Accidents & Disasters
Police release Pedro’s Hotel and Inn arson suspect
Arson is the suspected cause of the fire at Pedro’s Hotel and Inn, which led to the apprehension of a male individual for questioning. The suspect remained in police custody for a couple of days, but according to reliable reports, on Wednesday, May 26th, he was released.
Accidents & Disasters
Morning fire at Pedro’s Hotel and Inn under investigation
A fire, which reportedly started around 5:30AM on Sunday, May 23rd, at Pedro’s Hotel and Inn is currently under investigation by police and the San Pedro Fire Department. No one was hurt in the blaze, but the hotel’s two-story building, housing the restaurant, bar, and laundry area, was destroyed. Other facilities on the property (hotel rooms), including an onsite animal hospital, remained intact.
Accidents & Disasters
Miriam Rodriguez charged for the death of Bianca Reyes
San Mateo resident 27-year-old Miriam Rodriguez is out on bail after she was charged at the San Pedro Magistrate Court for Manslaughter by Negligence in the death of 18-year-old Bianca Reyes. She was also arraigned for Causing Death by Careless Conduct, Driving with Alcohol Concentration, Negligent Wounding and Harm. Rodriguez is expected to return to court on June 24, 2021.
Accidents & Disasters
National Garifuna Council appeals for financial donations to assist St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The NGC shares their solidarity for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines who continue to be affected by the volcano’s eruption and are seeking the assistance of the public for financial contributions. Any contribution can deposit into the National Garifuna Council Scotiabank account number 1939304. Monies collected will then be forwarded to their partners in St. Vincent on behalf of Belize.
Accidents & Disasters
Belize Stands in Solidarity with St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The Government of Belize has pledged a contribution of US$50,000 to the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to aid in relief efforts as our CARICOM sister nation continues to endure volcanic activity following the first explosive eruption of the La Soufrière volcano on Friday, April 9, 2021.
Accidents & Disasters
Female tourist dies while scuba diving on Ambergris Caye
A female American tourist identified as 72-year-old Mona Bhatti died on Monday, March 29th, while on a diving tour off San Pedro Town's coast. The deceased, a medical doctor, reportedly felt ill and became unresponsive. By the time she was rushed back to the island for medical attention, she had passed away.
Accidents & Disasters
Rickilee Mercer honored four years after tragic death; Triple R commended for their work
Four years after her tragic death, Rickilee Mercer was honored on Sunday, February 28th, with a short activity at Secret Beach north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the place she was last seen alive. Her unfortunate death, which was ruled as an accident after falling off a jet ski, gave birth to the Rickilee Response and Rescue or Triple R, a team that responds to road and water accidents/emergencies on the island.
Accidents & Disasters
U.S. Government coordinates with UNICEF Belize, National Emergency Management Organization and Belize Red Cross on joint emergency response to COVID-19 and Hurricane Eta
In a ceremony today at the San Ignacio Town Council Hall, U.S. Embassy Belmopan and its implementing partner UNICEF handed over emergency response kits to Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the Belize Red Cross. These kits were purchased through an ongoing $300,000 United States Agency for International Development (USAID) grant to UNICEF launched in August to assist UNICEF in its work to reduce the risk and impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable children and adolescents in Belize. These kits – which include food and hygiene items – will be distributed to 354 families from regions in the Cayo District that were most severely impacted by flooding from Hurricanes Eta and Iota.