Carib Scope

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  • Emotional candlelight vigil honors Jet Set victims at ground zero

    Emotional candlelight vigil honors Jet Set victims at ground zero

    On a somber Tuesday evening, hundreds of grieving family members and loved ones assembled in Santo Domingo to hold a moving candlelight vigil, paying tribute to the 236 lives lost in the devastating collapse of the Jet Set nightclub. This deadly disaster, which occurred on April 8, 2025, remains at the center of an active judicial investigation, with Dominican prosecutors currently pushing to bring the venue’s co-owners, siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, to trial on charges of involuntary manslaughter.

    During the heartfelt ceremony, attendees honored each victim individually as their full names were read aloud one by one. Multiple grieving relatives took the stage to share personal testimonies, celebrating the lives and legacies of those who were killed in the sudden structural failure. The timing of the vigil held deep symbolic meaning, coinciding with the official announcement from the Public Prosecutor’s Office that it had formally filed a request for trial proceedings against the Espaillat siblings.

    Prosecutors’ case against the pair centers on allegations of severe negligence in the long-term management and maintenance of the entertainment venue. According to official court documents, the Espaillat siblings carried out a series of unapproved structural modifications to the building over multiple years, never notifying local regulatory authorities of the changes or scheduling mandatory safety inspections. Prosecutors further allege that the owners ignored multiple repeated public warnings about the steadily deteriorating condition of the building’s roof, choosing to overlook clear, life-threatening safety hazards in a deliberate effort to cut operational costs and conserve financial resources.

    A preliminary judicial hearing to review the evidence against the defendants began earlier this week, and is scheduled to resume on April 20. This hearing will ultimately determine whether the volume and credibility of evidence collected by prosecutors meets the legal threshold required to move the high-profile case to a full public trial.

  • Family Says Dangriga Man Kidnapped, Ransom Calls Linked to Mexican Number

    Family Says Dangriga Man Kidnapped, Ransom Calls Linked to Mexican Number

    In the coastal community of Dangriga District, Belize, a family is living a nightmare as they hold out hope for the safe return of 39-year-old Jericho Humes, a father of three who has been missing for days amid mounting evidence of an abduction. Humes was last spotted by his relatives on a Wednesday morning, when he told the family he was heading out to his regular job. What followed has left the tight-knit family reeling in fear and uncertainty.

    Days after Humes’ disappearance, concerned relatives went to check on his home, where they made a series of disturbing discoveries. The residence had been ransacked: windows were smashed, a entry door was jimmied open, clothing was strewn haphazardly across the floors, and a pot of rice Humes had begun cooking before he vanished was left sitting out, spoiling completely. Most alarming of all was a partially burnt cap belonging to Humes, found inside the property, suggesting a deliberate attempt to destroy or conceal evidence.

    Clarissa Torres, Humes’ niece, spoke exclusively to local outlet News Five in an emotional phone interview, her voice cracking repeatedly as she described the family’s ordeal. Mid-conversation, Torres had to step away twice to take incoming calls from the individuals she says are holding her uncle hostage, returning each time visibly shaken by the conversation.

    Torres confirmed that the unidentified kidnappers have demanded a $10,000 ransom for Humes’ safe release. All communication has come from a phone number registered to a Mexican area code, and all demands have been delivered in Spanish. The captors have refused to let the family speak directly to Humes, but have sent coercive proof of his captivity: a photograph showing a knife held to Humes’ neck, and a later video call from a man whose identity was completely hidden by a white face mask and baseball cap.

    “They told us if we don’t pay the money, they will kill him. And if we contact the police, they’ll kill him immediately,” Torres said through tears, describing the threats the family has received. When relatives attempted to negotiate the terms of the ransom drop, the kidnappers insisted the full sum be sent as quickly as possible via Western Union money transfer.

    With no way to raise the full five-figure sum on their own, a family member is preparing to launch a public crowdfunding campaign on Facebook to appeal to the community for help. “I don’t even know where to start. I don’t know what to do next, it’s just nonstop stress. I can’t even eat, I can’t think straight,” Torres said, her voice raw with worry. “Right now, all we care about is getting him home safe. He’s a father to three little kids who need him back.”

    As of April 7, 2026, Belizean law enforcement officials have not yet released an official statement confirming an active investigation into the reported kidnapping, and the family has not yet reached out to police out of fear for Humes’ life.

  • Jumby Bay Island vacancy: Assistant Director of Engineering, Island Services

    Jumby Bay Island vacancy: Assistant Director of Engineering, Island Services

    Jumby Bay Island Company, Ltd., the developer and operator of an exclusive private residential island community and luxury resort in Antigua and Barbuda, has announced an opening for a senior leadership position: Assistant Director of Engineering for Island Services (Infrastructure & Operations). Built on a foundation of thoughtful long-term stewardship and detail-focused daily management, the company prioritizes preserving the island’s high-end living standards and elite guest experience, with a service-driven culture centered on meeting the needs of homeowners, visitors, and internal team members alike.

    The newly opened role operates as a senior strategic position, tasking the successful candidate with supporting the Director of Engineering in overseeing all island-wide infrastructure, mechanical systems, and marine operations. The company is seeking a demonstrated leader capable of building high-performing teams, driving measurable improvements in productivity and operational efficiency, and upholding rigorous financial management standards. As the principal deputy to the Director, the Assistant Director will own the development and execution of preventive maintenance strategies for the island’s residential properties, collaborate cross-functionally with other department leads, and step in to lead the department during the Director’s absences to maintain uninterrupted operations.

    Key responsibilities for the position include serving as the core liaison between executive engineering leadership and frontline operational teams to ensure strategic directives are carried out seamlessly. The role also requires developing and implementing departmental budgets, capital expenditure plans, and maintenance frameworks aligned with the company’s long-term cost efficiency and operational goals. Additional core duties include leading team-building initiatives focused on employee development, succession planning, and performance management that balance operational targets with team productivity and morale; overseeing the mechanical engineering, maintenance, and marine teams to ensure on-time delivery, quality control, and full adherence to global health and safety standards; managing all property maintenance services for contracted residences, including direct liaison with homeowners, daily supervision, and both preventive and reactive maintenance work; delivering in-house maintenance for company-owned assets and standing by for 24/7 emergency response; and leading hurricane preparedness and response planning for all island residential properties and service departments.

    Candidates applying for the role must meet a set of strict competency and experience requirements. Essential competencies include a proven track record of measurable improvements in team performance, such as higher preventive maintenance compliance, reduced equipment downtime, and lower overall maintenance costs; a history of successfully developing internal technical leaders and building actionable succession plans; strong commercial acumen including experience with budgeting, cost reduction initiatives, procurement optimization, and labor efficiency; hands-on leadership experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and consistent delivery against key performance indicators including preventive maintenance completion rates, mean time to repair, and backlog reduction; sound practical technical judgment for assessing risk and evaluating contractor work on remote island infrastructure; a consistent record of delivering maintenance projects on scope, on schedule, and on budget; and effective stakeholder and crisis management skills paired with a clean record of health and safety compliance.

    Mandatory experience requirements include prior work experience in remote private island operations or similarly isolated settings, with previous assignments in the Caribbean required for all candidates. Applicants must have a minimum of 8 years of progressive engineering leadership experience overseeing teams of 20 or more employees, either directly or indirectly. They also need at least 5 years of hands-on experience working with electrical systems and water/wastewater treatment plant operations, 5 years of experience managing construction projects and capital programs, and 5 years of facilities management experience in high-end residential or luxury resort environments leading medium-sized teams. Preferred qualifications include proficiency with maintenance and remote operations systems such as CMMS, condition monitoring tools, and PLC/SCADA systems, strong technical software skills including advanced Excel and Word proficiency, experience collaborating with procurement, finance teams and external vendors on contract management and project delivery, a technical diploma or degree in an engineering-related field (or equivalent professional experience), relevant industry certifications, and existing familiarity with Antigua & Barbuda’s local laws and regulatory frameworks.

    The opportunity offers the rare chance to build a meaningful impact in a one-of-a-kind remote island environment for professionals committed to excellence and collaborative teamwork. Applications for the position must be submitted by April 30, 2026. Interested candidates must send application materials via email to [email protected] with “Assistant Director of Engineering, IS” included in the subject line of the message. The company notes that only shortlisted candidates meeting the role requirements will receive acknowledgment and further consideration. This posting carries a standard disclaimer that NOW Grenada is not liable for any opinions, statements or content shared by third-party contributors, and invites users to report any abusive content via official channels.

  • China en Rusland vetoën VN-resolutie ter bescherming van scheepvaart in Straat van Hormuz

    China en Rusland vetoën VN-resolutie ter bescherming van scheepvaart in Straat van Hormuz

    On Tuesday, a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at promoting international cooperation to safeguard commercial shipping in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, proposed by Bahrain, was blocked by vetoes from China and Russia. Both permanent Council members argued that the draft resolution carried an unfair bias against Iran.

    The 15-nation council’s vote split clearly: 11 members backed the resolution, while two cast opposing votes (China and Russia), and two abstained from the decision. Following the veto, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz issued a sharp condemnation, framing the outcome as a “new low” for the Security Council. Waltz claimed that Iranian actions to threaten closure of the Strait have already disrupted deliveries of medical supplies and humanitarian goods to crisis zones including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Gaza, saying “No nation should accept this reality.” He added that “Russia and China today chose to back a regime that terrorizes the Gulf region,” and called on “responsible nations” to join the U.S. in keeping the Strait open and secure to ensure unimpeded movement of free trade and humanitarian aid.

    France also expressed regret over the veto. French UN Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont emphasized that the resolution only sought defensive, de-escalatory measures to prevent regional tensions from spiraling further.

    In defending their veto, China and Russia said the draft unfairly criticized Iran. China’s UN envoy Fu Cong noted that adopting the resolution while the U.S. issues inflammatory threats targeting Iran would send the wrong signal to the region. Russia has announced it will put forward its own alternative draft resolution covering broader Middle East issues, including maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

    Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani welcomed the vetoes, stating they prevented the Security Council from being “misused to legitimize aggression.” He also revealed that the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General is currently en route to Tehran for diplomatic consultations on the situation.

    The final draft of the Bahrain-proposed resolution was revised after China raised objections to a provision that could have authorized use of force. The amended text explicitly ruled out coercive measures, instead calling on UN member states to coordinate defensive, proportionate actions to protect navigation security in the Strait, including escorting commercial vessels and countering attempts to blockade the waterway, which handles roughly a fifth of global oil trade and is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.

  • PRESS RELEASE: CARPHA celebrates World Health Day and calls for stronger integrated surveillance and One Health action

    PRESS RELEASE: CARPHA celebrates World Health Day and calls for stronger integrated surveillance and One Health action

    PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – April 7, 2026 – As the world marks World Health Day, public health leaders in the Caribbean are sounding the alarm over the disproportionate burden of foodborne diseases (FBDs) across the region and calling for urgent, coordinated cross-sector action under the One Health framework to address growing global health risks.

    Global public health data paints a stark picture of the scale of foodborne illness: the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 600 million people around the world fall ill from contaminated food every year, leading to roughly 420,000 preventable deaths annually. Broader systemic trends, from accelerating climate change to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and widespread environmental degradation, have amplified global health risks, with 75% of all new emerging infectious diseases recorded in 2024 traced to zoonotic origins – pathogens that jump from animals to humans.

    For the Caribbean region, these risks are particularly acute. Data from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) collected in 2019 shows that FBDs rank among the most commonly reported illnesses for both local residents and international tourists. Regional burden-of-illness research finds that roughly one in every 49 Caribbean people contracts a foodborne disease annually, a rate that jumps to one in 11 during large-scale mass gatherings. Children between the ages of 1 and 4 are the most affected, accounting for nearly 43% of all recorded FBD cases across the region.

    Beyond the direct public health toll, FBD outbreaks pose a existential threat to the Caribbean’s tourism-dependent economies. An outbreak can trigger lasting reputational damage for destination countries, lead to sharp drops in tourism revenue, and even result in harmful trade restrictions that further strain local economies. Because of this, sustained FBD surveillance is a core pillar of CARPHA’s integrated regional disease monitoring system. Strong surveillance not only helps CARPHA’s 20+ member states meet their binding obligations under the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) but also improves national performance on the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) and the State Party Annual Reporting (SPAR) processes that track global health security capacity.

    This year’s World Health Day, held annually on April 7, carries the theme “Together for health. Stand with science”, which spotlights the critical role of scientific collaboration and collective action in protecting global public health. In recent years, a string of global and regional health emergencies has underscored how critical resilient surveillance infrastructure, timely cross-border data sharing, and coordinated multi-stakeholder action are to detecting, preventing, and responding to new and emerging health threats before they spiral into larger outbreaks. Public health experts increasingly agree that cross-sector, cross-discipline collaboration through the One Health approach is one of the most effective tools to address the interconnected, complex health challenges facing the world today.

    The One Health framework is built on the core recognition that human health, animal health, plant health and the health of the natural environment are deeply interconnected. Addressing modern disease risks requires coordinated, cross-sector action rather than the siloed, single-discipline approaches that have long dominated public health. To combat rising FBD and zoonotic disease risks in the Caribbean, CARPHA is doubling down on its call for a more integrated, coordinated regional public health surveillance system, centered on cross-sector collaboration under the One Health model.

    CARPHA’s work on FBD and zoonotic disease surveillance stretches back more than two decades: the program originated at the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in 2003, and was expanded regionally after the formation of CARPHA in 2013. Today, the agency’s FBD and Zoonoses (One Health) programme is fully aligned with WHO’s recommended farm-to-table, multisectoral surveillance model that tracks risks from agricultural production through to food service and consumption.

    Speaking on World Health Day, CARPHA’s Executive Director Dr. Joy St. John (referred to as Dr. Indar in internal agency comments) emphasized that a unified, multisectoral approach is non-negotiable to protecting the health of populations across all CARPHA member states. “CARPHA has advanced a regional One Health approach to strengthen integrated surveillance for foodborne diseases and zoonoses, which includes the development of a Regional One Health FBD Action Plan, support to Member States in updating National Action Plans, and establishment of the One Health Multisectoral Steering Committee (OHMSC) to improve inter-agency coordination,” Dr. Indar explained.

    Beyond planning and coordination, CARPHA is building out new regional infrastructure to strengthen early threat detection. The agency is currently developing the Regional Integrated Early Warning and Surveillance System (RIEWSS), a cutting-edge platform that integrates health data from human, animal, and environmental sectors alongside laboratory data to speed up early detection and response to outbreaks. The agency has also expanded regional laboratory capacity through strategic cross-agency partnerships, deployed new rapid diagnostic tools across member states, and deepened collaboration with key global and regional partners including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Caribbean Agriculture Health Food and Safety Agency (CAHFSA), and the Caribbean Animal Health Network (CaribVET), among others.

    To build a more resilient regional public health system, CARPHA is calling on member states and regional partners to advance six key strategic priorities:
    First, strengthen integrated surveillance systems across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to improve early detection and rapid response to emerging health threats. Second, enhance real-time data sharing and interoperability, including expanded use of digital public health platforms such as DHIS2, to support timely, evidence-based decision-making at all levels. Third, expand laboratory capacity and diagnostic capabilities across all member states to ensure accurate and rapid identification of public health risks. Fourth, formalize multisectoral coordination mechanisms and governance structures to enable cohesive, effective responses at both national and regional levels. Fifth, invest in sustained workforce development and One Health training to build a skilled, agile public health workforce equipped to tackle 21st century complex health challenges. Sixth, advance evidence-based decision-making and sustained regional collaboration to strengthen health system resilience and improve health outcomes across the entire Caribbean.

    Dr. Indar noted that the interconnected nature of modern health threats – which do not respect national borders or sectoral divides – means the region can no longer rely on siloed, fragmented approaches to public health. “By strengthening integrated surveillance systems and embracing the One Health model, we can better protect our Region, improve preparedness, and ensure a more coordinated and effective response to public health emergencies,” he said. “CARPHA remains committed to working closely with Member States, regional partners, and international organisations to advance these priorities and build a more resilient, responsive, and collaborative public health system for the Caribbean.”

  • 10 Days Missing: Search Intensifies for “Bree” Arthurs

    10 Days Missing: Search Intensifies for “Bree” Arthurs

    Ten days after 28-year-old Deborah ‘Bree’ Arthurs vanished without a trace in Belize City, desperate family members and civilian volunteers have returned to the field to expand their search effort, marking the second coordinated organized search for the missing call center worker and single mother.

    Arthurs was last seen publicly on Friday, March 27, near La Popular Bakery in central Belize City, where witnesses reported she entered a silver-colored Chevy Equinox. No contact from her has been recorded or received by her loved ones since that sighting.

    Over the first 10 days of the disappearance, search teams have combed through multiple regions across the country, including the Hattieville area, the Coastal Road corridor, and Old Well Road in Ladyville. As the days pass without answers, anxiety and urgency among Arthurs’ inner circle have grown, even as the family holds onto cautious optimism.

    In a public statement released online this week, a relative of the missing woman shared the heavy toll the uncertainty has placed on the entire family. ‘This ordeal has taken a significant toll on our family, yet we remain hopeful,’ the statement read. The family has doubled down on their appeal for public assistance, raising the reward for information leading to Arthurs’ location to 10,000 Belize dollars.

    ‘Lead us to her physical being, alive or unalive… Help us bring her home; she has a kid whom she loves dearly. We just need closure,’ the relative added, emphasizing that the reward will be issued for any actionable details that help the family resolve the disappearance.

    Local law enforcement and official authorities have not released any new updates on the case during their most recent press briefing, leaving the family and public without new official information about the investigation into Arthurs’ disappearance.

  • Chamber survey highlights business concerns over rising costs

    Chamber survey highlights business concerns over rising costs

    Against a backdrop of ongoing global economic volatility, the Grenada Chamber of Industry & Commerce (GCIC) has recently released findings from a member survey designed to measure how shifting international conditions are rippling through the Caribbean nation’s local business ecosystem. The survey specifically focused on three key pressure points: international shipping expenses, prices for imported goods, and the general operating climate for domestic enterprises.

    The results paint a clear picture of mounting strain across Grenada’s business community. A large share of responding firms reported that they are already facing sharp increases in the cost of imported inputs and finished goods, which has compressed profit margins across multiple sectors. Beyond immediate financial pressure, businesses have also voiced deepening anxiety about further price hikes in the months ahead. Top concerns raised by participants include spiraling fuel and energy costs, broad-based inflation, persistent global supply chain disruptions, and an expected pullback in consumer discretionary spending as household budgets tighten.

    Following the survey’s identification of shipping costs as a primary pain point, GCIC leadership initiated direct discussions with shipping companies that service Grenada. Those conversations confirmed that carriers already implemented an approximate 8.5% rate increase in March, and a second additional hike is scheduled for April. Chamber analysts note, however, that some of the overall cost increases reported by local businesses may stem from other intermediate points along the supply chain, not just carrier rate hikes. These additional contributing factors include price increases from overseas suppliers, elevated fuel and logistics fees, higher insurance premiums, and other international operational charges.

    GCIC has emphasized that the survey accurately captures the on-the-ground perceptions and lived experiences of local businesses, as well as the projected shipping rate increases that have been confirmed for the coming month. Crucially, the Chamber stresses that the concerns raised by the business community are not abstract: they directly tie to the rising overall cost of doing business in Grenada, which in turn drives upward pressure on the country’s cost of living for ordinary households.

    Moving forward, GCIC says it will maintain close monitoring of the evolving situation, maintaining ongoing dialogue with member businesses, shipping agents, and other key industry stakeholders. The organization also plans to engage the Government of Grenada to discuss potential policy interventions that could mitigate cost pressures for both businesses and consumers. GCIC reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to collaborating across the public and private sectors to address emerging economic challenges in a timely, constructive manner that protects the interests of local enterprises and households alike.

  • Medical Association Responds To Allegations in Letter

    Medical Association Responds To Allegations in Letter

    In an official public statement addressing circulating misinformation and unsubstantiated claims reported in regional media, the 2026–2028 Executive Board of the Medical Association of Antigua and Barbuda (MAAB) has moved to set the record straight, reframing the national conversation around collective support for fire-impacted medical professionals and community healthcare continuity.

    The organization’s top priority right now, leaders emphasize, is supporting local physician colleagues and their practices upended by a recent destructive blaze. The tragedy has displaced committed healthcare providers and disrupted access to care for vulnerable patients across the community, making cross-profession solidarity far more critical than internal infighting. ‘This is a moment that demands we stand together to help colleagues rebuild their livelihoods and ensure no gap in care leaves local residents without the medical support they need,’ the statement reads.

    Turning to recent public allegations of widespread internal dissatisfaction among MAAB members, the current Executive issued a clear formal clarification: as of March 2026, no physician has submitted documented complaints or official verbal grievances regarding the issues cited in recent media reports. The association has held weekly open meetings paired with mandatory Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions since the start of the term, and all practicing physicians in the country are welcome to attend and raise concerns through these established forums. While the Executive affirms its full commitment to protecting freedom of speech for all members, it notes that public narratives must align with the actual state of internal association operations.

    To guide constructive engagement, the board reminded all members that MAAB maintains formal, accessible channels for submitting grievances, and leadership remains committed to full transparency and member advocacy—though it can only resolve concerns brought forward directly through proper processes. Any physician with concerns is encouraged to reach out through these official pathways to have their needs addressed.

    In a demonstration of the association’s ongoing work to build cohesion, the Executive highlighted a successful series of International Doctors’ Day events hosted across March 2026, aligned with the 2026 organizational theme of ‘Unity’. The lineup, which included a community Sunset Social, inter-profession Church Service, and friendly Sports Day, was intentionally designed to foster connection between rank-and-file physicians and the Executive Board. The events created open, low-pressure spaces for networking and collaborative conversation about the future of the local medical profession, with ample opportunity for members to share feedback directly with leadership.

    The statement also emphasized the Executive’s ongoing behind-the-scenes work to advance the interests of the entire local medical fraternity. While the board acknowledges that constructive criticism is a healthy part of any democratic professional organization, it urged members to avoid personal ad hominem attacks that erode the association’s collective bargaining power and damage its public standing. Leaders called on colleagues to refocus attention on systemic challenges impacting medical practice across Antigua and Barbuda, rather than engaging in divisive personal conflict.

    Closing out the statement, the board emphasized that meaningful progress for the local medical community depends on active, collaborative participation from all practicing physicians. The organization encouraged all local doctors to formalize their membership by paying annual dues, noting that lasting change requires more than just public commentary—it requires active contribution from the entire profession. ‘Instead of leaving all the work to volunteer leaders who have dedicated their time to governing and protecting this association, we invite every physician to be part of the change they want to see,’ the statement concludes.

    The official release was signed and submitted by the full 2026–2028 MAAB Executive Team.

  • Gun Bust on Holy Saturday in Caye Caulker

    Gun Bust on Holy Saturday in Caye Caulker

    On April 7, 2026, a 25-year-old Belize City resident has been slapped with illegal firearms charges following a law enforcement operation that recovered a loaded 9-millimeter pistol on Holy Saturday in the popular island community of Caye Caulker.

    The incident unfolded shortly after 10:30 p.m. local time, when uniformed police officers were dispatched to a disturbance call at the intersection of Avenida Mangle and Estrella Street. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement personnel noticed a man later identified as Herman Ciego attempting to flee the area. Officers immediately initiated a foot pursuit and took Ciego into custody within minutes.

    A systematic search of the terrain Ciego covered during his escape turned up a hidden loaded handgun, which police confirmed contained 10 live rounds of ammunition. In a statement following the arrest, Assistant Superintendent of Police Smith outlined the details of the ongoing investigation, noting that security video evidence has already been collected to support the charges laid against the suspect. Smith added that the collected footage captures Ciego engaging in behavior that directly corroborates the grounds for his detention and charges.

    Ciego now faces two formal offenses: unlawful possession of a firearm and unauthorized possession of ammunition, both charges stemming from Belize’s strict firearms control legislation. The arrest comes amid ongoing community safety efforts in Caye Caulker, a destination that draws thousands of tourists annually to its Caribbean beaches and laid-back island culture. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that they will continue prioritizing the removal of illegal weapons from community spaces to protect both residents and visitors.

  • Two Charged For Drugs and Firearms in Hattieville

    Two Charged For Drugs and Firearms in Hattieville

    Law enforcement authorities in Belize have filed joint criminal charges against two local men following a court-authorized search of their Hattieville Village residence that uncovered a sizable cache of illicit drugs and unregistered firearms, district police confirmed this week.

    The accused, identified as 21-year-old Tajah Robateau and 25-year-old Kevan Joshua Franklyn, both residents of the village, were taken into formal custody after the search operation carried out on April 1 this year. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, the department’s official spokesperson, outlined the details of the raid in a public briefing.

    “These charges come after our team executed a legally obtained search warrant at the property, which led to the recovery of seven separately wrapped parcels of suspected cannabis, with a combined total weight of 739 grams — equal to approximately 1.6 pounds,” Smith explained.

    Beyond the cannabis seizure, investigators also found an unregistered Glock 9-millimeter handgun already loaded with a 13-round ammunition magazine. Two additional extended-capacity magazines were also seized during the search, holding 13 and 17 live 9-millimeter rounds respectively.

    Smith noted that the packaging method used for the suspected cannabis points to a likelihood the drugs were being prepared for street-level distribution rather than personal use, making the seizure a significant win for local anti-narcotics efforts. As of April 7, both men remain in custody awaiting their first court appearance to answer the combined drug and weapons charges.