In response to a surge in gang-related violence, a state of public emergency has been officially declared in parts of Belize City, the Belize District, and the Cayo District. Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam signed the proclamation, which takes immediate effect and grants law enforcement expanded powers to restore order and ensure public safety in affected communities.
The emergency declaration comes amid a wave of deadly shootings, including the recent killing of Brandon Baptist and the shooting of another individual identified as Rojas—events that police say pushed the threat level from high to critical.
Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado said, “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. At the critical stage that it is right now, there’s a need for [a State of Emergency]. I believe that one month will not suffice, two months will not suffice—we must start off at six months at the very least.”
Dr. Rosado added that the police department is fully deploying all available resources to restore peace and safety, stressing that recent violent incidents are “totally unacceptable” and that authorities are doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice.
In Belize City and the Belize District, the emergency order covers:
- George Price Highway to Belize River, Central American Blvd to Lake Independence Blvd
- Central American Blvd to George Price Highway to Fabers Road
- Central American Blvd to George Price Highway to the Caribbean Sea to Fabers Road
- Haulover Creek to Cemetery Road to Central American Blvd to West Collet Canal
- Sections around Cemetery Road, Queen Charlotte Street, Caesar Ridge Road
- Yarborough Road to Regent Street to Haulover Creek
- Queen Street, Handyside Street, Gabourel Lane, North Front Street
- Ladyville Village, including Lord’s Bank
- Communities at Mile 7 to 9 on the George Price Highway, including West Lake, Eight Miles, Sunset, and Western Pines
In the Cayo District, affected zones include:
- Hattieville Area and Roaring Creek Village
- Another World Area in Roaring Creek Village
- Young Bank Area in Camalote Village
The state of emergency will initially remain in effect for one month, unless revoked sooner. However, based on the critical nature of the situation, authorities—including Commissioner Rosado—are advocating for an initial extension to six months. The National Assembly may extend the measure in increments not exceeding twelve months at a time.
However some are not convinced that this latest SOE will work. One social media users posted, “Unu feel like this contain crime… It’s sad the civilian have to punish for those who can’t do there jobs. Big day crime happen,” and another said, “I was really hoping we would see a different approach to fighting this crime epidemic! A proper strategy that clearly outlines the short, Medium and long term actions towards reducing social violence.”