分类： society

A weekend shooting incident in Dangriga has left community members alarmed after an innocent fisherman became the unintended victim of targeted gun violence in a public space. The brazen attack occurred on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at approximately 6:15 PM near the bustling fish shed along Riverside Street—a location regularly frequented by local residents and workers.

According to official police statements provided by ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer, thirty-four-year-old Berchel Balthazar, a Belizean fisherman from the Wagierale area, sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. Preliminary investigations indicate that two unidentified males aboard a motorcycle arrived at the location and discharged multiple rounds toward the area before swiftly fleeing the scene.

Law enforcement authorities have confirmed that Mr. Balthazar, who was promptly transported to Southern Regional Hospital for treatment, was not the intended target of the shooting. Investigators have collected substantial surveillance footage from the vicinity and are currently analyzing this evidence to advance their investigation and identify the perpetrators.

The incident has heightened existing concerns about the potential spillover of gang-related violence into public commercial areas, threatening the safety of ordinary citizens going about their daily activities. Police continue to pursue active leads while the community remains on alert following this disturbing violation of public security.

Belizean law enforcement officials are addressing public scrutiny following a controversial airport security incident at Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) over the weekend. Security personnel detained an American businessman on Saturday after scanners identified a concealed firearm within his luggage during standard screening procedures.

According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, Staff Officer, the individual immediately claimed unawareness of the weapon’s presence, characterizing the violation as an inadvertent oversight. Following the detection, authorities placed the traveler in temporary detention and initiated an extensive background investigation through Interpol channels. Subsequent communications with U.S. Embassy officials confirmed the businessman had no criminal record or status as a person of interest in ongoing investigations.

ASP Smith defended the decision to release the individual and confiscate the firearm as a legitimate exercise of police discretion. She emphasized the plausibility of the traveler’s account, noting that arriving via private flight approximately one day prior to conduct business operations supported his claim of unintentional violation. The businessman received formal caution and reprimand before being permitted to depart.

The incident has sparked legal debate regarding police authority in firearms cases, particularly concerning provisions that mandate Supreme Court bail for such offenses. Police maintain that discretionary powers have been routinely exercised in appropriate circumstances, though this application to firearms violations represents a notable precedent.

Orange Walk Police have apprehended and formally charged 24-year-old local laborer Darnell Valentine with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute following a late-night incident on Progress Street. The arrest occurred in the early hours of January 17, 2026, when patrolling officers witnessed Valentine allegedly discarding a suspicious package as they approached. Law enforcement officials subsequently recovered the bag, which contained four separate packets of a substance believed to be cocaine with a total weight of 2.2 grams. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, Staff Officer for Orange Walk Police, provided official details of the case, confirming that Valentine, a resident of Half Moon Caye Street in Orange Walk Town, now faces serious drug trafficking charges. The incident highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat drug distribution networks in the region, particularly during nighttime operations when such activities frequently occur. The suspect remains in custody as judicial proceedings commence.

In a late-night operation on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Orange Walk District police apprehended 22-year-old Henry Mojica following a narcotics discovery at a local nightclub. The arrest occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. after officers stationed at the establishment observed suspicious behavior from the August Pine Ridge Village laborer.

According to official statements from Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, law enforcement personnel conducted a search of Mojica that yielded two transparent plastic bags containing suspected cocaine. The substance, with a total weight of 1.7 grams, was allegedly packaged in a manner consistent with distribution purposes.

The suspect now faces formal charges for possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply—a serious offense under Belizean drug enforcement statutes. Additionally, Mojica has been charged with a mischievous act for allegedly providing authorities with a fictitious identification during the detention process.

ASP Smith emphasized that the arrest demonstrates the continued vigilance of Orange Walk police in monitoring entertainment venues for drug-related activities. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Belizean authorities in combating narcotics distribution within social establishments, particularly in border regions like the Orange Walk District.

The accused remains in custody as judicial proceedings move forward, with the case representing one of several recent drug enforcement actions in northern Belize. Police officials have indicated that similar operations will continue throughout the district’s nightlife establishments.

The Belizean legal community convened in Belize City on January 19, 2026, to formally inaugurate the High Court Legal Year through a ceremony blending tradition with forward-looking judicial vision. The day’s proceedings commenced with a solemn church service at Saint John’s Cathedral, followed by a ceremonial procession along Regent Street led by Chief Justice Louise Blenman and Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado, accompanied by the Belize Defense Force Band.

In her keynote address, Chief Justice Blenman highlighted transformative achievements in criminal justice administration during the previous legal year. “Our collaborative approach has produced exceptional results in criminal justice reform initiatives,” Blenman stated. “Longstanding backlogs are now behind us, case disposition rates have significantly improved, and historical dissonance among justice sector stakeholders has been substantially mitigated.”

Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre endorsed the judiciary’s progress, acknowledging remarkable case reduction achievements and modernization efforts. He reaffirmed government commitment to continued investment in judicial infrastructure, professional training, and staffing resources. “There is much we in Belize are to be proud of,” Sylvestre addressed the Chief Justice, “and with the vigilance of the judiciary and stakeholders, much more is to be achieved this new legal year.”

William Lindo Jr., President of the Bar Association of Belize, emphasized the critical role of technology in judicial evolution. “We have entered an era where technology is no longer optional but foundational,” Lindo asserted. “E-filing systems, digitalization of court records, and accessible judicial resources are no longer conveniences but necessities integral to transparency and efficiency. Belize cannot afford to be left behind in this digital transformation while preserving the essential human element in justice delivery.”

The unified message from judicial, legal, and government leadership underscored a collective commitment to developing a more robust, efficient, and responsive justice system serving the needs of the Belizean populace as the new legal year commences.

An American entrepreneur faced temporary detention at Belize’s Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) over the weekend when security screening revealed a concealed firearm within his luggage. Law enforcement officials confirmed the incident occurred following the businessman’s arrival via private aircraft for commercial purposes.

Authorities reported the traveler claimed to have inadvertently forgotten the weapon was packed in his baggage. The Belize Police Service conducted comprehensive background verifications and consulted with United States diplomatic representatives before determining the appropriate course of action.

Assistant Superintendent Smith, who supervised the case, provided detailed justification for the decision. “After thorough investigation and confirmation from U.S. Embassy officials that the individual wasn’t a person of interest, we exercised discretionary authority to release him while confiscating the firearm,” Smith stated.

The police representative further elaborated on the reasoning behind accepting the traveler’s explanation. “Given that no rational person would voluntarily submit to security screening while aware of possessing a prohibited weapon, his account appeared credible. He received formal cautioning and reprimand before being permitted to depart,” Smith added.

When questioned about the legal basis for bypassing mandatory Supreme Court bail requirements in such cases, Smith emphasized that police discretion has been routinely implemented within the country’s judicial framework for extended periods.

BELIZE CITY, January 19, 2026 – Distinguished Belizeans spanning multiple sectors have received international recognition for their dedication to fostering social harmony at the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace. The prestigious gathering, orchestrated by the Federation of Love and Peace (FOWPAL), convened global figures to advance dialogues on compassion, non-violence, and international unity.

The event saw the participation of high-profile national leaders including Prime Minister John Briceño and Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner, alongside government ministers, diplomatic envoys, and civil society representatives. In a ceremony highlighting humanitarian contributions, the organization bestowed its Compass Clock of Conscience Award upon multiple citizens for their impactful societal work.

Esteemed awardees encompassed a diverse cross-section of Belizean professionals: Jermaine Burns of the Belize Defence Force; Karen Simplis, a lecturer at the University of Belize; Dr. Anya Moguel, a specialist in palliative medicine; cultural advocate Karen Vernon; Joycelyn Lopez, Executive Director of the Inspiration Center; Michele Irving, founder of the women’s empowerment group POWA; and former political leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow.

During his address, Barrow emphasized the urgent worldwide necessity for reconciliation and peace, citing ongoing conflicts in regions including Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Venezuela. “Across the globe, warfare continues to fracture nations and communities. This makes our mission of promoting love and peaceful coexistence more critical than ever,” he stated.

The Compass Clock of Conscience, an emblem created by FOWPAL, symbolizes the alignment of personal integrity with purposeful action. It serves as a reminder for individuals and leaders to adhere to ethical principles in their pursuit of societal welfare. This award has historically been granted to international advocates of peace and social well-being.