分类： society

The quiet village of Cotton Tree was thrust into turmoil last Friday night when a single gunshot echoed through the community, striking 32-year-old Ryan Hyde in the head. Despite being rushed first to the Western Regional Hospital and then transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for specialized care, Hyde succumbed to his injuries on Monday night, leaving his family shattered and searching for answers. Hyde’s sister, Christie Bonell, expressed the family’s anguish, recounting how they had hoped for his recovery but were devastated by his sudden passing. The tragedy is compounded by the family’s history of loss, with several relatives previously killed in gang-related violence. Bonell believes her brother was targeted due to the stigma associated with their last name, Hyde, which she says has been unfairly linked to crime and violence. Amid their grief, the family is left to console Hyde’s wife and two young sons, who now face life without their father. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the family awaits the results of the post-mortem to proceed with funeral arrangements. The community mourns the loss of a man described as jovial, loving, and deeply committed to his family.

In a significant legal development, four men were arraigned in the High Court before Justice Nigel Pilgrim on October 28, 2025, while the case of a woman accused of a serious sex offense was adjourned. The proceedings unfolded as follows: Ulide Allen and Marquis Conorquie were jointly indicted for the murder of Stanley Jerome Moore and the attempted murder of Joshua Gillett, incidents that occurred in Belize City in June 2024. Both pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to return to court on December 8. Andre Arthurs faces a murder charge for the killing of Mark Usher Jr. in March 2025. Arthurs, who appeared without legal representation, pleaded not guilty and was given until December 8 to organize his legal documents. His next court date is set for December 12. Mark Stevens, accused of attempting to murder Juan Carlos Reyes Pineda in June, was noted by Justice Pilgrim to have complications in his case. Stevens will be assigned legal counsel and is due back in court on November 10. Meanwhile, Shania Welch of Gales Point Manatee, accused of a serious sex offense involving a minor, had her arraignment delayed. Represented by attorney Nazira Myles-Espat, Welch will return to court on November 14. These cases highlight the ongoing legal challenges and the complexities of the judicial process in handling serious criminal offenses.

In a significant move to address the escalating issue of domestic violence, Belize has signed the Regional Pact on Legislative and Policy Priorities for Domestic Violence. This landmark agreement was finalized during a two-day summit in Barbados, where senior officials from across the Caribbean convened to strategize on combating this pervasive problem. The pact aims to enhance legislative frameworks and policy measures to better protect victims, particularly women and children, who are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse. Belize is also undertaking a comprehensive review of its Domestic Violence Act to bolster domestic protections. However, the government faces criticism for its perceived inadequacies in addressing the crisis. Prime Minister John Briceño addressed concerns raised by the Special Envoy for Women and Children, who publicly criticized the government’s efforts. Briceño acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of sensitizing law enforcement and strengthening institutional responses to ensure victims receive the support they need. Despite these efforts, questions linger about the effectiveness of current measures and the government’s commitment to eradicating domestic violence.

The Social Security Board (SSB) has officially named Jerome Palma as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Palma, who has been serving as Acting CEO since February 2025 and Deputy CEO since October 2024, brings a wealth of expertise in executive leadership, risk management, organizational governance, and investment strategies to the role.

The family of Ryan Hyde is grappling with grief and uncertainty following his untimely death. Hyde, a resident of Cotton Tree Village, Cayo, was shot in the head on Friday night and succumbed to his injuries at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City on Monday evening. His sister, Christie Cruz, expressed the family’s anguish and confusion, stating, ‘We’re still in the dark. We’re still trying to figure out the pieces.’ Cruz revealed that social media was the first source of information about the shooting, highlighting the disconnect between public knowledge and family awareness.

Hyde, originally from Roaring Creek, was not at home when the incident occurred. Cruz recounted the emotional rollercoaster of seeing him in the hospital, initially hopeful for his recovery, only to face the devastating news of his passing. ‘It’s really gut-wrenching,’ she said.

Addressing rumors surrounding the motive, Cruz believes her brother was unfairly targeted due to his last name. ‘With that last name, we’re just blatantly branded as bad… gun, drugs. We don’t have the ability to come from under that banner,’ she lamented. Despite public perception, Cruz described Hyde as a loving and kind individual, cherished by his family. He was in the process of opening a meat shop and was the father of two young boys.

The family is now awaiting the results of the police investigation and postmortem as they prepare to lay Hyde to rest.