Community and Society
Caye Caulker Village Council Questions Police Behavior
On Wednesday, July 2nd, the Caye Caulker Village Council issued a press release addressing growing concerns over allegations of violence and abuse of authority by local police officers. The council highlighted reports of excessive force, particularly against the island's youth. It emphasized the need for officers to focus on de-escalation rather than meeting violence with violence.
Police News
Police Seek Advice from DPP on Fatal Stabbing of Caye Caulker Youth
As the investigation continues into the fatal stabbing of Caye Caulker youth Kevin Depaz, 19, allegedly by an off-duty police officer, police will rely on the directives of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to proceed with the case. Depaz was fatally wounded in the early hours of Monday, June 30th, during an altercation involving some of his friends and two off-duty police officers.
Police News
Recent Police Operations Yield Results in San Pedro and Caye Caulker
A surge in police operations across Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker has led to significant breakthroughs in the fight against drug trafficking and other criminal activities. Superintendent Lorenzo, leading the operations, has mobilized all available officers on the island, pushing for increased intelligence gathering and rapid response to criminal activity.
Community and Society
PEACE Graduation Ceremony a Success: Over 200 Students Receive Certificates
The San Pedro Police Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), hosted the Positive Engagement and Civic Education (PEACE) graduation ceremony on Monday, June 24th, at the Lions Den. Two hundred thirty-one students from Holy Cross Anglican School and Isla Bonita Elementary School received certificates for completing the PEACE program.
Crime & Violence
Police Await DPP Advice on Fatal Dispute Between Daniel Salazar and Father
San Pedro Police are awaiting directives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on whether island resident Daniel Salazar, 39, will be held criminally liable for the death of his father, 59-year-old Rubio Salazar. Daniel is accused of allegedly causing his father’s death on Saturday, June 14th, during a domestic altercation at their home in the San Mateo area, north of San Pedro Town.
Community and Society
Superintendent Edlin Lorenzo takes Command of Division Four
Effective June 1, 2025, Division Four of the Belize Police Department, which includes the islands of San Pedro and Caye Caulker, welcomed a new commander, Superintendent Edlin Lorenzo from Dangriga. With a 25-year career in law enforcement, Lorenzo brings a combination of operational expertise, intelligence acumen, and a strong commitment to community engagement.
Health
PAHO/WHO Belize, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Belize Police Force, hosts Training of Trainers on the Revised Mental...
The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) and the Belize Police Force, launched a four-day training for seventy-five police officers.
Police News
Josue Amador Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Shooting Police Officer in 2019
On Tuesday, June 2nd, island resident Josue Danilo Villatoro Amador, 32, pleaded guilty to a charge of Manslaughter in the 2019 shooting death of Police Corporal Alfonso Guy. Amador appeared before Justice Candace Nanton, accompanied by his attorney, Ronell Gonzalez, for the plea bargain. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing in July, on a date yet to be confirmed.
Community and Society
San Pedro Volunteer Special Constables Receive Uniforms
The San Pedro Police Formation continues its efforts to maintain peace and safety on the island. To fulfill this mandate and better serve the growing population, the department collaborates with volunteer special constables, many of whom are residents with regular day-to-day jobs, who remain on standby to assist when needed. On Wednesday, May 28th, these dedicated volunteers were formally recognized for their ongoing support and presented with new uniform shirts.
Police News
Jairo Sandoval Acquitted in 2021 San Pedro Shooting Case
Islander Jairo Sandoval, 24, was acquitted on Friday, May 23rd, after entering a plea bargain in connection with a 2021 shooting incident that left one man severely injured. The incident occurred on September 21, 2021, during Independence Day celebrations in San Pedro Town. Sandoval had initially been charged with Attempted Murder, Dangerous Harm, Use of Deadly Means of Harm, and Aggravated Assault. He was remanded to the Kolbe Foundation at the Belize Central Prison but was later released on bail pending trial.
Crime & Violence
Postmortem rules Selvin Sealy’s death as homicide, family demands answers
On Saturday, May 17th, Selvin Sealy Jr., 32, was laid to rest in San Pedro Town. The island resident died in police custody after he was apprehended for trespassing on private property south of San Pedro earlier in the week. While family members are questioning the circumstances surrounding his death, police on the island say the matter is under investigation, and a file has been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further advice.
