作者： admin

The Belize Police Department is grappling with profound grief following the tragic loss of Constable Edwardo Cus in a fatal highway accident on Sunday night. The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. near mile two on the Philip Goldson Highway, where emergency responders discovered the fatally injured officer separated from both his motorcycle and protective helmet.

According to preliminary investigative findings from ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer of the Belize Police Department, Constable Cus was traveling toward Belize City when he suddenly lost control of his motorcycle. The vehicle subsequently collided with a metal lamppost situated on the highway median, resulting in catastrophic injuries.

Despite rapid response from emergency services, medical personnel pronounced Constable Cus deceased at the scene due to severe traumatic injuries sustained in the impact. The four-year veteran of the police force is remembered by department leadership as exceptionally dedicated and committed to his duties.

ASP Smith confirmed that both the ministry and police department are collectively mourning the unexpected tragedy, emphasizing that despite his relatively brief tenure, Constable Cus had established himself as an exemplary officer. The investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the accident remains ongoing as authorities work to determine contributing factors to the devastating incident.

A severe collision on the George Price Highway has triggered urgent road safety concerns following a near-fatal incident involving a freight truck and an SUV. The crash occurred at approximately 8:15 PM on Friday at the Beaver Dam Bridge, one of Belize’s busiest transit corridors.

According to police reports, Raymond Martinez was operating a Freightliner truck equipped with an industrial-sized plow attachment that was fully extended across the bridge span. Traveling in the opposite direction, 34-year-old Monique Williams approached in her silver Nissan Rogue SUV. The vehicles collided when Williams’s SUV became lodged beneath the extended plow apparatus.

The impact resulted in significant damage to the SUV’s roof structure where the plow disc became embedded. Emergency responders discovered Williams trapped inside the vehicle with visible head and bodily injuries. Rescue teams executed a complex extraction operation to free the injured driver before transporting her to a medical facility. Authorities confirmed Williams remains in stable condition following treatment.

Police have initiated criminal proceedings against Martinez, issuing a formal notice of intended prosecution related to the incident. The investigation continues as authorities examine whether proper safety protocols were followed regarding the plow’s deployment on public roadways. This incident has sparked renewed discussions about industrial vehicle regulations and infrastructure safety measures on high-traffic highways.

Belize’s law enforcement authorities have reported a marginal decrease in the nation’s homicide rate for 2025, with official statistics documenting 91 murders throughout the year. This figure represents a minimal reduction of just one homicide compared to the 92 cases recorded in 2024, amounting to a 1.1 percent decline according to Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado.

The final quarter of 2025 witnessed a particularly alarming surge in violent incidents, with October alone accounting for eleven documented homicides. Commissioner Rosado acknowledged discrepancies between initial police reports and final statistics, noting that while investigators had documented approximately fifteen cases during that period, only eleven ultimately met the legal criteria for classification as murder.

Addressing public concerns following several high-profile crimes, including a devastating arson attack that claimed the lives of Angelita Magana and her children, Commissioner Rosado emphasized the department’s comprehensive approach to combating violence. “I understand the fear. I understand what the public is going through,” Rosado stated, outlining the implementation of proven policing strategies, lawful interventions, and strategic partnerships.

The police force is increasingly leveraging technological advancements to enhance crime prevention capabilities, improve investigative effectiveness, and ultimately create safer communities across Belize, particularly in southern regions recently affected by mass shooting incidents.

The capital city of Belize is confronting a severe public security crisis as escalating violent crimes prompt an aggressive government response. Belmopan residents are experiencing heightened anxiety following a series of robberies and a recent murder that have shaken the community’s sense of safety.

Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs and Enterprise, has characterized the situation as “extremely alarming” following emergency consultations with Police Commissioner and senior law enforcement officials. In a strongly worded declaration, Minister Mira emphasized that Belmopan’s character as a peaceful community must be preserved through decisive action.

The government has mobilized all available resources to address the security emergency, with Mira vowing that perpetrators will face comprehensive justice. “We cannot allow and I will not allow anybody to come to Belmopan and think they can get away with robberies or any other murder in the capital city,” the Minister stated during his address.

A significant aspect of the crackdown targets families allegedly protecting criminals. Mira specifically warned that relatives who shield offenders or benefit from criminal activities will not deter law enforcement efforts. The Minister referenced instances where families publicly defend accused individuals through social media and traditional media channels.

Special Branch and Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) units have received direct instructions to pursue all leads aggressively. The police department has reportedly gathered substantial evidence and is prepared to make arrests and file charges in connection with the recent crimes. This coordinated security response represents one of the most intensive crime suppression initiatives recently undertaken in the Belizean capital.

Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado has emerged from months of media silence to vigorously defend his department’s handling of the controversial Joseph Budna kidnapping investigation. The case, which dates back to August 22nd, has faced mounting scrutiny after the Director of Public Prosecutions declared the police file ‘inadequate’ in November.

In a recent press engagement, Commissioner Rosado strategically avoided addressing specific case details while staunchly supporting the integrity of the investigative process. ‘I maintain that someone is entitled to their perspective of something,’ Rosado stated, ‘but I will maintain that I have full confidence in the integrity of the investigative process and in the professional capacity of the investigators.’

The press conference grew particularly tense when journalists pressed Rosado on sensational allegations, including whether the former Minister of Agriculture might have ordered the kidnapping. The Commissioner remained steadfast in his refusal to comment, repeatedly emphasizing his policy against discussing ongoing investigations or prejudging their outcomes.

This public defense comes at a critical juncture for the Belizean law enforcement community, as the Budna case continues to generate significant public interest and scrutiny. The Commissioner’s appearance marks his first major public statement on the matter since the November criticism from prosecutors, signaling the police department’s attempt to reclaim control of the narrative surrounding this high-stakes investigation.