分类： society

Residents of Bullet Tree Village in the Cayo District are on edge following a harrowing home invasion early Friday morning. At approximately 2:15 a.m., 38-year-old Roger Reimer was ambushed by two armed men as he entered his residence on Iguana Belly Road. The assailants restrained Reimer and made off with several valuables, including his 2013 dark grey Dodge Ram pickup truck, valued at over $45,000. Fortunately, Reimer was unharmed and managed to alert a neighbor, who promptly contacted the police. This incident marks the second major crime in the area this year, following the fatal shooting of 60-year-old real estate agent Ulric Willoughby in August. ASP Stacy Smith, leading the investigation, confirmed that police have initiated multiple operational efforts and are reviewing video footage to identify the perpetrators. Smith also noted that vehicle thefts in the area are often linked to cross-border trafficking, though the motive in this case remains unclear. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as the investigation continues.

In a chilling turn of events, police are actively pursuing a suspect linked to a violent chopping incident in August Pine Ridge, Orange Walk District. The case came to light when a distressed father reported that his 34-year-old son, Juan Diaz, returned home in the early hours of November 5, 2025, with severe injuries to his head, back, and hands. Diaz, a Belizean laborer, had been attacked by two unidentified men around 3 a.m. and managed to reach home before collapsing unconscious. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that officers from the Orange Walk Police Formation’s Crimes Investigation Branch visited the Northern Regional Hospital after being informed of Diaz’s condition. The investigation has identified one person of interest, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. This incident has raised concerns about safety in the community, as police continue their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a bold daylight robbery, over $20,000 was stolen from the Belize Marketing Board in Orange Walk on November 7, 2025. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. when a masked man, dressed in a grey hoodie, entered the office premises through the main gate. Armed with a weapon, he confronted the female security guard and proceeded to the cashier, where he seized a bag containing a substantial amount of money. The perpetrator fled the scene on a motorcycle, aided by an accomplice. Police were promptly called, but the suspects had already escaped. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith provided details on the ongoing investigation, noting that video footage from the scene is being reviewed to aid in identifying the culprits. Smith also highlighted a seasonal increase in property crimes during the holiday period, urging the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their belongings.

The Salvation Army has officially launched its annual kettle drive in Belize City, marking the beginning of a campaign dedicated to spreading holiday cheer to those in need. This year, the organization aims to provide Christmas meals and gifts to nearly 1,000 children across Belize, while also supporting the elderly with vouchers for essential holiday purchases. Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, the Salvation Army’s District Officer, emphasized the campaign’s mission of love, compassion, and hope, stating that all funds raised will remain within Belize to directly benefit local communities. The initiative seeks to raise $100,000, a target that fell short by 25% last year due to tighter budgets. However, Major Momplaisir remains optimistic, urging stakeholders, partners, and Belizeans to unite in achieving this goal. The first donor, career educator Maria Coyi, highlighted the importance of supporting the Salvation Army’s efforts to ensure children experience a memorable Christmas. Volunteers will be stationed at high-traffic locations throughout the holiday season, encouraging passersby to contribute to this meaningful cause.

In a world often overshadowed by adversity, Zarah Castillo’s story stands as a beacon of hope and determination. A young nail technician from Belize City, Zarah’s life took an unexpected turn in 2023 when a tragic accident left her with a severe spinal injury, confining her to a wheelchair. Yet, her narrative is not one of despair but of gratitude, perseverance, and an unrelenting pursuit of her dreams. Zarah aspires to become an attorney, a goal she continues to chase with unwavering resolve.

The Salvation Army has officially launched its annual Kettle Drive, a charitable initiative designed to bring warmth, meals, and holiday cheer to children and families in need across Belize. The campaign, which began this morning, aims to raise $100,000 to provide Christmas dinners and gifts for nearly a thousand children in the region. Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, the District Officer for the Salvation Army, emphasized the significance of the drive, stating, ‘It is a joy. It is really love. So having Kettle launching today in Belize, it means love. It means compassion. You see hope, and you see children who are already happy because they believe the Salvation Army will bring something to them.’ All funds raised will remain in Belize, directly supporting over 800 children, with the potential to extend aid to a thousand in other communities. Last year’s campaign achieved 75% of its target, but Momplaisir remains optimistic about this year’s goal, urging stakeholders, partners, and Belizeans to unite in their efforts. Volunteers will be stationed near banks and superstores in the coming weeks, encouraging donations to ensure that every coin contributes to brightening the holidays for children and the elderly.

A recent initiative by Belize’s Ministry of Education (MOE) to distribute Chromebooks to students at Bishop Martin High School (BMHS) has sparked controversy and raised concerns among parents and students. The devices, part of the Skills for the Future Program, aim to provide equitable access to digital learning tools and support Belize’s transition to a more technologically advanced educational system. However, the mandatory use of these Chromebooks has led to friction within the school community.