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Commissioner of Police Chester Williams
Police News
Authorities respond to allegations of police brutality in San Pedro
Alex Wade, a San Pedro resident who had been charged with aggravated assault and making threats of death, claims that he was physically abused while in police custody. Wade, who is reportedly out on bail, alleges that the abuse resulted in a fractured elbow. The Belize Police Department has acknowledged the claim and stated that the matter has been referred to the Professional Standards Branch for investigation.
Community and Society
Regulations on alcohol sales on Good Friday
In December 2022, an amendment was made to the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Regulation, which allows most establishments to sell alcohol on Good Friday during the Easter weekend starting from March 29th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the Town Council stated on Tuesday, March 26th, that only Public and General Liquor Licenses (wholesale) holders, including those with Malt licenses (retail), will not be allowed to operate on Good Friday.
Government
Prime Minister hands over Mortuary Transport Vehicles to Ministry of Home Affairs
On November 21, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño handed over two mortuary transport vehicles to the Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries. Hon. Kareem Musa received the donation, valuing BZ$490,000.00, on behalf of his ministry.
Police News
New Police Sub-Station opens in northern Ambergris Caye
The San Pedro Police Formation has expanded its reach to northern Ambergris Caye with the official opening of a sub-station. The new police building officially opened on Wednesday, February 8th, some 10 miles north of San Pedro Town. It will serve as the base for tourism police and operational units.
Community and Society
Government to establish police booths on the island; San Pedro is a safe destination for visitors
Following the violent weekend in San Pedro Town, where a tourist lost her life, the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Tourism, plans to add two police booths on the island to enhance policing efforts. Tourists on the island and future travellers are assured that Ambergris Caye is a safe place to visit.
Crime & Violence
Murder suspect charged for Possession of Unlicensed firearm
The shooting death of island businessman Elvis Polanco is a daily topic in San Pedro Town as friends and relatives mourn his death. Police detained two suspects, one an interdicted police officer and the other an x-cop, but there have been no charges for the crime. However, one of the suspects, 32-year-old Paul Mortis, was charged and remanded for the Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm.
Crime & Violence
Four men, including a Canadian national charged for Hopkins mass shooting
On Wednesday, July 3rd, 28-year-old Brian Andrews, 28-year-old Kenyon Moore, 35-year-old Sherwin Moore, and 43-year-old retired Canadian soldier John Roy Smith were arraigned at the Dangriga Magistrate Court for the Sunday mass shooting at the Wabinaha nightclub in Hopkins Village southern Belize. The incident left two dead and eight persons injured. They were all charged with two counts of Murder and remanded to the Kolbe Foundation-Belize Central Prison.
Community and Society
MS-13 gang members detained in Belize; police ask people to report any suspicious activities
On Monday, May 9th, the Belize Police Department intercepted and arrested members of the Salvadoran gang Mara Salvatrucha 13 or MS-13 in Belize. Four of these gangsters have been arrested, with the last one picked up on Friday, May 6th. As a result, police are on high alert, and their presence in certain areas across the country, like in the Cayo district, has intensified. The public should contact the police if they see any suspicious persons or activity.
