Community and Society
San Pedro Police Boost Patrols to Prevent Crime Spillover from Belize City
The San Pedro Police Department is stepping up efforts to prevent the recent spike in crime in Belize City from reaching the island. Authorities are implementing proactive strategies and collaborating with other security forces to ensure the continued safety of residents and visitors.
Government
Belize launches Online Criminal Records Registry to streamline applications
The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries has launched an online system for applying for criminal records, officially called the Criminal Records Registry (CRR). The platform, accessible at crr.gov.bz, marks a significant shift in public service delivery, offering faster and easier access to this essential document.
Accidents & Disasters
American tourist dies while jet skiing near Secret Beach
The San Pedro Police Department is investigating the sudden death of an American tourist on Friday, September 26th, while he was riding a jet ski near Secret Beach. The deceased has been identified as 58-year-old Daryl La Mont McCray. Reports indicate that McCray had gone jet skiing with friends when he was later found floating in the water. Despite immediate assistance and being rushed to a medical facility, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Crime & Violence
Commissioner Rosado Placed on Leave Pending Full Budna Investigation
On Monday, September 8, 2025, Belize’s Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, was placed on a 45-day leave amid the controversy surrounding the Joseph Budna kidnapping case. The move, unprecedented in Belize’s history, followed Prime Minister John Briceño’s review of an initial investigative report that he deemed “incomplete and unsatisfactory.” The decision has sparked a strong national reaction.
Crime & Violence
Two Minors Charged for Attempted Robbery at Publics Supermarket in San Pedro
A 57-year-old security guard from San Pedro Town continues to recover after being shot during an attempted armed robbery at Publics Supermarket. Police have since charged two minors in connection with the incident, which occurred on September 5 at the store on Coconut Drive.
Police News
Promotions and upgrades announced for Police Formations across the country
After a nationwide tour of police formations, the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, Honorable Kareem Musa, has announced several changes and upgrades for the Belize Police Department. These include officer promotions, land access, duty-free grocery purchases, and the construction of new police stations in Corozal and Orange Walk, along with a new police headquarters in Belmopan.
Police News
Machete Attack in Caye Caulker Leaves One Man Severely Injured
Caye Caulker Police are investigating a machete attack that left Mark Budd, 37, with serious injuries to his arm and hand. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Thursday, August 28, in the Bahia area of the island. Budd was later transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City, where he was admitted and listed in stable condition. Reports indicate he lost two fingers in the attack.
Crime & Violence
No Arrests Made in Backatown Shooting
A San Pedro barber, 25-year-old Jose Manuel Velasquez, survived an early morning shooting on Tuesday, August 26th, in the Backatown area. He was reportedly approached by a known male individual who pulled out a firearm and fired at him, grazing him but causing no fatal injuries. Velasquez was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where he was stabilized and listed in stable condition. Police are investigating the incident but have not yet detained the shooter.
Business & Economy
GOB Revokes Caribi Bleu Casino License
On Friday, July 25th, the Government of Belize (GOB), through the Ministry of Investment, issued an official statement announcing the formal cancellation of the license for Caribi Bleu Casino, located in San Pedro Town. The casino, which operated under the name GMK Sky Limited, is no longer permitted to operate the gaming premises following the detention of its owner, Rima Ray, in the United States on charges of money laundering and operating an unlicensed gambling establishment.
Police News
Islander Remanded for Attempted Robbery at San Pedro Quality Poultry Branch
Police have arrested and charged 25-year-old Roberto Barrientos with Aggravated Assault in connection with an attempted robbery at the Quality Poultry branch in the Boca del Rio area of San Pedro Town on July 13th. According to official reports, Barrientos was arraigned and remanded to the Belize Central Prison.
Crime & Violence
Brothers Remanded After Charged for Alleged Gang Involvement
Following a shooting incident at a residence in the San Pedrito area belonging to the Espat family, brothers Alexander Logan and Mark Espat were detained and subsequently charged with being members of a gang. The pair were arraigned at the Belize City Magistrate's Court on Monday, July 21st. They were denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until their next court appearance, set for September 24, 2025.
