标签： Belize

The Business Chamber of Spanish Lookout has issued a forceful condemnation of escalating criminal violence targeting delivery personnel across Belize. This decisive statement comes in direct response to Wednesday’s fatal shooting of Mark Gabourel, a Caribbean Chicken delivery driver, during an apparent robbery attempt.

Characterizing the attacks as ‘senseless acts of violence,’ the Chamber emphasized the broader implications extending beyond individual tragedy. These criminal incidents pose a direct threat to commercial operations, public security, and national economic stability. ‘This tragic loss of life underscores the alarming escalation of violence confronting hardworking Belizeans,’ the Chamber’s official statement declared. ‘No citizen should fear for their life while performing legitimate employment.’

The Chamber issued explicit demands for immediate governmental intervention, urging coordinated action between Belize’s law enforcement agencies and judicial system. Specific recommendations included enhanced police patrols, targeted enforcement operations, and stringent legal consequences for perpetrators of violent crimes. The objective remains restoring public confidence in security infrastructure while ensuring swift justice for affected families.

Expressing solidarity with Gabourel’s family, colleagues, and nationwide delivery workers, the Chamber emphasized that ‘protecting lives and livelihoods must constitute a national priority.’ The incident occurred approximately at 4:30 p.m. on Mountain View Boulevard in Belmopan, where assailants on a motorcycle fired multiple shots at Gabourel’s vehicle as he exited a compound. Despite being accompanied by a 15-year-old assistant, the driver sustained fatal injuries after attackers attempted to forcibly access the truck. Gabourel was transported to Western Regional Hospital where he subsequently succumbed to his wounds.

Belmopan City authorities are investigating a violent armed robbery that culminated in the fatal shooting of a local truck driver on Wednesday afternoon. The victim, identified as 55-year-old Mark Anthony Gabourel, an employee of Caribbean Chicken, was ambushed and killed in a shocking daylight attack.

According to official police reports, the incident transpired at approximately 4:30 p.m. along Mountain View Boulevard. Gabourel was departing a commercial compound in his vehicle, accompanied by a 15-year-old assistant, when two assailants on a Meilun motorcycle intercepted them. The passenger on the motorcycle produced a firearm and discharged multiple rounds into the truck’s cabin, critically wounding Gabourel.

Following the shooting, the motorcycle operator attempted to forcibly access the truck’s door but was unsuccessful. Both suspects subsequently fled the scene, leaving the gravely injured driver behind. Emergency services transported Gabourel to Western Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries despite medical intervention.

The Belize Police Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into this homicide, which represents the latest in a series of violent crimes affecting the community. Authorities are appealing to witnesses and anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation into this tragic loss of life.

A 21-year-old Belizean construction worker has been formally charged in connection with a deadly mass shooting that disrupted New Year’s Eve celebrations in Independence Village, Stann Creek District. Santos Absolom Chirinos, a resident of Bella Vista Village, faces charges of murder and escape from lawful custody for the killing of 39-year-old Keith Neal during the December 31, 2025 incident.

The violence erupted at the Feel Good Restaurant and Bar where community members had gathered for holiday festivities. According to police reports, an assailant arrived on motorcycle and opened fire on a specific individual before fleeing the scene. The chaotic shooting left six additional victims wounded from stray gunfire, making it one of the most severe mass shooting incidents in Belize’s recent history.

Eyewitness accounts describe moments of confusion as attendees initially mistook the gunshots for firecrackers. One surviving victim recounted realizing he had been shot only upon noticing blood, highlighting the sudden and unexpected nature of the attack.

The deceased victim, Keith Neal, was transported from Southern Regional Hospital to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries. His sister Shannon Neal remembered him as a humble man deeply devoted to his family, who now seek justice for his tragic death.

Law enforcement officials indicate significant progress in the investigation, having secured surveillance footage from the establishment and identified a potential motive. Authorities continue to seek two additional persons of interest connected to the case as forensic technicians work to transform the chaotic crime scene into concrete evidence.

A severe traffic incident involving an eight-year-old student has ignited urgent conversations about road safety measures near educational institutions. Karter Benedit, a second-grade pupil at Holy Family RC Primary School, sustained significant injuries when a motorcycle struck him in Hopkins Village this past Tuesday. The accident occurred shortly after school dismissal as Benedit was crossing the street alongside classmates.

Emergency services transported the critically injured child to Southern Regional Hospital where medical personnel performed immediate surgical interventions. Benedit’s mother, Dydy Martinez, provided disturbing details regarding her son’s condition, noting visible muscle tissue exposure in his leg and multiple deep lacerations requiring approximately fifteen stitches across his back and head. Additionally, the young victim suffered substantial facial swelling and extensive abrasions.

Medical professionals indicated the family should consider themselves extraordinarily fortunate, as the boy’s white tissue—likely referring to bone or deep connective tissue—remained intact despite the traumatic impact. Specialists emphasized that damage to this critical anatomical structure could have resulted in permanent mobility impairment.

Law enforcement authorities have detained the motorcycle operator pending formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. The victim’s family has publicly criticized the absence of adequate safety protocols near the school premises, specifically highlighting the lack of crossing guards and necessary traffic calming infrastructure like speed bumps. This incident has amplified existing concerns about vehicular compliance with school zone regulations and enforcement effectiveness.

A disturbing pattern of motorcycle accidents in Belize has sparked urgent national concern and prompted government action in the opening days of 2026. The recent tragedies include the fatal collision involving Brian Miguel, who was thrown from his motorbike during an incident with a Ford F-150 on the George Price Highway on January 3rd. In a separate incident, eight-year-old Karter Benedit of Hopkins Village remains hospitalized after being struck by a motorcycle while crossing the street after school.

These incidents have intensified calls for comprehensive road safety reforms, particularly emphasizing protection for pedestrians in school zones and addressing concerns about reckless riding practices. The alarming frequency of these events has highlighted the severe consequences for both riders and vulnerable road users.

In response to the growing crisis, Transport CEO Chester Williams revealed that Cabinet is actively reviewing enhanced motorcycle safety measures. The proposed initiatives include overhauling training requirements with government subsidies for riders. Under the contemplated system, experienced riders with 2-5 years of infraction-free operation would undergo partial training, while new applicants and those with less than two years of experience would complete comprehensive government-subsidized training programs.

Williams confirmed that the Ministry of Transport has prepared an information paper for Cabinet consideration at next week’s meeting, which is expected to provide definitive direction on motorcycle training protocols. The Transport CEO emphasized that Prime Minister himself recognizes the essential nature of proper training, indicating strong governmental support for these initiatives.

Enforcement measures will also be significantly strengthened with Cabinet approval for additional traffic officers, aiming to expand the department to approximately 200 personnel capable of conducting 24-hour highway enforcement. The enhanced enforcement capabilities will include advanced equipment such as body cameras for officers, dashboard cameras for vehicles, speed detection devices, and breathalyzers to comprehensively address traffic safety concerns.