分类： society

A law enforcement officer from the Belize Police Department has been placed under formal investigation following the emergence of a controversial video depicting an altercation with a civilian. The incident occurred in Belize City during a family gathering held to mourn the passing of an infant, where attendees had assembled both within the residence and along the adjacent roadway.

Digital footage disseminated across social media platforms captures police personnel instructing mourners to relocate indoors. The situation rapidly escalates as verbal exchanges occur between officers and civilians, culminating in the apparent shoving of a female individual who was documenting the encounter. The force exerted resulted in the woman falling to the ground.

The viral nature of this recording has ignited substantial public condemnation and revived ongoing debates regarding appropriate police conduct and community relations. Senior Superintendent Reymundo Reyes, serving as Eastern Division Regional Commander, has officially verified that the case has been forwarded to the Professional Standards Branch for comprehensive examination.

Superintendent Reyes provided additional context regarding police operations during such gatherings: “Our officers approach these situations with the primary objective of incident prevention. When individuals congregate in street areas, they potentially become targets for violence. We have repeatedly witnessed how public gatherings can attract opportunistic shootings.” While acknowledging that the officer’s execution may have lacked professionalism, Reyes emphasized that the underlying intention was to ensure public safety by moving people to more secure areas.

Authorities have indicated that the investigation will proceed formally should the affected party file an official complaint at a police station. This episode has sparked broader conversations about balancing public safety protocols with respectful community engagement during sensitive events.

BELIZE CITY – Two individuals are currently under police detention following a shooting incident that occurred in the vicinity of Midnight Lounge during the early hours of the morning. Law enforcement authorities have identified the suspects as Guadelupe Escalante, 28, and Kenyon Maskall, 19.

The investigation was initiated after police discovered multiple expended shell casings scattered across the pavement and within a red Kia Soul vehicle parked near the establishment. A comprehensive search of the automobile yielded significant evidence, including a .38 caliber revolver and twenty-two live rounds of ammunition.

According to official statements from Senior Superintendent Reymundo Reyes, Regional Commander of the Eastern Division, the violent episode originated from a physical confrontation inside the nightclub premises before escalating into gunfire outside the establishment. “We responded to reports of a shooting incident. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported from this event,” Superintendent Reyes confirmed.

Police intervention led to the successful interception of the vehicle containing both suspects. The law enforcement official further elaborated that “a search was conducted on the vehicle, which led to the discovery of a .38 revolver and ammunition on board.”

The two detained men are expected to face serious criminal charges related to illegal firearm possession. Superintendent Reyes indicated that “persons will definitely be charged for kept firearm without a gun license and ammunition” as the investigation continues to develop.

In a significant community-led security enhancement initiative, local businesses in Belize City have donated a fully-equipped police booth to the Belize Police Department. The new structure, located on Orange Street, replaces a temporary tent previously used by officers operating at a critical checkpoint between rival gang territories in the Taylors Alley and George Street areas.

Senior Superintendent Reymundo Reyes, Regional Commander of the Eastern Division, explained the operational importance of this upgrade. “Administration previously removed tents from this and other city locations after observing reduced officer mobility and a concerning spike in shooting incidents within close proximity,” stated Reyes. “The community itself identified the need and approached administration in Belmopan to facilitate this donation.”

The strategically positioned booth serves as a business hub transit point, enabling police to more effectively minimize armed robberies and shootings through consistent presence. While currently operational with open doors for ventilation, authorities are addressing design modifications. “This afternoon I will have somebody take measurements for rear windows to maintain visual surveillance of approaching vehicles and individuals,” Reyes confirmed regarding security enhancements.

Though constructed primarily from plastic materials, the structure provides essential shelter from extreme heat and offers officers a secure space for meal breaks during extended shifts. Superintendent Reyes emphasized departmental appreciation for the donation, noting it significantly improves working conditions while strengthening crime prevention capabilities in one of the city’s most challenging security environments.

In an innovative approach to holistic healing, Belize is witnessing the emergence of Creole Kulcha Therapy—a therapeutic practice that harnesses the power of traditional music, dance, and storytelling to foster mental wellness and cultural preservation. Spearheaded by Wilford Felix, President of the National Creole Council and certified mental health counselor, this movement represents a unique synthesis of cultural celebration and psychological healing.

Felix’s methodology draws from profound childhood memories of improvisational music-making using everyday objects like buckets, glass bottles, and graters. These early experiences evolved into a dedicated mission to preserve Creole cultural traditions following the passing of elder pioneers. As a second-generation member of the Boom and Chime band, Felix maintains century-old musical traditions, including playing a drum crafted shortly after the 1931 hurricane that remains operational today.

The therapeutic sessions are intentionally designed as participatory experiences that combat modern mental health challenges like depression and anxiety by facilitating social connection—a fundamental human need often inhibited by these conditions. Through call-and-response patterns, rhythmic engagement, and collective movement, participants experience what Felix describes as “cultural repair” that operates on deeper psychological levels than mere entertainment.

This innovative approach has found synergistic partnership with Michelle Shanti Williams of Om Shanti Belize, who recognizes parallel elements between Creole Kulcha Therapy and Eastern practices like Kirtan chanting and free movement meditation. Their collaboration offers designated spaces for varied engagement—from active participation to meditative listening—accommodating different comfort levels while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

The practice represents more than cultural preservation; it demonstrates how traditional art forms can address contemporary mental health needs while strengthening community bonds and cultural identity. As Felix emphasizes, the healing power of cultural expression lies in its ability to reconnect individuals with their roots, their community, and ultimately, with themselves.