分类: society

  • Family Hosts Concert-Style Wake for ‘Big Tom’

    Family Hosts Concert-Style Wake for ‘Big Tom’

    In a heartfelt tribute to Kenneth ‘Big Tom’ Flowers, who tragically lost his life a week ago in a suspected crime of passion, his family hosted a unique concert-style wake at their Mopan Street residence. The event, open to all, including those beyond the neighborhood, celebrated Flowers’ life and his recent efforts to foster peace across the city. Bernard ‘Unlmtd’ Cayetano, a close friend and artist, emphasized the importance of unity and positivity during this time. He reassured the public about the event’s security, stating, ‘Big Tom was love, and everyone knows that. We encourage everyone to come out with a positive mentality and pay their respects.’ The wake served as a poignant reminder of the community’s collective grief and the urgent need for change to prevent further loss.

  • A farewell to Sol-o — Remembering Solomon Fairbairn

    A farewell to Sol-o — Remembering Solomon Fairbairn

    The passing of Solomon Fairbairn, a beloved resident of Lowmans Hill, has left the community in mourning. Sol-o, as he was affectionately known, succumbed to cancer, marking yet another loss for this tight-knit village. His life was a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of Lowmans Hill.

  • Bookstore donates local book to Grade 6 students

    Bookstore donates local book to Grade 6 students

    In a commendable effort to foster literacy and educational development, Jujube Bookstore in Kingstown has generously donated copies of the locally authored book “Let’s Write” to the Grade 6 class of Evesham Methodist School. The book, penned by graduate teacher Adriana S. King, serves as a comprehensive guide to composition writing, aiming to enhance students’ writing skills through structured and engaging methods. Telbert Samuel, the owner of Jujube Bookstore, emphasized the importance of community involvement in education, stating, ‘Improving education and literacy is a collective effort, and we are proud to contribute to this cause.’ Damaris Martin, the school’s principal, expressed deep gratitude for the donation, highlighting its potential to bolster the school’s literacy initiatives. She described the book as an ‘invaluable resource’ that aids students in mastering various writing structures. A Grade 6 teacher also praised the book for its simplicity and effectiveness in teaching thesis statements, calling it a ‘valuable resource’ that builds students’ confidence and writing proficiency through practical exercises.

  • Dominican Republic and France join efforts against human trafficking and digital exploitation

    Dominican Republic and France join efforts against human trafficking and digital exploitation

    Santo Domingo recently hosted the Franco-Dominican Seminar on the Fight against Human Trafficking and the Protection of Minors from New Threats, held from October 14 to 17. The event marked a significant step in deepening collaboration between the Dominican Republic and France to address critical issues such as human trafficking and digital threats to minors. Organized by the French Embassy, the Dominican National Police, and the Public Ministry, the seminar brought together 30 members of the National Police, 13 representatives of the Public Ministry, and key organizations including CONANI, Save the Children, UNODC, and European police attachés.

    French experts from the Central Office for the Suppression of Human Trafficking (OCRTEH) and the Office for Minors (OFMIN) led discussions on combating online child pornography, the misuse of artificial intelligence in victim recruitment, and exploitation via social media. Additional topics included the dangers of deepfakes, cybercrime protocols, and strategies to dismantle transnational criminal networks. French Ambassador Sonia Barbry emphasized the global nature of these threats, stating, ‘No country is exempt from this challenge,’ and underscoring the need for skilled professionals to tackle evolving digital exploitation tactics.

    Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful acknowledged France’s continued support and highlighted successful initiatives like Operation Begonia, which rescued 41 victims. The seminar concluded with the signing of a bilateral roadmap aimed at enhancing police cooperation, advancing training programs, and strengthening the investigative capabilities of DICRIM.

  • Driver to contest traffic ticket in Castries Traffic Court

    Driver to contest traffic ticket in Castries Traffic Court

    A Babonneau motorist, Hildreth Murray Lewis, is set to face trial after contesting a traffic charge issued in July 2025. Lewis was pulled over by Officer #932 Lubin while driving his BMW X1 (registration P8871) along the John Compton Highway. He was cited for allegedly contravening the driving code, an offense that carries a $200 fine. During a hearing at the Castries Traffic Court on October 13, 2025, Lewis expressed his intent to challenge the charge, asserting that it was ‘not called for.’ Magistrate Bertlyn Reynolds cautioned Lewis that if the officer’s actions are deemed justified, he could face either an increased fine payable immediately or a custodial sentence. The case has been adjourned to November 26, 2025, for trial.

  • Police Say No Prior Domestic Violence in Suspected Murder-Suicide

    Police Say No Prior Domestic Violence in Suspected Murder-Suicide

    Belize City authorities are currently probing a tragic incident involving the deaths of 26-year-old Keira Gentle and 27-year-old Harrison Arnold. The two were discovered shot dead in a residence on Simon Lamb Street on Saturday, just before midday. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that a licensed black nine-millimeter pistol, registered to Arnold, was found at the scene. Initial investigations suggest that the pair were in a relationship but had separated prior to the incident. Audio recordings from the vicinity captured the sound of more than five gunshots, accompanied by an argument moments before the tragedy. Despite these findings, Smith emphasized that there are no prior reports of domestic violence involving the individuals in the police database. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this devastating event.

  • No Motives Yet in Fatal Shooting of PC Oswald Young

    No Motives Yet in Fatal Shooting of PC Oswald Young

    Authorities are still piecing together the circumstances surrounding the tragic killing of Police Constable Oswald Young, a 42-year-old officer with 23 years of service, who was fatally shot in Unitedville, Cayo, on the evening of Friday, October 13, 2025. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. as Young awaited transportation to Belize City, where he was due to report for duty at the Belama Precinct Four Police Station. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, Young, who was in uniform at the time, was approached by an unidentified male who fired multiple shots, leaving him with fatal gunshot wounds. Smith confirmed that while no motive has yet been established, the police are actively pursuing several leads in their investigation. ‘We are following up on various theories presented to us,’ Smith stated, emphasizing the commitment to bringing those responsible to justice. The community remains in shock as they mourn the loss of a dedicated officer who had served Belize for over two decades.

  • BREAKING NEWS: Canefield man robbed and shot in Mahaut

    BREAKING NEWS: Canefield man robbed and shot in Mahaut

    A resident of Massacre, Canefield, is currently receiving medical treatment at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) after being involved in a violent shooting incident in Mahaut on Tuesday. According to police reports, the victim sustained a head injury, was robbed of his cash, and was shot in his right leg. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the matter, though further details remain undisclosed at this time. The incident has raised concerns about public safety in the area, prompting calls for increased vigilance and law enforcement presence. The victim’s condition is reported to be stable, but the community remains on edge as the investigation unfolds.

  • No Signs of Foul Play in Body Found, Police Say

    No Signs of Foul Play in Body Found, Police Say

    Authorities in Belize City are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying a man whose body was discovered floating in the waters near Southern Foreshore on Sunday, October 14, 2025. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, the deceased is described as a dark-complexioned male who was found unresponsive in the sea. Preliminary investigations have revealed no indications of foul play or violence, and no significant identifying marks were observed on the body. Police are urging individuals who may have missing relatives matching this description to visit either the Raccoon Street or Queen Street Police Station with photographs to aid in the identification process. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

  • Man Charged for Deaths of Two Mexicans

    Man Charged for Deaths of Two Mexicans

    In a devastating incident on the George Price Highway in Belize, two Mexican nationals lost their lives in a fatal road traffic accident late Thursday night. The collision, which occurred between miles 13 and 14 after 11:00 p.m., involved a Ford pickup truck, a Freightliner, and a Nissan compact car. According to reports, the Ford, en route to Belmopan, struck the rear wheel of the Freightliner, lost control, and collided head-on with the Nissan. Tragically, the occupants of the Nissan, 35-year-old Othoniel Vasquez Moreno and 46-year-old Amisadai Valdez Dominguez, were trapped inside and pronounced dead at the scene. Mexico’s Ambassador to Belize, Martha Zamarripa, expressed profound condolences and assured the bereaved families of the embassy’s full support. Dominguez’s family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, including repatriating his remains to Mexico. Meanwhile, 40-year-old Osman Pineda, the driver of the Ford, faces multiple charges, including manslaughter by negligence and careless driving. Pineda’s two young children, aged five and nine months, who were passengers in the vehicle, sustained injuries in the crash. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed the charges, emphasizing the gravity of the incident.