标签： Belize

In a brazen overnight operation, Orange Walk Town became the scene of an audacious commercial burglary targeting Plett’s Electronics on Queen Victoria Avenue. The incident, occurring in the early hours of January 3, 2025, involved perpetrators executing a calculated breach through the building’s cement wall infrastructure.

Law enforcement authorities confirmed that the security alarm system activated approximately at 2:00 AM, prompting immediate police response. Despite officers reaching the premises within minutes, the culprits had already completed their operation and evacuated the scene. Preliminary investigations reveal the theft involved the systematic removal of approximately sixteen cellular phones alongside an undisclosed amount of cash.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer, provided official commentary indicating significant investigative progress. ‘Our teams have obtained substantial video evidence from the premises,’ stated Smith. ‘This visual documentation has enabled the identification and subsequent detention of one individual connected to the burglary.’

The electronic retail establishment has proactively announced a financial reward for information leading to the successful recovery of stolen merchandise. Police emphasize that investigative procedures remain actively ongoing, with forensic analysis and evidence collection continuing at the compromised commercial property.

A sophisticated home security system and rapid police coordination resulted in the successful apprehension of an alleged burglar in Armenia Village on January 4th, 2026. The incident unfolded when a vigilant homeowner, who was away from his residence, received immediate notifications from his security system indicating unauthorized movement on his property.

Acting promptly on the digital alert, the homeowner contacted Belmopan Police Department, which dispatched officers to the scene. Upon arrival, law enforcement personnel discovered twenty-seven-year-old Elvis Larios, a Belizean construction worker from Armenia Village, inside the residence. Authorities confirmed that Larios was found in possession of two items belonging to the homeowner.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, Staff Officer, provided official details regarding the case: “Belmopan Police formally arrested and charged twenty-seven-year-old Elvis Larios for the crime of burglary. The arrest follows police response to a burglary in progress at a residence in Armenia Village. The homeowner reported to police that his security system alerted him to movement at his property while he was away.”

The efficient collaboration between technology-enabled home security and law enforcement response demonstrates the evolving landscape of crime prevention in residential communities. This incident highlights how integrated security systems can serve as effective deterrents against property crimes while enabling rapid intervention by authorities.

Belizean students pursuing their education in Jamaica have been granted essential financial assistance from their home government to recover from the economic impact of Hurricane Melissa. The unexpected natural disaster had forced many scholars to exhaust their personal savings on emergency provisions, evacuation travel, and temporary accommodation, creating significant financial strain as they prepared to resume full in-person classes for the new academic term.

Bernard Pitts, President of the Belizean Student Association of Jamaica, confirmed the receipt of governmental funds. While the disbursement process is currently underway, arrangements have been made for both students remaining in Jamaica during the break and those returning in January. The assistance program addresses the practical challenges of fund distribution, particularly for students without local bank accounts.

When questioned about the allocation of these resources, Pitts clarified that the financial support would primarily cover essential living expenses including food, accommodation, and transportation—the same areas where students had incurred unexpected costs during hurricane preparations. The funding will effectively replace depleted emergency budgets, enabling scholars to regain financial stability and focus on their academic pursuits without the burden of unforeseen hurricane-related expenditures.

The persistent garbage disposal crisis plaguing Placencia Village appears headed for resolution following the formalization of a critical infrastructure contract. Torrential rainfall throughout December had rendered access roads to the municipal waste site completely impassable, creating severe logistical challenges for sanitation operations.

The environmental emergency forced village authorities to implement temporary disposal measures at the entrance perimeter, generating significant concerns among local residents and commercial establishments regarding public health implications and environmental contamination risks.

Substantial progress emerged this week when Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson confirmed the execution of a comprehensive rehabilitation contract valued at approximately $30,000 BZD. The agreement resulted from coordinated negotiations between the Placencia Village Council, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, and community stakeholders during a weekend summit in Santa Cruz.

Infrastructure improvements will focus on complete roadway enhancement to the Seine Bight dumpsite facility, strategically located near Santa Cruz Village. Ferguson acknowledged the Ministry of Rural Transformation’s responsive intervention while contextualizing the challenges facing regional infrastructure development.

“The Ministry of Infrastructure operates with limited equipment resources while confronting simultaneous demands from multiple villages throughout the district,” Ferguson explained. “Recent weeks have presented exceptional precipitation patterns that exacerbated existing transportation vulnerabilities. Our approach prioritizes addressing the most critical needs as they emerge within our operational constraints.”

The remediation initiative represents a proactive response to mounting community concerns and demonstrates effective collaboration between local governance and national agencies. Construction crews commenced work immediately following contract formalization, signaling imminent relief for the peninsula’s waste management difficulties.

BELIZE DISTRICT – After three months of intense competition, the William Dawson Sprite Basketball Tournament has concluded with Tuff Enuff emerging as champions, securing a $5,000 prize. What began as a modest six-team event in 2015 has evolved into a significant community fixture, now featuring twenty teams competing for substantial cash awards.

The tournament, established by the late William Dawson, serves a purpose far beyond athletic competition. Its core mission focuses on diverting at-risk youth from gang involvement through structured sports intervention. Tournament Coordinator Douglas Hyde confirmed the strategy’s effectiveness, noting, “These teams have demonstrated that through sports, they are willing to channel their energy onto the basketball court rather than engage in violence against one another.”

Community impact has been substantial, with Hyde observing unprecedented collaboration between previously divided neighborhoods. “Some of these players didn’t communicate before. They avoided certain areas. Now we’re seeing genuine partnerships and friendships that have developed over years of tournament participation,” he reported.

The competition showcased elite talent from across Belize District, with players expressing personal connections to the event. Tournament MVP Francis Arana from Tuff Enuff emphasized its significance: “As someone from the neighborhood, this tournament represents something our community anticipates annually. It allows youth from challenged areas to showcase their talents and redirect their focus.”

When questioned about the tournament’s effect on reducing gang violence, Arana responded affirmatively: “It helps tremendously by keeping youth actively engaged in basketball. They spend their time practicing and anticipating weekend games rather than lingering on street corners.”

Godfrey Arnold, Top Scorer from runner-up team Don One, echoed this sentiment, describing the tournament as a premier event that fills a void in Belize’s sporting calendar.

The tournament’s future received strong endorsement from Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs, who witnessed the championship games. Minister Mira committed continued government support, stating: “Sports uniquely bring communities together in ways nothing else can. These community-based programs provide young people with alternatives and must continue. We will ensure they receive our ongoing support.”

Final rankings awarded Don One $3,000 for second place, Warriors $1,500 for third, and Class $1,000 for fourth, completing a tournament that successfully blended athletic excellence with social transformation.

The nation of Belize is mourning the passing of Henry Gordon, a distinguished former Cabinet Secretary and Senator, who died on January 2, 2026, at the age of 83. Gordon’s multifaceted career spanned meteorology, pastoral ministry, and national politics, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s public life.

Gordon’s political journey saw him serve as Cabinet Secretary during the 1990s before ascending to the role of Secretary General for the United Democratic Party (UDP). Following the party’s decisive electoral victory in 2008, he was appointed Church Senator through a nomination by the Council of Churches and the Evangelical Association of Churches, representing religious communities in the national legislature.

Before entering politics, Gordon established himself as Belize’s chief meteorologist and served as a respected Baptist pastor, blending scientific acumen with spiritual leadership. This unique combination of expertise characterized his approach to public service throughout his career.

UDP Leader Tracy Panton commemorated Gordon’s legacy in an official statement, noting: ‘Mr. Gordon served with unwavering commitment, integrity, and a profound sense of duty. His contributions to our nation’s development will be remembered with both respect and sincere appreciation.’

Current Church Senator Louis Wade, who considered Gordon his mentor, reflected on his guidance: ‘This represents a significant loss for our nation, as he was among my most influential mentors. I first encountered his wisdom through his writings in Amandala newspaper.’ Wade further elaborated: ‘He possessed the unique ability to navigate both governmental corridors and spiritual matters, much like the biblical Daniel who maintained his faith while serving in positions of power. He consistently emphasized how biblical principles and constitutional values collaboratively strengthen democratic governance.’

Gordon is survived by his wife Ann, their four children, eleven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. A funeral service will be conducted at Bethany Baptist Church in Belize City on January 10 at 1:00 PM, where community members and dignitaries will gather to honor his life and contributions.