directly resolve these infrastructure issues, Holloway confirmed that all resident concerns will be formally documented and relayed to the appropriate government agencies for review.

    One of the highest-profile public events on the 2026 St Joseph celebration calendar is the Sugar Experience, an all-white garden party scheduled to take place on June 27 at the historic Andrews Sugar Factory. Tying into the parish’s deep agricultural and cultural heritage, the event will feature a menu of sugar cane-infused cocktails and all-inclusive food offerings, designed to celebrate St Joseph’s history while bringing the community together for a celebratory gathering.

  • Caribbean Court of Justice veroordeelt Suriname in zaak Ramsamooj

    Caribbean Court of Justice veroordeelt Suriname in zaak Ramsamooj

    In a landmark regional ruling issued on May 25, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has found that the government of Suriname violated the free movement rights of Trinidadian political analyst Derek Anand Ramsamooj, stemming from his extended 2020 detention without guaranteed access to legal counsel. The regional court has ordered Suriname to pay Ramsamooj $30,000 in damages for the severe breach of his rights as a citizen of the CARICOM community.

    The case, brought forward by Ramsamooj against the State of Suriname, centers on events that unfolded in October 2020. Ramsamooj, a national of Trinidad and Tobago who had regularly worked in Suriname as a political consultant for the former Bouterse administration, was first approached by Surinamese police at Paramaribo’s Hotel Krasnapolsky on October 6, 2020. Officers seized his passport and ordered him to report for questioning the following day, after which he was taken into custody as part of a criminal investigation into alleged corruption and fraud linked to the previous Surinamese government.

    CCJ’s findings confirm that Ramsamooj was held in two separate 8-day detention periods under Article 40 of Suriname’s Code of Criminal Procedure, during which he was denied effective access to legal representation. All interrogations were conducted in Dutch with the assistance of a translator, and a Dutch-language statement obtained during this period was later used as evidence against him. His pre-trial detention was ultimately extended until December 22, 2020, when he was granted release due to a sharp decline in his health. Formal criminal charges—including participation in a criminal organization, fraud, and money laundering—were filed against him in March 2021, and his passport remained seized until September 2022, when he was finally permitted to leave Suriname to seek urgent medical treatment abroad.

    At the core of the legal challenge was the question of whether restrictions on access to legal counsel violated the rights guaranteed to CARICOM citizens under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, a framework that enshrines the right to free movement across the regional bloc. In its ruling, the CCJ emphasized that fundamental human rights are a prerequisite for the effective exercise of CARICOM citizen rights, holding that access to legal representation from the first point of interrogation is a minimum standard of legal protection that all member states must uphold within the community.

    The court further found that Article 40 of Suriname’s criminal procedure code fails to provide adequate safeguards for suspects who are denied effective access to a lawyer during the investigation phase, referencing binding international human rights standards and prior rulings from the European Court of Human Rights to support its conclusion. The application of Suriname’s domestic legislation in this case, the CCJ ruled, created an impermissible restriction on Ramsamooj’s right to free movement within CARICOM. The court made clear that member states cannot invoke domestic legal procedures that conflict with the community’s minimum human rights standards to justify rights violations.

    Notably, the CCJ stressed that its ruling does not bar Suriname from moving forward with its underlying criminal prosecution of Ramsamooj. It did, however, note that any statements or evidence obtained during the period in which Ramsamooj’s rights were violated cannot be used in future proceedings if such use would once again conflict with CARICOM community law.

    The court dismissed a portion of Ramsamooj’s additional claims: it declined to issue a separate ruling on his right to provide professional services within CARICOM, finding insufficient evidence that he was actively providing services at the time of his detention in line with the treaty’s definitions. It also ruled that a full causal link between his claimed medical expenses and the rights violation had not been established. Even so, the court accepted medical expert reports confirming that Ramsamooj developed severe health complications during his detention, including cardiovascular issues and a stroke, and that the conditions of his detention contributed directly to these health outcomes.

    Legal observers across the Caribbean have framed the ruling as a pivotal legal milestone for the CARICOM bloc. The CCJ’s explicit confirmation that fundamental human rights form an integral part of regional community law sets a new precedent, reinforcing that core rights such as regional free movement cannot function meaningfully without minimum protections for fundamental legal principles.

  • Air Peace dismisses Ebola fears following Barbados landing

    Air Peace dismisses Ebola fears following Barbados landing

    Nigeria’s leading private carrier Air Peace has marked a major milestone in transatlantic air connectivity, completing its first-ever direct flight from West Africa to Barbados on Sunday — but the historic launch has been accompanied by unexpected public anxiety over potential Ebola exposure, driven by recent outbreaks in two East African nations.

    The airline’s senior leadership has moved quickly to ease public worries, emphasizing that strict biosecurity protocols are in place at every step of the travel journey, and that the carrier never operates services to the affected regions.

    In an official address to reporters during the route’s launch event at Barbados’ Hotel Indigo on Monday, Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer Nowel Ngala underscored that the new service poses zero Ebola-related risk to passengers and local communities. “We are 100 per cent safe,” Ngala stated, explaining that Nigerian federal authorities and the country’s national aviation regulator have implemented stringent entry screening measures for all travelers arriving from Ebola-impacted areas at every Nigerian international airport.

    Ngala reiterated that none of Air Peace’s routes serve the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda, the two countries currently reporting confirmed Ebola cases. The vast majority of travelers on the new Caribbean route originate from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, and Ghana, he added. “We continue to scrutinize every passenger, and we have not had any passenger linked to Ebola on our services. We remain committed to working hand-in-hand with the Barbados government and all Caribbean market stakeholders to grow two-way traffic between the region and Nigeria,” he said.

    Beyond addressing public health concerns, Ngala also clarified a last-minute adjustment to the carrier’s original route plan. The airline initially intended to operate a Lagos-Barbados-Antigua itinerary, but ultimately chose to terminate all services in Barbados after reviewing projected passenger loads. Ngala framed the decision as a strictly commercial, cost-driven adjustment amid ongoing global fuel price volatility.

    “When we reviewed passenger numbers ahead of the launch, we found just 24 travelers booked for the Antigua leg, and only one passenger reserved for the departure out of Antigua,” he explained. “There is still significant work ahead to build inbound traffic from the Caribbean to Nigeria and Central Africa. Landing a Boeing 777 just to pick up a single passenger would make no economic sense, especially with fuel prices at current extreme levels.”

    Barbados’ High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland backed up Air Peace’s safety assurances, noting that the Ebola outbreaks are thousands of kilometers from the West African origin of the new route. Bynoe-Sutherland emphasized that no confirmed Ebola cases have been recorded in either Nigeria or Ghana, the two primary source markets for the new service.

    “All African nations are on high alert, given how easily contagious diseases of this type can spread, but the entire world gained valuable experience navigating the COVID-19 pandemic that we can draw on to manage current risks,” she added, praising the rigorous public health screening protocols implemented by Barbados’ Ministry of Health for the incoming flight.

    The launch of Air Peace’s direct Nigeria-Barbados service marks a new chapter in air connectivity between West Africa and the Caribbean, opening new opportunities for trade, tourism, and people-to-people links between the two regions. Officials from both Air Peace and Barbados expect traffic on the route to grow gradually as awareness of the direct service increases among travelers.

  • Actress Aisha Hinds Arrives in Antigua for Culinary Month Celebrations

    Actress Aisha Hinds Arrives in Antigua for Culinary Month Celebrations

    Acclaimed television and film actress Aisha Hinds has landed in Antigua and Barbuda, kicking off her participation in the country’s highly anticipated annual Culinary Month celebrations. Her arrival adds another high-profile name to the growing roster of prominent international guests who have traveled to the twin-island Caribbean nation this season, drawn by its vibrant local cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and world-class tourism experiences.

    Hinds, who is celebrated for her standout performances in hit series including *9-1-1*, *Underground*, and *True Blood*, has never shied away from embracing her Caribbean roots. Born to Grenadian heritage, she has long spoken publicly about her deep personal connection to the region and her abiding passion for Caribbean food and cultural traditions. In a statement shared by local tourism officials, they noted that Hinds’ visit serves as a powerful reminder of the deep cultural bonds that tie all Caribbean communities together—bonds forged through shared flavors, interwoven ancestral heritage, collective storytelling, and time-honored traditions that bring people together around dining tables across the region.

    As officials from Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector explained, Hinds’ participation is fully integrated into the official programming of Culinary Month, a weeks-long initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the nation’s top local culinary talent, beloved independent restaurants, immersive one-of-a-kind food experiences, and diverse cultural events held across both islands of the nation.

    For the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Hinds’ visit represents a valuable new opportunity to position the country as one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations for cultural and culinary tourism. By welcoming a public figure who genuinely connects to the region’s identity, officials aim to showcase the unique hospitality and food culture that sets Antigua and Barbuda apart for travelers from across the globe.

  • Former Bridgetown Port chairman Larry Tatem dies

    Former Bridgetown Port chairman Larry Tatem dies

    Barbados is honoring the life and legacy of Larry Tatem, a pioneering local businessman and former chairman of the Bridgetown Port, who passed away on Monday morning. His death was officially confirmed by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who delivered a heartfelt tribute highlighting Tatem’s far-reaching, understated contributions to the nation’s development.

    Widely recognized as a foundational figure in Barbados’ hospitality supply sector, Tatem founded Hotel Food Supplies Ltd., an enterprise that operates under the umbrella of Lach Ltd. What began as a small-scale venture with a modest warehouse in Paradise, just six employees, and a vision for reliable service, nearly 40 years ago grew into one of the country’s leading food import operations. Headquartered today at the Warrens Industrial Park, the company supplies a vast network of hotels, restaurants, and major institutional clients across the island, setting industry-wide standards for quality and consistency that have shaped Barbados’ tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

    Prime Minister Mottley described Tatem as one of Barbados’ unsung “quiet builders” — leaders who prioritize national progress and steady growth over public recognition and fanfare. She noted that while many Barbadians may never have recognized Tatem’s face, the impact of his decades of work permeates nearly every corner of the island’s food service and tourism sectors. “That kind of growth does not happen by accident,” Mottley said in her official statement. “It comes from knowing your business, respecting your customers, treating your word as your bond and doing the work day after day, without fanfare.”

    Beyond his success in the private sector, Tatem dedicated 15 years of public service to leading one of Barbados’ most critical economic infrastructure assets: the Bridgetown Port. He served as chairman of the port from 1994 through 2008, an era that saw major expansion, infrastructure modernization, and international recognition for the facility. Mirroring his approach to private enterprise, Tatem led the port through this transformative period with the same quiet diligence and focused effectiveness that defined his entire career, Mottley emphasized.

    Outside of work, Tatem was a proud alumnus of Christ Church Foundation School and held a deep passion for cricket, connections that rooted him in his local community. On behalf of the entire government and people of Barbados, Prime Minister Mottley extended sincere condolences to Tatem’s family, friends, professional colleagues, and the entire staff of Hotel Food Supplies Ltd. She closed her tribute with a final blessing: “May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.”

  • St Vincent and the Grenadines to lead OECS social protection committee

    St Vincent and the Grenadines to lead OECS social protection committee

    Against a backdrop of rising socioeconomic and climate-related pressures across the Eastern Caribbean, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is stepping into prominent regional leadership roles to advance coordinated social welfare development and strengthen protection frameworks for vulnerable communities.

    At the opening ceremony of the 10th Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee on Human and Social Development held in the country on May 20, 2026, Social Welfare Minister Shevern John confirmed that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will take over as the new chair of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Social Protection Technical Advisory Committee. Later this year, the nation will also assume leadership of the OECS Council of Ministers on Human and Social Development, and is preparing to host ministers and delegates from all OECS member states for upcoming high-level meetings.

    This year’s two-day committee gathering convened under the theme “Advancing Social Protection in the OECS: Policy, Practice and Learning”, drawing government officials and regional policy makers from across the sub-region. Attendees gathered to review collective strategies for reinforcing social welfare systems that serve at-risk populations across the Eastern Caribbean.

    Minister John explained that the core mandate of the Technical Advisory Committee is to evaluate pressing social protection challenges facing each OECS member state and develop evidence-based recommendations to lift overall citizen well-being across the bloc. He framed the committee as a foundational pillar of ongoing regional reform efforts, noting that the meeting’s central discussions would focus on identifying successful, locally tested initiatives within member states that could be scaled up and replicated across other OECS nations.

    “In an era of collective growth, we as Caribbean people have built a wealth of context-specific knowledge and hands-on experience that we can share across the region to elevate quality of life for all,” John stated in his opening address. The minister further described the body as a “catalyst for social protection reform”, emphasizing that its guidance will shape the trajectory of future regional social policy.

    The push for stronger, more accessible social protection has climbed the priority list for Caribbean national governments in recent years, as the region grapples with persistent economic instability, more frequent and severe climate-linked natural disasters, and growing strain on existing public assistance programs. In response, regional governing bodies have been advancing targeted reforms to modernize outdated welfare systems, boost inter-agency collaboration, and expand support to households hard-hit by economic downturns and environmental emergencies.

    Closing his opening remarks, John extended formal gratitude to Saint Kitts and Nevis, which completed its two-year term as the outgoing chair of the Technical Advisory Committee, and extended a warm welcome to all delegates participating in the 2026 meeting hosted by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

  • Public Demands Answers Over Higher BEL Bills

    Public Demands Answers Over Higher BEL Bills

    As Belize grapples with a sustained cost-of-living crisis that has sent grocery and fuel prices soaring to new highs, residents are now facing another crippling financial burden: sharply inflated electricity bills from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). With the latest round of billing arriving in mailboxes and online accounts, thousands of customers across the country have taken to social media to share shocking reports of their monthly charges doubling, and in some extreme cases, tripling from their typical levels.

    The widespread public backlash prompted local outlet News 5 to reach out to BEL for additional clarification, following a brief initial statement the utility provider released last Friday. In that initial public comment, BEL attributed the higher bills to seasonal temperature trends, arguing that warmer summer months force air conditioning and other cooling systems to run far more frequently to keep indoor spaces comfortable, directly driving up total household energy consumption. The company also advised customers to adjust their energy use during peak midday heat hours to keep their costs manageable.

    But for frustrated consumers, this seasonal explanation has fallen completely flat, failing to ease growing anxiety over the unexplained price jumps. Many residents say their daily energy usage habits have not changed at all from previous years, leaving them confused by the sudden and dramatic increase in charges. One customer who spoke out about the issue called on BEL to launch immediate reassessments of customer meters, saying they reject the company’s official explanation for the doubled bill. Another resident noted that their household is empty for more than 12 hours a day as all members work outside the home, yet their bill still spiked dramatically – a trend they called nonsensical that has gone unaddressed by company officials. Additional customers have also reported frequent, short-notice power outages over recent weeks that have damaged home appliances, adding another layer of frustration with the utility provider.

    The sudden spike in bills comes just four months after BEL implemented a base rate increase in January, raising prices to $0.4427 per kilowatt-hour to offset nearly $108 million in rising energy supply costs. That rate hike already put extra financial strain on household budgets, and the unexplained further increase has pushed public frustration to a breaking point.

    As of Tuesday, BEL has confirmed that it is still reviewing the large volume of customer complaints and concerns, with a more detailed formal response planned for release in the coming days.

  • ‘Black-ish’ Star Marsai Martin Enjoys Antigua Getaway at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa

    ‘Black-ish’ Star Marsai Martin Enjoys Antigua Getaway at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa

    One of Hollywood’s youngest and most accomplished stars, Marsai Martin — the American actress and producer who has been breaking barriers in entertainment since her breakthrough role — has chosen the Caribbean island of Antigua as her latest vacation destination. The star has been documenting her sun-soaked getaway, posting vivid photos of her stay at the iconic Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, a top-tier property nestled along the island’s scenic northern coastline.

    Martin first captured national attention and earned widespread acclaim for her scene-stealing portrayal of Diane Johnson, the quick-witted daughter on ABC’s long-running hit sitcom *Black-ish*. The young entertainer made history in 2019 when she stepped into the dual role of lead actress and executive producer for the major studio comedy *Little*, earning her the title of the youngest person ever to hold an executive producer credit on a large studio feature film, cementing her status as a rising creative force in the industry.

    As one of Antigua’s most celebrated high-end hospitality destinations, Hodges Bay Resort & Spa stands out for its world-class amenities tailored to luxury travelers. The resort boasts expansive ocean-facing villas and suites, an exclusive private marina, a full-service luxury spa for guest relaxation, and a diverse lineup of dining experiences ranging from casual beachside bites to fine gourmet meals.

    Among the resort’s standout culinary offerings is its signature eatery Katsuya, a globally recognized brand co-founded by legendary celebrity chef Katsuya Uechi in collaboration with renowned designer Philippe Starck. The popular restaurant concept has expanded across major international hubs, with additional outposts already operating in major cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, and Dubai, bringing its acclaimed Japanese-inspired fusion cuisine to guests around the world.

  • Is the SOE Enough to Stop Violence in Belize City?

    Is the SOE Enough to Stop Violence in Belize City?

    Less than three weeks after Belize City authorities declared a State of Emergency (SOE) to curb a surge in violent crime, two separate shooting incidents in under 24 hours have reignited public debate over whether the controversial security measure is delivering on its promises.

    The most recent attack unfolded early on the morning of May 25, 2026, along Freetown Road. Initial reports confirm one person was urgently transferred to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for emergency care, with law enforcement officials set to release official details on the victim’s condition and case progress later that afternoon.

    This shooting came just hours after a targeted attack late Friday night on Jane Usher Boulevard, where two armed suspects ambushed 38-year-old Alonzo Myers in the front yard of his home. Surveillance camera footage captured by a nearby resident shows the sequence of the attack: Myers had just stepped into his yard shortly before 11 p.m. when the first gunman rushed to the property gate and opened fire. The footage shows Myers falling to the ground in an attempt to avoid the volley of bullets, before a second suspect is spotted looking over the gate to confirm the attack. Both suspects then fled the area on foot before police arrived. Investigators have since taken possession of the footage to process it as key evidence in the case.

    Tragically, this string of violence is not an isolated pattern in the neighborhood. Just 10 days before the Friday night attack, 19-year-old Lamar Garnett was shot and killed outside his home in the same district, marking one of the high-profile homicides that prompted the SOE declaration in the first place.

    The State of Emergency was officially enacted on May 8, after a rapid succession of violent incidents left the city reeling and put intense pressure on local law enforcement to intervene. Under the extraordinary security measure, members of the Belize Police Department and Belize Defence Force (BDF) have been granted expanded law enforcement powers, including the ability to conduct searches without a warrant and detain suspected individuals for up to 30 days without formal charges. The measure was framed as a temporary crackdown to disrupt local criminal gangs and gun trafficking networks responsible for most of the city’s violent crime.

    But now, with two confirmed shooting incidents occurring while the SOE is already in effect, community members and policymakers are increasingly questioning whether the heavy-handed security approach is actually reducing violence, or if more targeted, long-term interventions are needed to address the root causes of Belize City’s persistent gun crime.