标签： Belize

Nearly three years after the harrowing New Year’s Eve triple murder in Belmopan, the trial of former Police Corporal Elmer Nah has taken a significant turn. Nah, accused of the brutal shooting deaths of brothers David and Jon Ramnarace, along with Jon’s wife, Vivian Belisle Ramnarace, was escorted from Belize Central Prison to the High Court in Belize City. However, the day’s proceedings didn’t end there. Nah was subsequently taken back to Belmopan for a detailed walkthrough of the crime scene, as investigators aim to reconstruct the events of that fateful night. The murders, which occurred on December 31, 2022, shocked the nation and have remained a focal point of public attention. Jon and David were killed instantly, while Vivian succumbed to her injuries two weeks later. The trial recently resumed with intense scrutiny on a controversial house search conducted on New Year’s Eve. Officer Jerome Middleton testified about the operation, captured on police body cameras, but defense attorney Dr. Lynden Jones challenged the legality of the search, noting that the warrant was read after midnight, outside the legal timeframe. Three of the four body cam videos were played in court, revealing officers meticulously searching Nah’s home without finding a weapon, though they did seize a headlamp and a Battle Dress Uniform—items Jones argued were not covered by the warrant. As the trial progresses, the Ramnarace family and the nation at large remain hopeful that justice will finally be served.

A tragic motorcycle accident on the George Price Highway has claimed the life of 30-year-old Derrel Montero and left Sean Armstrong injured. The incident occurred between miles fifty-two and fifty-three when the motorcycle collided with a guardrail after the driver reportedly lost control. Authorities have detained an individual in connection with the crash, as investigations reveal unsettling claims that the victims may have been pursued by another vehicle prior to the accident. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith confirmed that the investigation remains open, with police actively reviewing footage and appealing to the public for any additional evidence. Smith emphasized that no video evidence supporting the chase allegations has been submitted to the police yet. While Armstrong survived the crash, he was unable to provide a statement due to his condition. Police are urging anyone with relevant information or footage to come forward to aid in advancing the case.

The Belize Police Department has taken a significant step toward modernizing its approach to law enforcement by integrating non-lethal alternatives into its operations. On October 29, 2025, officers participated in a comprehensive training session focused on the use of pepper balls and other non-lethal rounds. These tools are designed to de-escalate dangerous situations without resorting to deadly force, offering a safer option for both officers and suspects. Unlike traditional live ammunition, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities, pepper balls temporarily incapacitate individuals by causing pain and disorientation, minimizing the risk of permanent harm. This shift reflects a broader trend in policing to prioritize safety and reduce unnecessary violence. The training exercise emphasized practical skills, ensuring officers are well-equipped to handle high-pressure scenarios effectively. A video documenting the session is set to be released tomorrow, providing further insight into this progressive initiative.

In a surprising turn of events, the Belize City Council recently removed concrete barricades that had blocked access to the popular seafront hangout known as the ‘Hangar,’ reopening the area to vehicles. However, this move has sparked concerns over a potential secret land grab involving Belize’s wealthy elite. According to a highly placed source, there may be a covert plan to transfer publicly-used seafront land to private hands. Court documents, government receipts, and land records obtained by our newsroom reveal that prominent individuals are listed as clients in a provisional subdivision approval issued last year for parcels along the same coastline. The council had initially blocked public access to the area in August, citing concerns over loitering and crime. However, questions have arisen about whether the true motive was to secure highly valuable seafront property for private ownership. Sources suggest that the barricading of the Hangar could be part of a long-term strategy to decommission the seafront road, potentially transforming a public space used by fishers, swimmers, and ordinary Belizeans into private property. The situation raises concerns about the loss of public access to Belize City’s coastline, with many questioning who is truly behind the push to close off the Hangar. Stay tuned for more details tonight at 6 PM on GBM.

Authorities in Belize have initiated a thorough investigation following the tragic death of a British national, Eric Leonard Storey, 52, who was discovered unconscious near a hotel in Caye Caulker on Tuesday. Storey had reportedly checked into the Casa Vista Hotel on the island’s north side just one day prior to the incident. According to preliminary reports, several witnesses in the vicinity heard a loud thud and subsequently found Storey lying motionless on the ground. He was immediately transported to the Caye Caulker Health Clinic, where medical professionals attempted to revive him. Despite their efforts, Storey succumbed to his injuries later that evening. The circumstances surrounding his injuries and the duration of his stay in Belize remain unclear. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith stated, ‘No information has been ascertained in relation to that. It’s an ongoing investigation.’ The case has drawn significant attention, with local authorities working diligently to uncover the truth behind this mysterious death.

The approval of the Silver Palm development, a major real estate project on Ambergris Caye, Belize, has sparked significant controversy and opposition. The project, approved in December 2024 under a Limited Level Environmental Study, bypassed public consultation, raising questions about transparency and environmental safeguards. Critics, including the Opposition, are demanding answers from the Department of the Environment (DOE) and Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai. They question why a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not conducted, why key NGOs were excluded, and why objections from the Fisheries Department and the Ministry of the Blue Economy were reportedly disregarded. In an interview, Mai defended the decision, stating that the project’s size—270 acres—fell just below the 300-acre threshold requiring an EIA. He emphasized that the project underwent review by a smaller group within the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) and was granted clearance with strict conditions. Despite claims that the development is primarily a subdivision project, promotional materials depict it as a luxury, ready-to-build community with modern infrastructure. The Opposition insists on full transparency, the release of all project documents, and a halt to work until a comprehensive EIA is completed and made public.