标签： Belize

The Pomona Village community entered the new year shrouded in grief following a fatal shooting incident on New Year’s Eve that claimed the lives of two young men. Twenty-three-year-old Zion Samuels and twenty-two-year-old Luke Chavarria were fatally wounded by an unidentified assailant while socializing with friends outside Samuels’ residence.

According to eyewitness accounts, a lone gunman approached the group and opened fire without provocation, resulting in the immediate deaths of both victims. Four other individuals present at the scene managed to escape unharmed. Local law enforcement confirmed the suspect fled on foot and remains at large as investigations continue.

The tragedy has left families and community members devastated. Neidia Guzman, a longtime family friend, emotionally recounted the close relationships between the victims and her own family, emphasizing Samuels’ positive character and dedication to his children. The crime scene has since become a makeshift memorial with candles and flowers honoring the deceased.

Police authorities disclosed that while the precise motive remains undetermined, the property has historical connections to drug-related operations. Mark Samuels, father of Zion, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of his son, describing him as an easy-going individual who didn’t deserve such violence.

The investigation continues as community members grapple with the recurring pattern of gun violence affecting their neighborhood.

A resident of Independence Village commenced the year 2026 with an extraordinary financial windfall, securing a $15,000 prize from a Scratch and Win lottery ticket on New Year’s Day. The fortunate individual was enjoying the holiday with her sisters when she opted to purchase the ticket on a whim. Her immediate reaction upon revealing the winning symbols was one of disbelief and exhilaration. “I scratch the scratch and when I see, I want know if I di see good. I recheck it and I halla fi alla my sister deh,” she recounted, describing the moment she verified the win and celebrated with her family. When questioned about her plans for the sudden wealth, the winner revealed an intention to pursue entrepreneurial ventures rather than immediate expenditure. “I’ll try flip this money. I was buy all kind a thing and try invest this fi flip this over and put more inna mi account,” she stated, indicating a strategy of investment to grow the capital. Offering advice to fellow lottery enthusiasts, the winner maintained an optimistic outlook. “Yes. Unu try. Once unu try it, unu must ketch it one day. Because I always had my hopes up that one day I get scratch,” she encouraged, affirming her sustained belief in eventually achieving a win. The story serves as an inspiring start to the new year for the local community.

Belize welcomed its symbolic first citizen of 2026 with the arrival of baby Chosen at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. The historic birth occurred at 2:03 p.m. on January 1st, with the infant weighing seven pounds and four ounces.

Twenty-seven-year-old Cliffara Ramos experienced what she described as an ‘extra special’ delivery, marking the first female birth in her family in thirteen years. ‘I was nervous but ultimately happy that my baby arrived healthy and strong. By the grace of God, we are both okay,’ Ramos shared with emotional gratitude.

The distinctive name ‘Chosen’ held profound meaning for the mother, who revealed: ‘From ever since, whether it was a boy or girl, I said my baby’s name would be Chosen. I always believed I would have children.’

Medical oversight was provided by Dr. Mikael Gilharry, who explained the delivery process: ‘By noon, we recognized she wasn’t experiencing further dilation despite intense pains. We contacted Dr. Nicholas and performed an emergency C-section that resulted in a healthy female neonate without complications.’

The hospital staff received high praise from Ramos, who noted: ‘KHMH workers, doctors and nurses who attended to me were exceptionally sweet. I literally cannot complain.’

Continuing a cherished national tradition, Santiago Castillo Limited presented the family with essential supplies for the infant’s first hundred days. Marketing Manager Aisha Trapp announced: ‘We gift a case of diapers and wipes to the first baby born each year. This instance is particularly special as only one birth occurred at KHMH on New Year’s Day. We will identify and similarly gift first babies in other public hospitals nationwide.’

Though Ramos’ due date was several days later, baby Chosen emerged as the sole newborn at the facility on January 1st, cementing her place as Belize’s inaugural infant of the new year.

A Belize City family is confronting tragedy and challenging public perceptions after a fatal New Year’s Eve shooting that claimed the life of 45-year-old Ian Arthurs. The incident occurred at the intersection of Waight Street and Faber’s Road as Arthurs was dropping off his niece, Sherlyn Butler, shortly before midnight on December 31st.

According to eyewitness accounts, multiple gunshots erupted in the area, initially mistaken for holiday fireworks. Both Arthurs and his niece were struck during the attack. Butler survived her injuries, but Arthurs succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sheryl Arthurs, the victim’s sister, provided a heartfelt defense of her brother’s character in the aftermath of the shooting. She vehemently rejected any suggestions that her brother was involved in criminal activities or gang affiliations, despite acknowledging that some of his acquaintances might have questionable connections.

‘I could put my head on the block one million and one times that my brother did nothing to nobody. He never killed anyone – I know that for a fact,’ Arthurs stated during an emotional interview. She described her brother as ‘the life of the party’ and a peaceful, well-loved individual within their community.

The grieving sister also highlighted a concerning pattern of violence on Waight Street during New Year’s celebrations, which she characterized as having ‘its own curse or spirit.’ She further criticized the prevalence of illegal fireworks that mask the sound of gunshots, creating dangerous confusion during celebrations.

Local law enforcement authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting and are pursuing active leads. The case has drawn attention to ongoing challenges with public safety during holiday celebrations in Belize City.

A night of social gathering turned deadly at Timmy’s Bar in Mango Creek as a shooting incident resulted in nine casualties, with one victim subsequently succumbing to injuries. Keith Logan was identified as the fatal victim who died following the violent attack that occurred during what witnesses described as a regular social evening.

Law enforcement authorities confirmed that multiple gunshot victims were transported to medical facilities for emergency treatment, though the current conditions of the surviving eight victims remain undisclosed. Preliminary investigations indicate that the perpetrators fled the crime scene utilizing motorcycles as their getaway vehicles.

The investigation remains active with no suspects currently in custody. Police are appealing to the public for any information that might lead to the identification and apprehension of those responsible for the violent outbreak that has shaken the Mango Creek community.

A violent crime wave involving coordinated motorcycle shootings has struck the Stann Creek District, resulting in multiple casualties on January 1, 2026. The most recent incident occurred in Pomona Village, where two men lost their lives in a targeted attack.

Law enforcement authorities have identified the victims as Luke Chavarria and Zion Samuels, both pronounced dead upon arrival at Southern Regional Hospital following the shooting. Police were alerted to the situation and promptly responded to a residence belonging to local resident Hilbert ‘Soap’ Smith, where they discovered substantial evidence at the crime scene.

Investigators recovered twelve expended shell casings, indicating a significant exchange of gunfire during the attack. Despite thorough evidence collection and investigation efforts, no arrests have been made in connection with the Pomona Village shooting as authorities continue to pursue leads.

The Pomona tragedy represents the second motorcycle-based shooting incident to occur within the district within hours. Earlier the same day, a separate attack unfolded at Timmy’s Bar in Mange Creek, where nine individuals socializing at the establishment were shot and injured by assailants who similarly escaped on motorcycles. Both incidents demonstrate a concerning pattern of coordinated violence utilizing motorcycles for quick getaways.

Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into both connected incidents, examining potential motives ranging from gang violence to targeted attacks. The dual shootings have raised concerns about public safety and law enforcement capabilities in the region, particularly regarding the apprehension of perpetrators who utilize motorcycles to evade capture.

In a dramatic pre-dawn operation, Belizean authorities successfully prevented a major vehicle theft through rapid technological intervention. On December 31, 2025, seven masked individuals breached security at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Central Farm compound, overpowering and restraining the night watchman before seizing keys to four government pickup trucks (three Toyotas and one Nissan).

The perpetrators, described as Creole-speaking locals, immediately headed toward the western border with Guatemala in what appeared to be a coordinated escape plan. However, the quick actions of the freed security guard triggered an immediate response chain. Ministry officials activated a sophisticated remote vehicle shutdown system that forced the thieves to abandon all four trucks just before reaching the international boundary.

Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson confirmed the vehicles were recovered near Arenal and Benque, praising the coordinated efforts between his department and law enforcement. While acknowledging the brazen nature of the pre-dawn heist, Minister Ferguson declined to speculate on whether insiders were involved, stating investigations were ongoing. The incident has raised questions about compound security despite the presence of surveillance cameras, with authorities examining potential cross-border connections while emphasizing the thieves appeared to be Belizean nationals based on linguistic evidence.