标签: Belize

伯利兹

  • Belmopan City Council Reminds Residents: No Livestock Within City Limits

    Belmopan City Council Reminds Residents: No Livestock Within City Limits

    The Belmopan City Council has issued a stern reminder to residents regarding the prohibition of livestock within city limits, following a surge in complaints about animals being kept or allowed to graze in urban areas. The Council emphasized that under the Belmopan City Council Act, Chapter 86, it is illegal to drive, lead, or permit cattle to roam through public streets, parks, or playgrounds without written authorization. Violators face penalties of up to $200 in fines or one month of imprisonment.

  • Late-Night Motorcycle RTA Claims Life of 28-Year-Old Keith Guzman

    Late-Night Motorcycle RTA Claims Life of 28-Year-Old Keith Guzman

    A devastating late-night motorcycle accident in Central Farm on Friday resulted in the death of 28-year-old Keith Guzman and left three others seriously injured. The collision involved two motorcycles, one carrying Peter Vasquez and Sucely Bogaert, and the other occupied by Antonio Castillo and the deceased, Guzman. Emergency responders pronounced Guzman dead at the scene, while Castillo and Vasquez were rushed to San Ignacio Hospital for treatment. Bogaert, in critical condition, was transported to the Western Regional Hospital. Disturbing footage from the accident site depicted the victims lying motionless with severe injuries and heavy bleeding. The tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with friends and family mourning the loss of Guzman, who was known for his passion for motorcycles. One heartfelt tribute read, “One thing we all knew is how much you loved cycles mein.” Another mourner lamented, “So many lives taken by cycle. Place your arms around Belize, Lord.” The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.

  • Unitedville Construction Worker Shot Multiple Times

    Unitedville Construction Worker Shot Multiple Times

    In a shocking incident on the evening of November 6, 2025, Kevin Trapp, a 38-year-old construction worker from Unitedville, was ambushed and shot multiple times. The attack occurred around 8:46 p.m. near the community center in the Coyo district as Trapp was returning home in his vehicle. Two unidentified assailants approached his car and opened fire, leaving him with severe injuries. Trapp was promptly transported to San Ignacio Community Hospital by a family member and is currently in stable condition. Police have detained one person of interest and are actively pursuing several investigative leads. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed the details but declined to comment on whether the shooting was linked to Trapp’s prior legal issues, including a 2021 charge for possession of cannabis with intent to supply. Authorities have not yet established a motive but are exploring the possibility of retaliation amid a recent surge in gun-related incidents in the area.

  • Man Tied Up Robbed in Bullet Tree Home Invasion

    Man Tied Up Robbed in Bullet Tree Home Invasion

    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.

  • Police Seeking One Suspect in August Pine Ridge Chopping

    Police Seeking One Suspect in August Pine Ridge Chopping

    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.

  • Over $20,000 Stolen from the Belize Marketing Board

    Over $20,000 Stolen from the Belize Marketing Board

    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.

  • Caribi Bleu Casino Boss Taken Down; New Bodycam Footage Released

    Caribi Bleu Casino Boss Taken Down; New Bodycam Footage Released

    In a dramatic turn of events, Rima Ray, the controversial figure behind Caribi Bleu Casino in Belize, was arrested earlier this year in the U.S. on charges of fraud and illegal gambling. Newly released police bodycam footage provides a firsthand account of the arrest, shedding light on the events that unfolded during a routine traffic stop in July. Officers discovered $340,000 in cash hidden in Ray’s Tesla, leading to a deeper investigation into his operations. This arrest marks a significant development in a case that has been under scrutiny since News Five’s investigative report in November 2024 revealed unauthorized activities at the casino, including an unregistered ATM dispensing U.S. currency. Despite initial leniency from Belizean authorities, Ray now faces prosecution under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO), with his illegal operations valued at $24 million. The case underscores the international reach of financial crimes and the persistent efforts of law enforcement to bring such operations to justice.

  • Sargassum Task Force Receives New Monitoring Tools

    Sargassum Task Force Receives New Monitoring Tools

    Belize has taken a significant step forward in addressing its recurring sargassum crisis with the Sargassum Task Force receiving cutting-edge monitoring tools. Earlier this year, the country faced one of its worst sargassum invasions, with tons of rotting seaweed inundating its pristine beaches. The influx disrupted tourism, local livelihoods, and marine ecosystems, prompting urgent action. Today, the Task Force unveiled a suite of advanced tools, including a drone, a laptop, and the Sargassum Forecasting Model (SAMtool), donated by the Department of the Environment. These tools are part of a broader regional initiative funded by the government of Taiwan, aimed at enhancing Belize’s ability to predict and manage sargassum outbreaks. Deputy Chief Environmental Officer Edgar Ek highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the project, involving the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation. SAMtool, a subscription-based digital platform, utilizes satellite imagery and ocean current forecasts to track sargassum movement, providing critical data on its trajectory and potential impact. Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon emphasized the tool’s role in strengthening national preparedness and response strategies. Tourism Officer Darcy Correa underscored the crisis’s broader implications, noting that sargassum not only affects tourism but also the livelihoods of coastal communities. With these new tools, Belize aims to improve early warning systems, support informed decision-making, and safeguard its coastal ecosystems and economy.

  • ICJ to Hear Guatemala’s Bid in Sapodilla Case

    ICJ to Hear Guatemala’s Bid in Sapodilla Case

    The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced that it will hold public hearings from November 24 to 26, 2025, to consider Guatemala’s request to intervene in the ongoing territorial dispute over the Sapodilla Cayes. This case initially arose three years ago when Belize filed a lawsuit against Honduras, seeking the ICJ’s affirmation of its sovereignty over the contested area. In 2024, Guatemala entered the fray, asserting that the dispute intersects with its own longstanding territorial claim against Belize, which is also pending before the ICJ. Guatemala argues that the outcome of the Belize-Honduras case could have significant implications for its claim and is therefore seeking to participate in the proceedings. The ICJ’s decision on Guatemala’s intervention could reshape the dynamics of this complex territorial conflict, drawing international attention as the hearings approach.

  • Belize Joins Global Climate Talks at COP 30

    Belize Joins Global Climate Talks at COP 30

    As the world gears up for COP 30, set to take place in Brazil from November 10 to 21, 2025, Belize is poised to play a pivotal role in the global climate dialogue. This year’s summit, themed ‘The Forest COP,’ will focus on the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the planet’s lungs. Belize’s participation comes at a critical juncture, following the devastation wrought by Category Five Hurricane Mellisa in Jamaica, which has amplified the Caribbean’s call for urgent climate action. Dr. Colin Young, Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC), emphasized the dual impact of such extreme weather events. ‘Hurricane Mellisa vividly illustrates the scientific predictions we’ve been advocating for,’ Dr. Young stated. ‘As global temperatures rise and oceans warm, the frequency and intensity of these catastrophic storms increase. This underscores the need for swift, decisive action to cut emissions and for developed nations to fulfill their commitments to provide resources for climate adaptation in vulnerable regions.’ The summit aims to shift the focus from rhetoric to tangible solutions, with Belize and other Caribbean nations advocating for stronger global cooperation to mitigate the escalating climate crisis.