分类： society

In a significant move to address escalating security concerns, the Belize City authorities decided to close off the Hangar area to vehicular traffic in August 2025. This decision was heavily influenced by a recommendation from former Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, who had written to Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner in July, highlighting the urgent need for action. Williams emphasized that the police force is already overburdened, managing responsibilities across the country, and cannot afford to concentrate resources in a single area. The closure, which has reportedly led to a significant reduction in crime, underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety with limited resources. Williams defended the decision, stating that it was a practical solution to a pressing issue, rather than an admission of the police’s inability to manage the situation.

A tragic incident has shaken the peaceful community of Bullet Tree Village in Belize’s Cayo District. On the morning of November 10, 2025, the lifeless body of 65-year-old Canadian expatriate Marty Thorne was discovered on her property. Thorne, a long-time resident of Belize and a respected spa owner, was found with visible injuries, prompting an immediate police investigation. The caretaker of her property alerted authorities after failing to locate her during a routine check. Scenes of crime personnel swiftly processed the area, and her body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. While initial observations suggest stab wounds, investigators have yet to confirm this or identify a motive or suspect. Thorne’s death has left the community in mourning. Michael Waight, her neighbor and close friend, expressed profound grief, describing the scene as deeply unsettling. Authorities have not established any direct links to recent burglaries in the area but have assured residents of heightened surveillance, including police-operated cameras and active patrols. The investigation remains ongoing as the community seeks answers to this shocking tragedy.

A tragic incident unfolded on Friday, November 10, 2025, when a protected green sea turtle was discovered dead within the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR) in Belize. The discovery was made during a routine patrol conducted by rangers from the Southern Environmental Association (SEA). The turtle, identified as a tagged Chelonia mydas (Green Turtle), exhibited injuries consistent with a boat propeller strike, according to SEA officials. Green turtles are legally protected in Belize, and this incident has reignited concerns about boating practices in marine conservation zones. In a statement, SEA emphasized the importance of responsible boating, urging the public to adhere to no-wake and no-entry zones and to reduce speeds in protected areas. Conservation advocates have long warned that boat strikes pose a significant threat to marine life, particularly in heavily trafficked coastal regions. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in safeguarding vulnerable marine species.

A tragic incident unfolded in Bella Vista on Saturday morning, November 10, 2025, when Marcus Che, a 35-year-old Guatemalan barber, was fatally shot inside his barbershop. The shooting occurred at approximately 11:47 a.m., according to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith. An unidentified assailant, wearing a full-face motorcycle helmet, entered the establishment and fired multiple shots, fatally wounding Che before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. Police have detained one individual believed to possess information relevant to the investigation and are analyzing surveillance footage for potential leads. While the motive remains unclear, investigators are exploring multiple theories. The incident has heightened concerns in the Bella Vista community, which has recently experienced a surge in violent crimes, reportedly tied to drug trafficking. ASP Smith emphasized that operational measures are being implemented to address the rising crime rates.