分类: society

  • City chef convicted for importing dogs illegally

    City chef convicted for importing dogs illegally

    Elizabeth “Liza” Chung, a 40-year-old chef residing in Georgetown, Guyana, has been convicted for illegally importing 10 dogs without the required permit. The incident occurred on November 22, 2025, when Chung was intercepted at the Bina Hill Police checkpoint in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo). The Guyana Police Force reported that Chung was transporting the dogs in a vehicle when she was apprehended.

    Chung pleaded guilty to the charge of importing a terrestrial animal without a permit, a violation of the 2011 Animal Health Act. Lethem Magistrate Omadatt Chandan imposed a fine of GY$20,000 on Chung following her guilty plea. The case highlights the enforcement of animal health regulations and the legal consequences of non-compliance.

    This incident underscores the importance of adhering to legal requirements for animal importation to prevent potential risks to public health and animal welfare. Authorities continue to monitor and enforce such regulations to ensure compliance and safeguard the community.

  • Historic Hotel Mercedes reopens as Banreservas Cultural Center in Santiago

    Historic Hotel Mercedes reopens as Banreservas Cultural Center in Santiago

    Santiago, Dominican Republic – In a significant cultural milestone, the historic former Hotel Mercedes is set to reopen as the Banreservas Cultural Center of Santiago on November 29. The inauguration ceremony, led by President Luis Abinader, marks the culmination of a restoration project spearheaded by Banco de Reservas. The initiative aims to provide the northern region with a revitalized cultural hub and breathe new life into Santiago’s historic downtown. The project is under the management of the bank’s CEO, Leonardo Aguilera, who has been instrumental in accelerating the reconstruction efforts to meet the year-end deadline. The announcement was made during a meeting with arts and culture journalists, where Banreservas communications advisor Héctor Romero outlined the inauguration program. The opening day will feature art exhibitions, immersive experiences, music, and other activities, designed by a specialized cultural team. Romero described the initiative as a ‘Christmas gift for Dominicans,’ emphasizing its significance in promoting local culture. The center has been conceived with three primary objectives: showcasing Cibao-region artists by providing exhibition and training spaces, strengthening Santiago’s cultural ecosystem through collaborations with universities and local organizations, and transforming the iconic building into a cultural landmark. Architect César Payán, regional director of Monumental Heritage, oversaw the restoration and adaptation of the building. The center now boasts distinct levels with specialized functions. The first level includes a coworking area, Café Banreservas operated with Calcalí Coffee, and a future cultural shop. The second level houses the Santiago Art Museum (MAS), featuring works from the Banreservas Visual Arts Collection. The upper levels and terrace offer an immersive room, virtual reality experiences, temporary exhibition spaces, educational areas, and a panoramic terrace for performances and artistic events.

  • Gun Violence Claims Another Tillett Brother

    Gun Violence Claims Another Tillett Brother

    In a devastating turn of events, the Tillett family of Belize City is mourning the loss of another son to gun violence. Twenty-two-year-old Daniel Tillett was fatally shot early Saturday morning, just moments away from his home on Antelope Street. The incident, captured on surveillance footage, reveals that three armed assailants ambushed Daniel, firing multiple shots before fleeing the scene. This tragedy comes merely two years after the murder of his younger brother, Gabriel, who was only eighteen at the time of his death. The family, already grappling with the emotional and financial strain of funeral costs and their mother’s ongoing battle with cancer, is now left to confront yet another unimaginable loss. Assistant Superintendent of Police, Stacy Smith, confirmed that the incident is under investigation, with no established motive yet. However, authorities suspect Daniel’s death may be linked to ongoing conflicts among local groups. Daniel’s mother, Denise Stewart, recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the shooting, expressing her disbelief and grief. She revealed that Daniel had been receiving threats and had previously sought asylum in the United States to escape the violence. Despite his efforts to lead a peaceful life upon his return, the threats persisted. Stewart vehemently denies allegations of her son’s involvement in gang activities, emphasizing his employment and commitment to supporting his family. As the community reels from this latest act of violence, the Tillett family hopes Daniel will be remembered for his kindness and positive spirit. Police continue their search for suspects, urging anyone with information to come forward.

  • Punta Gorda Couple Survives Bar Shooting

    Punta Gorda Couple Survives Bar Shooting

    A night of celebration turned into a harrowing ordeal for Kelly Stephens, 25, and her boyfriend Ashton Martin, 41, when they were shot at a bar on George Price Street in Punta Gorda last week. The incident has led to the arrest of 20-year-old Derry Bennett, who now faces two counts of attempted murder. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith provided detailed insights into the case.

  • Attempted Murder Charge After Dangriga Stabbing

    Attempted Murder Charge After Dangriga Stabbing

    A night of revelry in Dangriga took a grim turn on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, when an 18-year-old man was stabbed at the Island Breeze Bar and Grill. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m., leaving Gavin Armstrong severely injured. He was promptly transported to the Southern Regional Hospital for urgent medical attention. Law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene, detaining two individuals in connection with the attack. One of the suspects has been formally charged with attempted murder and is slated to appear before the Dangriga Magistrate’s Court. According to ASP Stacy Smith, the police acted on a tip-off and arrived at the bar located at the intersection of Riverside and Chatoye Street to find the victim already en route to the hospital. Preliminary investigations suggest that the assailant, whose identity remains unknown, approached Armstrong and inflicted the injury without provocation. The case has sparked concerns about public safety in the area, with authorities urging witnesses to come forward with additional information.

  • Coast Guard Officer Accused in Brutal Stabbing

    Coast Guard Officer Accused in Brutal Stabbing

    In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through Belize City, a Belize Coast Guard officer has been accused of a brutal stabbing on the eve of the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The alleged attack occurred during a violent domestic dispute at a residence on Gibnut Street, leaving a woman with multiple stab wounds. According to ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer, police were alerted to the situation and arrived to find the victim in a semi-conscious state. She was promptly rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where she is now reported to be in stable condition. The accused, identified as the victim’s common-law husband, is currently under investigation. This case has drawn significant attention as Belize prepares to address the pervasive issue of violence against women, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change and accountability.

  • Less than One Thousand Dollars Stolen from Dangriga Treasury

    Less than One Thousand Dollars Stolen from Dangriga Treasury

    A burglary at the Dangriga Treasury Building has left authorities scrambling for answers, though the financial loss appears to be minimal. The incident, which occurred between the late hours of November 28 and the early morning of November 29, 2025, was discovered by a staff member arriving for work at approximately 7:45 a.m. on Friday. The building was found ransacked, with a safe containing less than $1,000 stolen. Police were promptly notified, and Scenes of Crime personnel were dispatched to collect evidence. ASP Stacy Smith, the Staff Officer overseeing the investigation, confirmed that the stolen amount was modest, dispelling rumors of a significant cash haul. ‘The treasury does not keep large sums of money in that building,’ Smith stated. Evidence retrieved from the scene is being analyzed at the National Forensic and Science Services Laboratory to aid in identifying the perpetrators. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the details of the crime.

  • Delivery Truck Driver Shot During Brazen Truck Robbery

    Delivery Truck Driver Shot During Brazen Truck Robbery

    A shocking armed robbery on the Hummingbird Highway has left a Country Foods delivery driver critically injured. The incident occurred around 8:20 PM on Friday, November 24, 2025, near St. Margaret’s Village. Masked gunmen ambushed the delivery truck as it slowed down for what appeared to be road construction. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, the attackers fired a single shot before demanding money from the employees. Three employees were in the truck at the time. Two managed to escape into nearby bushes, but the third was shot multiple times before the assailants fled the scene. The injured employee is now in critical but stable condition. Police have reviewed surveillance footage but have yet to identify the suspects. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities expanding their search for leads.

  • Police Recover Vehicle After Owner Tied up and Robbed

    Police Recover Vehicle After Owner Tied up and Robbed

    In a recent development, law enforcement authorities have successfully recovered a stolen vehicle and apprehended a suspect linked to a series of burglaries in Bullet Tree Falls Village. The incident unfolded earlier this month when Roger Reimer, a 38-year-old resident of Iguana Belly Road, was ambushed by armed intruders upon returning home around 2 a.m. The assailants tied him up and made off with several valuables, including his 2013 dark grey Dodge Ram pickup truck. ASP Stacy Smith, a staff officer, confirmed the recovery of the vehicle and the arrest of Juan Luis Castellanos, who is suspected of involvement in aggravated burglary cases in the area. Smith emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance, particularly in remote residential areas, and encouraged residents to invest in security measures such as CCTV cameras and dash cams to deter property crimes. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of crime prevention in less populated regions and highlights the critical role of community awareness and proactive security investments.

  • 2 injured in Linden shooting

    2 injured in Linden shooting

    Two individuals were hospitalized on Monday following a shooting incident on Lover’s Lane in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, according to the Guyana Police Force. The attack occurred late Sunday evening around 10:30 PM when a man inside a vehicle opened fire on the victims. The injured parties include a 32-year-old vendor from Central Amelia’s Ward and a carpenter from South Amelia’s Ward, whose identities have not been disclosed. Police have yet to confirm if any suspects have been apprehended. Initial reports indicate that the vendor was standing in front of his shop while the carpenter was nearby when the vehicle approached and halted. An individual inside the car allegedly fired multiple shots, striking the vendor in the chest and the carpenter in the foot. Both victims were promptly taken to the Linden Hospital Complex for treatment. The vendor was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for advanced care, while the carpenter continues to receive treatment at Linden Hospital. Authorities have reported that both men are in stable condition. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.