标签： Belize

Belizean parliamentarian Julius Espat has issued a compelling appeal for national unity regarding the ongoing conservation efforts in the critically important Chiquibul Forest region. The Cayo South Area Representative’s intervention follows recent Senate proceedings that revealed significant tensions between environmental groups and governmental authorities.

The political discourse emerged after NGO Senator Janelle Chanona openly criticized the administration for allegedly obstructing the operations of Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), a prominent environmental organization. This accusation appears connected to a comprehensive statement released by Bulridge Limited, a forestry enterprise that holds legal concessions in the area. The company vigorously defended its sustainable forest management practices while simultaneously drawing comparative assessments of FCD’s conservation methodologies.

Espat, adopting a conciliatory stance, acknowledged the valuable contributions of both entities involved in the dispute. “I have personally accompanied FCD personnel into the Chiquibul wilderness and witnessed their exceptional dedication firsthand,” the legislator stated. “Similarly, Bullridge appears to be fulfilling their operational responsibilities effectively.”

The representative drew an analogy to familial dynamics, suggesting that internal disagreements should ultimately yield to collective national interest. “Much like siblings debating portion sizes at the dinner table, these conservation stakeholders require parental guidance—in this case, governmental leadership—to foster cooperation rather than competition,” Espat elaborated. He emphasized that all decisions must prioritize Belize’s long-term environmental security and sustainable development, while clarifying his non-involvement in the immediate conflict resolution process.

This development highlights the complex interplay between economic interests, environmental protection, and governance in managing Belize’s precious natural resources, particularly within the ecologically significant Chiquibul Forest ecosystem that represents a vital component of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.

BELIZE CITY – The noticeable reduction of police presence along the George Price Highway has prompted public inquiry into law enforcement operations. Regular commuters have observed the absence of previously consistent checkpoints, particularly at the mile four location, raising questions about permanent closure.

Senior Superintendent Reymundo Reyes, Eastern Division Commander, has clarified the situation in an official statement. Contrary to public speculation about abandoned operations, the Belize Police Department is implementing a strategic reallocation of resources. “We are limiting the checkpoints being conducted in the area,” Reyes explained. “Both assigned police officers remain available for immediate deployment.”

The revised operational approach maintains readiness for rapid response scenarios rather than maintaining constant visible presence. Superintendent Reyes emphasized that personnel will mobilize promptly when specific intelligence indicates criminal activity, particularly involving drug trafficking, firearms transportation, or vehicle interception requirements following robbery incidents.

This tactical adjustment represents a shift toward intelligence-driven policing rather than routine checkpoint maintenance. Law enforcement officials stress that the change enhances operational efficiency while maintaining security capabilities. The Eastern Division confirms that this strategic modification allows for optimized resource distribution across multiple crime prevention initiatives without compromising public safety objectives along critical transportation corridors.

BELIZE CITY – A disturbing wave of criminal activity has cast a shadow over Belize’s Christmas festivities, with authorities reporting multiple serious incidents occurring within a single week. The holiday season, typically marked by celebration, has instead become a period of heightened security concerns across the nation.

In the latest development, Belize Bank’s Dangriga branch on Ecumenical Drive was forcibly entered during the early hours of Tuesday morning. Although preliminary investigations indicate no financial assets were stolen, the perpetrators inflicted substantial damage to banking equipment before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement agencies are currently examining forensic evidence to identify those responsible.

This bank incident follows closely on the heels of a more destructive event at the newly established Island Supermarket in San Pedro’s Tres Cosos area. Surveillance footage reveals two unidentified males breaching the premises, subsequently igniting a shopping cart filled with merchandise. The resulting fire generated significant smoke damage before being contained by emergency response teams.

Tragically, this crime wave follows the brutal murders of two Sarita delivery drivers, Alexander Crawford and Raynard Garbutt, who were killed during an armed robbery while performing their duties. Their vehicle was discovered abandoned with its cash compartment emptied. This pattern mirrors a November assault on a Country Foods delivery driver, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds but miraculously survived the attack.

Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith emphasized the critical need for enhanced security measures: ‘We strongly advise businesses to transition toward electronic transactions and implement comprehensive surveillance systems, including dashboard cameras in all delivery vehicles. These precautions are essential for protecting employees who regularly transport goods and funds.’

Authorities are urging heightened public vigilance, recommending that residents and business owners reinforce security protocols through improved lighting, alarm systems, and strategic camera placement. Police emphasize that community cooperation remains vital in combating this escalating criminal trend, encouraging immediate reporting of any suspicious activities to local law enforcement.

With Christmas celebrations intensifying and commercial activity peaking, Belizean security forces have increased patrols while reminding citizens that personal safety should outweigh all other considerations during this volatile period.

Authorities in Belize continue their intensive search for the individuals responsible for the fatal shooting of two Sarita delivery drivers, a crime that has cast a shadow over the holiday season. The victims, identified as Raynard Garbutt and Alexander Crawford, were discovered deceased on Thursday night near the Hummingbird Highway’s mile forty marker, adjacent to their abandoned delivery vehicle.

The investigation was initiated after the two men failed to return to the company’s Santa Elena warehouse following their delivery route in Dangriga. Police confirmed both victims sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, who is overseeing the case, provided a statement on the progress of the investigation. “Regarding the investigation pertaining to the employees of Sarita Recinos,” ASP Smith stated, “while we have made some advancements, all I would like to add at this point is that the information that has been received is being meticulously reviewed. We urge persons to continue to come forward with information in relation to this investigation.”

The tragedy has profoundly impacted the local community and the families of the victims, occurring just days before Christmas celebrations. Police are appealing to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of those responsible for this violent crime.

Authorities in the Toledo District have launched a criminal investigation following a violent altercation that resulted in two brothers being hospitalized with stab wounds. The incident occurred on December 14th, 2025, during what police describe as a social gathering that turned violent.

According to official statements from the Punta Gorda Police Station, Steven and Roberto Pop presented themselves at the local hospital seeking emergency medical treatment for multiple stab injuries. Preliminary investigations indicate that alcohol consumption appears to have been a significant factor in the escalation of events.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer, provided details of the ongoing investigation: “Our inquiry commenced on December 14th when officers received notification that two male individuals were receiving medical attention for stab wounds at Punta Gorda Hospital. Our investigation has revealed that the victims were socializing with a female relative when they requested her departure from the gathering.”

The law enforcement official further explained: “The suspect reportedly shattered glass bottles which were then utilized as weapons to inflict injuries upon both brothers. The female relative has been taken into custody as part of our continuing investigation into this serious matter.”

The detained woman, whose identity remains undisclosed pending formal charges, is currently being questioned by Toledo District police. Both victims remain under medical supervision at Punta Gorda Hospital, though their current conditions have not been officially disclosed.

This incident marks the latest in a series of alcohol-related violent crimes in the Toledo District, raising concerns among community leaders about substance abuse and domestic violence in the region. Local authorities have emphasized their commitment to thorough investigation and appropriate legal action once all facts have been established.

Belize law enforcement authorities have formally charged a sixteen-year-old male minor in connection with a brazen armed robbery that transpired in Ladyville last week. The arrest culminated from a comprehensive police investigation into the December 10th incident, which occurred at approximately 1:05 p.m.

According to official reports, the criminal episode involved three armed suspects who initially accosted one individual before proceeding to enter a building where they confronted two additional victims. The perpetrators, one of whom was visibly armed with a firearm, successfully stole multiple personal items during the confrontation.

Police response teams mobilized swiftly to the scene, resulting in the apprehension of one suspect identified as a minor. Law enforcement officials confirmed the recovery of stolen property from the juvenile’s possession at the time of arrest.

Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, serving as Staff Officer, provided official commentary on the case: “Investigators in Ladyville formerly arrested and charged a sixteen-year-old minor for the crime of robbery. Police are seeking two additional male persons in relation to this incident.”

The case continues to develop as authorities pursue the two remaining suspects believed to be connected to the armed robbery. The formal charges mark a significant development in the ongoing investigation, though police have not disclosed additional details regarding the recovered items or the identity of the minor due to legal protections surrounding juvenile offenders.

Authorities in Orange Walk Town have successfully apprehended a suspect connected to an attempted armed robbery at a local convenience store. Oscar Arnolfo Calderon, a 40-year-old laborer residing on San Ignacio Street, now faces criminal charges following a comprehensive police investigation into the December 9th incident.

The case unfolded when the proprietor of Bangladesh Minimart reported the attempted robbery to local law enforcement. According to Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, who serves as Staff Officer, the store owner was present at his establishment when a masked individual entered the premises brandishing a metal pipe and making explicit demands. The assailant reportedly lifted his shirt to reveal what appeared to be a firearm, prompting the business owner to flee the scene immediately.

Police investigators employed sophisticated forensic techniques, collecting and analyzing surveillance footage from multiple locations within the vicinity of the crime. This video evidence proved instrumental in establishing probable cause for a search warrant at Calderon’s residence. The execution of this warrant yielded several pieces of crucial evidential material directly linking the suspect to the attempted robbery.

ASP Smith emphasized the critical role of modern surveillance technology in contemporary crime resolution, noting that the retrieved footage provided investigators with definitive leads that might otherwise have remained undiscovered. The successful identification and apprehension of the suspect demonstrate the effectiveness of combining traditional police work with digital evidence analysis.

The Orange Walk Police Department continues to investigate whether the suspect may be connected to other recent criminal activities in the district. Calderon remains in custody awaiting formal judicial proceedings as authorities work to build a comprehensive case against him.