Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Driver Trapped After Collision at Beaver Dam Bridge

    Driver Trapped After Collision at Beaver Dam Bridge

    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 Records 91 Murders in 2025, Police Address Violence Surge

    Belize Records 91 Murders in 2025, Police Address Violence Surge

    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.

  • Belmopan on Edge as Crime Surge Prompts Crackdown

    Belmopan on Edge as Crime Surge Prompts Crackdown

    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 Defends Budna Kidnapping Investigation

    Police Commissioner Defends Budna Kidnapping Investigation

    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.

  • Landcruiser brandt volledig uit bij woning aan Hendrikstraat

    Landcruiser brandt volledig uit bij woning aan Hendrikstraat

    A dramatic vehicle fire erupted on Hendrikstraat Monday evening, completely destroying a Toyota Land Cruiser shortly after its owner had arrived at their residence. Emergency services responded promptly to reports of the automotive blaze, dispatching fire crews to the scene to combat the intensifying flames.

    Despite the rapid response and concerted efforts of firefighters, the intense conflagration consumed the entire vehicle, resulting in its complete destruction. Preliminary investigations have revealed no immediate evidence suggesting arson or third-party involvement in the incident.

    Authorities have confirmed that the incident resulted in no personal injuries or casualties, providing some relief amid the destructive event. The local police department has initiated a formal investigation to determine the precise origin and cause of the mysterious fire, examining all potential mechanical, electrical, or accidental factors that might have contributed to the sudden ignition.

    The incident has drawn attention to vehicle safety concerns in residential areas, though officials emphasize that this appears to be an isolated occurrence rather than part of any broader pattern. Fire safety experts note that while vehicle fires can occur for various reasons, complete destruction of this magnitude remains relatively uncommon without obvious external causes.

  • Education: Ministerial decision on the generalization of new 3rd cycle programs

    Education: Ministerial decision on the generalization of new 3rd cycle programs

    In a landmark decision that will reshape Haiti’s educational landscape, the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP) has mandated the nationwide implementation of a completely revamped curriculum for the third cycle of fundamental education. Minister Augustin Antoine formally enacted Ministerial Decision No. D-2(1)384 on January 9, 2026, setting in motion a comprehensive educational transformation scheduled for full implementation by the 2027-2028 academic year.

    The reform introduces four entirely new subjects that will become immediately effective across all educational institutions starting from the 2024-2025 school year: Citizenship Education (EC), Aesthetic and Artistic Education (EEA), Physical and Sports Education (EPS), and Education for Technology and Productive Activities (ETAP).

    A carefully structured three-year phased implementation will follow, beginning with 7th-grade classes (7th AF) in 2027-2028 adopting new programs for seven additional disciplines. These student cohorts will then progress through 8th grade (8th AF) in 2028-2029 and 9th grade (9th AF) in 2029-2030 with corresponding updated curricula, ensuring complete nationwide coverage of the reformed educational framework.

    The constitutional foundation for this educational overhaul rests upon Haiti’s guarantee of education rights through multiple constitutional articles. The reform aligns with the September 27, 1994 law that reorganized Haiti’s education system and established basic education standards.

    Implementation responsibilities have been clearly delineated across the educational bureaucracy. The Directorate of Fundamental Education (DEF) will coordinate pedagogical monitoring and provide technical support, while the Directorate of Training and Development (DFP) will organize comprehensive continuing education programs for teachers, administrators, and educational supervisors. Departmental Education Directorates (DDE) will ensure local compliance and dissemination of the new standards.

    Notably, the ministry has also mandated that textbook publishers and educational material designers undertake a complete revision of their works under MENFP’s technical supervision to ensure alignment with the new competency-based approach (APC) and curricular innovations. This decision expressly repeals all previous provisions that conflict with the new educational framework.

  • Music education to benefit from BIM Got Talent finale

    Music education to benefit from BIM Got Talent finale

    In a significant move to bolster arts education, the organizers of the BIM Got Talent Youth Sing-Off finale have designated all proceeds from this year’s event to directly fund music programs in Barbados’ secondary schools. The finale, scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, will feature ten young performers competing for top honors while serving as both a talent showcase and strategic intervention for arts education development.

    Creative Director Randy ‘Mr Quantum’ Eastmond emphasized the initiative’s broader purpose during a weekend press conference at De Bar, Worthing, Christ Church. ‘This press conference represents more than an event announcement; it’s a declaration of intent focused on youth development, cultural preservation, and national investment through music and the arts,’ Eastmond stated. ‘The Sing-Off exists for one urgent purpose: to directly support school music programs across Barbados.’

    Eastmond highlighted systemic challenges in arts education, noting that music is frequently marginalized within the school curriculum. ‘In many institutions, music education remains under-resourced, often treated as an extracurricular luxury rather than a developmental necessity,’ he explained. Citing established research, Eastmond emphasized that ‘music education strengthens cognitive ability, improves academic performance, builds discipline, enhances emotional intelligence, and fosters teamwork—outcomes that are essential for developing nations like Barbados.’

    Special guest Senator Roshanna Trim endorsed the initiative’s role in youth engagement and national development. ‘We must find innovative ways to engage young people through the arts, which we know can transform lives and create meaningful impact,’ Senator Trim asserted. ‘Through such activities, we build resilience and develop confident youth.’

    The senator issued a stark warning regarding underinvestment in youth development: ‘If we neglect intentional investment in our young people, we accept whatever consequences follow. For a small nation like Barbados, where our people constitute our only natural resource, we cannot afford to leave development to chance.’

    Trim additionally called for increased private sector involvement, urging ‘corporate Barbados to not only create their own initiatives but to support youth-led programs, ensuring young people feel their contributions are valued.’

    BIM Got Talent founder Kevin ‘Sluggy Dan’ Watson described the competition as a platform to showcase Barbados’ diverse talent pool, particularly among youth lacking major performance opportunities. The event has gained prominence for highlighting singers, performers, and creatives across the island while increasingly aligning with social causes that reinvest in national development priorities, including education and creative industries.

  • Columbus Lighthouse Museum reopens after renovations

    Columbus Lighthouse Museum reopens after renovations

    Santo Domingo’s iconic Columbus Lighthouse Museum has resumed operations following an extensive one-month renovation project. The cultural institution, formally known as Faro a Colón, now welcomes visitors with significant enhancements to its safety infrastructure, functional amenities, and overall guest experience.

    The restoration initiative, representing an investment of approximately RD$35 million, was personally secured by President Luis Abinader and implemented through the Ministry of Housing and Buildings (MIVED). This substantial financial commitment underscores the government’s dedication to preserving one of the Dominican Republic’s most historically significant landmarks while modernizing its facilities for contemporary tourism demands.

    Local authorities have emphasized that the improvements successfully balance modernization with preservation, ensuring the monument’s cultural integrity remains intact while elevating visitor comfort. Governor Eliezer Nolasco has publicly advocated for both residents and international tourists to revisit the museum, recognizing its renewed status as a cornerstone of national heritage and tourism in Santo Domingo Este.

    Institutional collaboration played a crucial role in the project’s execution, with Governor Nolasco specifically acknowledging Mayor Dío Astacio for his cooperative efforts in maintenance and administrative support. The successful reopening marks a significant achievement in cultural preservation and tourism development for the Dominican Republic.

  • Shooting at Chinese store in Verón–Punta Cana leaves three injured

    Shooting at Chinese store in Verón–Punta Cana leaves three injured

    A violent workplace altercation erupted into gunfire Monday afternoon at a Chinese-owned retail establishment in Verón–Punta Cana, leaving three individuals wounded and resulting in one arrest. The incident occurred approximately at 5:10 p.m. local time at the ‘Long’ store situated on Barceló Avenue adjacent to the Olé supermarket.

    According to criminal investigators from DICRIM, the confrontation originated from a heated verbal exchange between two employees: 24-year-old Haitian national Natacha Benjamin and her 46-year-old Dominican colleague Carmela Bello Raúl. Witnesses reported the argument intensified to near-physical violence, prompting security guard Rafael Hernández Hernández to intercede and separate the disputing parties.

    During the intervention, authorities report that Benjamin allegedly seized the guard’s service weapon—a Taurus .38 caliber revolver—and discharged four rounds within the confined retail space. The gunfire resulted in multiple casualties, including Mayloveda Pierre, a Haitian national who sustained a critical neck wound with an exit injury, and Dorcelin Climat, another Haitian employee who suffered a gunshot wound to the left leg. Both Bello Raúl and an unidentified customer present during the incident also received injuries.

    Preliminary investigations reveal that two male employees attempted to subdue Benjamin after the initial shot but were subsequently wounded during the struggle. Law enforcement personnel apprehended the alleged aggressor at the scene, where she remains in custody pending formal judicial proceedings.

    National Police forensic teams continue evidence collection and investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the escalation. Medical authorities have not yet released official condition updates for the three hospitalized Haitian nationals as the investigation continues to develop.

  • Ladyville Man Charged Nearly Three Years After Murder

    Ladyville Man Charged Nearly Three Years After Murder

    In a significant development for a cold case investigation, Belizean authorities have made an arrest in connection with a homicide that occurred nearly three years ago. John Carlos Quilter, a 24-year-old resident of Parakeet Street in Ladyville, has been formally charged with the murder of James Kelvin Bainton, following extensive investigative efforts.

    The judicial breakthrough came after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions provided crucial guidance, enabling Officer Orlando Bowen to secure an arrest warrant. The legal action culminates an investigation spanning two years and eight months since the tragic incident that claimed Bainton’s life.

    The victim, a 21-year-old Belizean laborer from Perez Road in Ladyville, met his untimely death on May 4, 2023, during what began as an evening of sporting entertainment. The fatal encounter occurred at the Ladyville Sports Complex, where Bainton had been watching a football match alongside his older brother. Witness accounts indicate that a physical altercation erupted between the Bainton brothers and another group of men present at the venue.

    As tensions escalated, James Kelvin Bainton attempted to depart from the confrontation. Tragically, during his retreat, an unidentified assailant discharged a firearm, striking Bainton in the back with a single gunshot. Emergency medical services transported the critically injured man to the B.D.F. Medical Facility, where he succumbed to his wounds shortly after midnight on May 5, 2023.

    Following standard arrest procedures, law enforcement officials informed Quilter of his constitutional rights and administered the standard police caution. The suspect exercised his right to place a telephone call, which authorities permitted in accordance with legal protocols.

    The case represents a persistent effort by Belizean law enforcement to address violent crimes and deliver judicial accountability, even when investigations extend over considerable timeframes. This development may bring some measure of closure to the victim’s family and community members who have awaited resolution since the 2023 shooting.