标签： Belize

The recent exclusion of watchdog groups from the Silver Palms development approval process has raised significant questions from opposition parties. Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai addressed these concerns today, providing insights into how the project gained approval despite the absence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC). Mai explained that the Limited Level Study process, which was employed for this project, does not mandate NEAC involvement. Instead, it involves government agencies with specific permitting authority over various aspects of the project. These agencies included the Forest Department, Fisheries Department, Lands Department, Mining Unit, and the Department of the Environment (DOE). Each agency was tasked with assessing potential negative impacts and proposing mitigation strategies. Mai emphasized that decisions were not based on consensus but on majority agreement among the agencies. The Fisheries Department expressed concerns due to the project’s proximity to a marine protected area, but the majority recommendation to proceed was accepted by the DOE. This approach has sparked debate over transparency and the role of watchdog groups in environmental assessments.

The Belize Police Department is currently investigating the mysterious and tragic death of Gilbert Conorquie, a 39-year-old resident of Belize City. Conorquie, who was last seen by his family on October 26, was found dead in an overgrown abandoned lot in Port Loyola. His body, already in a state of decomposition, exhibited signs of injury, prompting a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death. The discovery has left his family and community in shock, as they describe him as a humble and harmless individual who was deeply involved in his family and community. The police have initiated a thorough investigation, canvassing the area and interviewing potential witnesses. Security cameras in the vicinity are expected to provide crucial evidence. Conorquie’s family, devastated by the loss, has expressed their faith in divine justice, leaving the fate of his killer in the hands of God.

The tragic death of Ryan Hyde, a 32-year-old resident of Cotton Tree, has left the community in shock as authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding his fatal shooting. The incident occurred on the evening of October 24, 2025, on Pine Ridge Road in the Cayo District. Hyde was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head and was initially rushed to the Western Regional Hospital before being transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite showing signs of recovery, Hyde succumbed to his injuries on Monday evening. Police found a white pickup truck abandoned at the scene, with bloodstains on the front seats and shattered rear windows, raising questions about the nature of the crime. While speculation has emerged linking the incident to gang rivalries, Hyde’s family has vehemently denied any such connections, asserting that he had no involvement in gang activity. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith emphasized the complexity of the investigation, noting that the exact crime scene and motive remain unclear. Forensic examinations are underway to determine the cause of the shattered vehicle windows and other critical details. The case has sparked widespread concern, with the community demanding answers about the circumstances leading to Hyde’s untimely death.

A British tourist’s idyllic vacation on the picturesque island of Caye Caulker took a tragic turn, ending in a mysterious death that has left authorities and locals searching for answers. Eric Storey, a 52-year-old British national, had just checked into the Casa Vista Hotel on October 28, 2025, when he was discovered unconscious with unexplained injuries. Despite being rushed to the Caye Caulker Health Center, Storey succumbed to his injuries later that evening. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, prompting an intensive investigation by local police. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith revealed that witnesses reported hearing a sound before finding Storey on the ground. However, whether foul play was involved has yet to be determined. Storey had only arrived in Belize a day prior to the incident, adding another layer of mystery to the case. As the investigation unfolds, the community and international observers await further details on this tragic event.

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.