In response to a recent surge in murders, the Government of Belize has declared a state of emergency. The violence erupted on Saturday following an attempt on the life of well-known street figure Jimmy Rojas. Since then, three people have been killed in what police confirm is a feud between rival gangs. As a result, the entire southside of Belize City, along with Ladyville, the Eight Mile Community, Roaring Creek Village, and part of Camalote Village, are now under a one-month state of emergency. News Five’s Paul Lopez delves deeper into the unfolding situation.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
In response to a surge in gang violence that claimed three lives within twenty-four hours, a state of emergency has been declared in parts of Belize City, the Belize District, and the Cayo District. The affected areas in Belize City include the entire southside and parts of the northside, covering Queen Street, Handyside Street, and North Front Street. The SOE also extends to Ladyville, the Eight Miles Community, Sunset Community, and Western Pines Community. In the Cayo District, Roaring Creek Village and Young Bank in Camalote Village are under emergency measures. Authorities are taking swift action to restore peace and safety in these communities.
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police (File: May 6th, 2025)
“With the death of Brandon Baptist the security threat was high and with the shooting of Rojas it has now escalated to a critical level.”
A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division (File: May 6th, 2025)
“Yes we have some information to suggest that it is, that is why we have sixty persons in detention at this time. We are conducting several operations across the Belize District and continue with our work on the ground.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero reported a third casualty in the ongoing gang feud. Thirty-one-year-old Kadeem Orosco was tragically shot and killed on Ebony Street Tuesday morning, just moments after dropping off his seven-year-old daughter at school. The news of his murder has devastated his family, with one of his aunts calling for a state of emergency and the reinstatement of capital punishment. The community is in shock as authorities work to address the escalating violence.
Teresita Orosco, Aunt of Deceased (File: May 6th, 2025)
“Hang them, we as families have to cry out for justice. We have to cry out for capital punishment to come back. Hang them ok.”
The state of emergency declared in response to the recent surge in gang violence is now in full effect and will initially last for one month. While it is likely to be extended, the exact duration remains uncertain. Commissioner Rosado has indicated that, if it were up to him, those detained under the SOE would remain behind bars for at least six months.
“I do believe there is a need for state of emergency to address security concerns when violence is at a critical situation. Present we do have a critical situation in the Martins area and the guys need a time out, but rather than doing a one month or a three months we need to pursue a six months period.”
As the state of emergency takes effect, residents of Belize City’s southside, Ladyville, the Eight Mile Community, Roaring Creek, and Young Bank can expect heightened police presence for the next four weeks. Authorities are stepping up their efforts to ensure safety and restore order in these areas. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez