Murders for 2024 Believed to be less than 100; DUI Numbers Up

The crime and police statistics for 2024 are still being finalized and won’t be released until next week. However, if our records are accurate, the murder count for the past year remained in double digits. This marks the second consecutive year that homicides stayed below the one-hundred mark, closely following 2023’s figure of eighty-seven. News Five’s indicate that the murder count for 2024 was ninety-one, though this number could differ from the police department’s official tally next week. When it comes to fatal traffic accidents, which are a major concern, we expect the numbers to be high for 2024, given the frequent fatal motorcycle accidents. At the last House Meeting about three weeks ago, Prime Minister John Briceño mentioned that a significantly high number of drivers were charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in 2024. He also stated that the Attorney General’s ministry is working on a strategic revamp of the penalties for this serious offense.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I’m told that so far this year, up to November, we have arrested two hundred and one persons for Driving Under the Influence. It is also a fact that much more needs to be done. That’s nowhere close to what we have to do, but the prevalence and frequency of losing so many Belizean lives, especially our young people – promising young Belizeans – warrants immediate attention and action. In this regard, Cabinet has directed the Attorney General to commence a comprehensive review of road-safety laws and regulations, particularly offences dealing with driving under the influence, with a view to make it a serious deterrent for anyone who considers drinking and taking the wheel.”