分类： society

A violent shooting incident occurred in the East Canal district late Thursday afternoon, resulting in serious injuries to a local man with known gang affiliations. Law enforcement authorities confirmed that Jahmy Belgrave, 28, was targeted by gunfire directly outside his residence and required immediate medical evacuation to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital via police mobile patrol units.

Belgrave maintains an extensive criminal history with documented connections to the George Street Gang, according to police records. His involvement with organized crime dates back to 2015 when, at age eighteen, he faced formal charges related to an armed robbery at Cenies Restaurant. During that previous incident, law enforcement successfully intercepted the suspects and recovered the stolen cash register containing all missing currency.

Criminal investigators are currently pursuing multiple lines of inquiry regarding potential motives behind the targeted attack. The ongoing investigation focuses on determining whether this violence stems from escalating territorial disputes between rival criminal organizations operating within the metropolitan area. Police officials have increased patrol presence in the neighborhood while forensic teams continue processing the crime scene for ballistic evidence and potential witness testimonies.

Hospital authorities have not yet released information regarding Belgrave’s current medical condition following emergency treatment. The community remains alert as law enforcement intensifies efforts to combat gang-related violence that has recently affected several districts across the city.

BELIZE CITY – The Kolbe Foundation, which operates Belize Central Prison, is facing allegations of human rights violations regarding the treatment of inmate Jahreem Staine, a 22-year-old known by the street alias ’32’. Staine’s mother has publicly denounced prison conditions, claiming her son is being subjected to mistreatment while in custody.

Virgilio Murillo, CEO of the Kolbe Foundation, addressed these allegations in an exclusive interview with News Five on Wednesday. Murillo confirmed that Staine is currently held in a restrictive housing unit, a measure he described as necessary for institutional safety rather than punitive.

“We have what we call a restrictive housing unit for prisoners that we cannot manage in the general population,” Murillo stated. “For violent prisoners and that kind of prisoners, because you realize prison is about safe custody.”

The CEO revealed that Staine’s segregated confinement stems from credible threats he posed to other inmates. “He has his rivals here and he would have made after his rivals if we did not intervene,” Murillo explained. “He wanted to get another prisoner killed. What he does in society will not play out in prison.”

Regarding specific allegations of mistreatment, Murillo denied claims that Staine was pepper-sprayed without justification. Addressing complaints about inadequate sleeping arrangements, the CEO offered a stark perspective: “He is lucky to have a bed with a piece of sponge, unlike some people in Gungulung and other places in Belize City who may not have a bed or a piece of sponge.”

Murillo extended an invitation to Staine’s mother, indicating that special visitation arrangements could be made upon formal request. Staine was denied bail and remanded to prison in October, with court documents citing concerns for his personal safety amid ongoing gang rivalries as partial justification for his incarceration.

A severe traffic incident in Cotton Tree Village has left a six-year-old child hospitalized after being struck by a motorcycle in a hit-and-run accident. The victim was walking with his older brothers on Monday evening when a sixteen-year-old motorcyclist traveling at high speed collided with him before fleeing the scene.

The child’s mother, Josephine Jacobs, documented the traumatic aftermath on social media, sharing graphic images of her son’s injuries as he received emergency care at Western Regional Hospital. Her Facebook post characterized the teenage rider’s actions as “wicked and heartless,” expressing outrage that he abandoned her critically injured son on the roadway.

Medical authorities have reported encouraging developments in the case, confirming that the young victim has now achieved stable condition and demonstrates responsiveness to treatment. While the recovery process continues, healthcare professionals indicate positive progress despite the severity of the injuries sustained.

Local community members have expressed widespread concern regarding juvenile traffic safety and the prevalence of underage motorcyclists operating vehicles recklessly. The incident has sparked conversations about parental supervision and legal accountability for minor-operated vehicles in residential areas.

Law enforcement continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, though no official statements regarding potential charges against the sixteen-year-old rider have been released to the public.

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE – December 4, 2025 – The Holy Redeemer Parish Hall transformed into a vibrant Christmas wonderland this morning as the Salvation Army hosted its annual celebration for 400 children from across Belize City. The event, fueled by year-round donations to the organization’s iconic red kettles, provided toys, treats, festive performances, and a warm meal to young attendees whose faces radiated with joy and excitement.

Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, District Officer of the Salvation Army, emphasized that beyond the material gifts, the event carried a profound message of worth and divine love. “I want them to understand that they are valuable and that God loves them,” Momplaisir stated. “We are sharing love and respect with our time, hoping they learn to make other people happy as well.

This year’s celebration incorporated a powerful theme of resilience and community support. Guest speaker Dr. Sharmayne Saunders delivered an inspirational address centered on the concept that “hope marches on,” encouraging children to become beacons of hope for others in their community. “We want children to understand that just as one person helps you, you are there to help others as well in any little thing that you do,” Saunders explained.

The event stands as one of the most anticipated on the Salvation Army’s annual calendar, demonstrating the tangible results of public generosity. Organizers highlighted the ongoing need for community support as requests for similar events continue to pour in from other regions. The Salvation Army’s kettle drive continues throughout the Christmas season, with organizers emphasizing that every contribution, regardless of size, makes a significant difference in expanding their outreach and bringing magical moments to children across the nation.

In a powerful appeal to national consciousness, The Salvation Army has issued a clarion call for collective compassion over conflict. As Belize approaches the peak Christmas season with escalating community needs, the organization emphasizes that its life-changing services remain entirely dependent on public support.

The organization’s multifaceted impact spans nationwide operations including nutritional assistance programs, elder care initiatives, disaster response coordination, educational after-school projects, and the cherished annual Christmas celebration for children. These programs operate throughout the year despite heightened visibility during holiday periods.

Dave Vasquez, Advisory Board Member, provided comprehensive insight into the organization’s permanent infrastructure: “While Christmas highlights our work, The Salvation Army maintains continuous operations supporting vulnerable communities. Our annual children’s event remains a cornerstone commitment, but represents just one facet of our annual mission.”

Vasquez detailed multiple engagement pathways for prospective supporters, emphasizing that financial contributions represent just one form of support. The organization maintains operational centers across multiple districts including Hattieville and Cayo, delivering comprehensive services ranging from educational outreach to clothing distribution through dedicated donation spots.

“Board membership requires significant temporal investment,” Vasquez acknowledged, “but we welcome volunteers at any capacity level. Whether contributing financially, donating goods, or volunteering occasionally, every form of support sustains our mission of holistic community support.”

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE – In a heartwarming display of community spirit, The Salvation Army hosted its cherished annual Christmas Party on December 4, 2025, bringing festive cheer to 400 local children. The Holy Redeemer Parish Hall underwent a magical transformation into a winter wonderland complete with gift distributions, festive performances, and nourishing meals that created lasting memories for attendees.

Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, District Officer for The Salvation Army, emphasized that the event’s success stems entirely from year-round contributions by compassionate Belizean citizens. ‘Our iconic red kettles serve as vessels of hope,’ Momplaisir stated. ‘Every coin donated directly fuels transformative community initiatives including this celebration that has become intergenerational for many families.’

The event transcended mere festivities by delivering powerful messages of empowerment. Guest speaker Dr. Sharmayne Saunders, addressing the young audience, championed resilience and self-belief. ‘My fundamental message is one of hope—that regardless of current circumstances, you possess the capacity to overcome adversity and achieve greatness,’ Saunders articulated. She emphasized that incremental efforts and positive actions collectively shape brighter futures.

With the seasonal kettle donation drive continuing throughout the holiday period, The Salvation Army reaffirms its commitment to converting public generosity into tangible hope and Christmas magic for children and families across Belize.

A culinary crisis is emerging across Belize as the nation’s iconic rice and beans dish faces unprecedented price inflation, threatening both household budgets and cultural traditions. Recent market data reveals a dramatic spike in bean prices, with standard sacks escalating from approximately $190 to $230 within weeks—a increase exceeding 20%. Retail consumers are bearing an even heavier burden, facing prices as high as $260 per sack when purchasing smaller quantities from local vendors.

The economic impact extends beyond individual households to affect food vendors and small-scale eateries nationwide. Market analysts point to a troubling convergence of limited domestic production capabilities and escalating regional demand as primary drivers behind the price surge. This has pushed retail prices for prepared beans to approximately $3.00 per pound, transforming what was once considered an affordable daily staple into an increasingly costly necessity.

For Belizean society, the implications transcend mere economics. Rice and beans represents a fundamental aspect of national identity, cultural heritage, and culinary tradition. The dish serves as both nutritional foundation and cultural touchstone for families across socioeconomic strata. As prices continue their upward trajectory, concerns mount regarding food security and the preservation of cultural dietary practices.

Consumers and industry stakeholders alike are monitoring market developments with heightened apprehension, hoping for stabilization before the national dish becomes inaccessible to ordinary citizens. The situation underscores broader challenges within regional food supply chains and agricultural production systems that warrant urgent policy consideration.