Tag: 2025-05-06

‘Suspicious’ Motorcyclists to Be Stopped and Searched

The Belize Police Department is intensifying efforts to monitor and intercept individuals using motorcycles to commit violent crimes. While a State of Emergency will not be declared at this time, Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero confirmed that additional measures are being taken to prevent further violence, including monitoring the use of motorcycles in criminal activities.”

“We have seen an increase in the use of motorcycles to commit these murders. So, we are targeting individuals on motorcycles, but we know there are a number of motorcycles in the city, so as soon as we identify suspicious persons, they are followed and searched,” ACP Romero stated.

He assured the public that the police are not acting indiscriminately: “We know the key players, so once we see them on motorcycles then we need to target them.”

Romero confirmed that over sixty alleged gang members have been detained following the recent murders in the last 48 hours. The detained individuals are currently being held for questioning.

Belize Day 2025 Cancelled Over Trump Immigration Policy Fears

The Belize Educational Fund and Day in the Park Committee announced the cancellation of Belize Day in the Park Chicago 2025. The committee cited growing concerns within the immigrant community over recent U.S. immigration enforcement policies.

In a statement released by Committee President Dr. Phyllis V. Hughes, the organisation expressed regret over the decision but stressed that the safety and well-being of the Belizean Diaspora remain a top priority.

“We recognise that the recent immigration deportation policies have caused fear and anxiety in immigrant communities,” the statement read. “These policies have resulted in an increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within these communities.”

The committee acknowledged the disappointment this cancellation may bring but hopes for understanding in light of the circumstances.

The annual event is a celebrated cultural gathering for Belizeans living in the U.S., particularly in the Midwest, and serves as a cornerstone for community connection and heritage celebration.

Conclave to Begin as Cardinals Prepare to Elect New Pope

The solemn and secretive process to elect a new pope will begin Wednesday morning in the Sistine Chapel, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88.

According to the Vatican News, 173 Cardinals, including 130 Cardinal electors, participated in the twelfth General Congregation. The cardinals, all under the age of 80 and drawn from 71 countries, will enter the conclave after a special Mass in St Peter’s Basilica.

Once inside, they will be cut off from the outside world until a new pontiff is chosen. The conclave, rooted in centuries of ritual, opens with oaths of secrecy under threat of excommunication. Once a pope is elected, he will be asked two questions: acceptance and name choice.

Tracy Panton Calls for NPC Meeting to Elect New Chairman

Tracy Panton confirmed in a statement that a formal petition has been submitted to convene a National Party Council (NPC) meeting, in line with the UDP Constitution and under the status quo ante legal framework, which preserves the party structure prior to last year’s court injunction.

Panton said that the UDP “is seeking to ensure a sound path forward by asking for our next steps to be ones done under the status quo ante.”

According to the statement, Vice Chairman Alberto August “was not prepared to perform his duty to call a meeting of the National Party Council,” which prompted Panton’s support for the constitutional petition.

Under party rules, a valid petition mandates an NPC meeting. Secretary General Shary Medina and Vice Chairman August are now “constitutionally obliged to carry out the will of the petitioners and proceed with convening the NPC,” Panton added.

The National Party Council meeting is proposed for either May 17 or 24. According to Panton, she has the full support of Hugo Patt, the First Deputy Party Leader, to serve as Interim Leader until the next leadership convention.

Did Security Cameras Capture Latest Murder? 

Authorities are investigating the early morning shooting death of 31-year-old Kadeem Orosco in Belize City. Orosco was shot and killed near the intersection of Ebony Street and Sarstoon Street.

Police are investigating possible links between the killings as part of an ongoing gang conflict. Security cameras in the area have been identified, and authorities say they are awaiting review of the footage as part of their ongoing investigation.

This killing comes just one day after police detained dozens of individuals in gang-related operations. Despite these efforts, violence in the city continues to escalate.

Family members arrived at the crime scene shortly after the shooting. A relative told News 5, “We will not retaliate, because we do not pick up guns; we pick up Bible instead.”

Orosco’s father also came to the scene, emotionally pleading with officers, “This is my son; I need to see my son.”

The area was cordoned off as forensic teams processed the scene.

Orosco’s murder adds to a string of violent incidents in recent days, including the weekend slayings of Aaron Lindo and Nelson Henry, also known as “Mung.” Police are also probing an earlier attempted shooting of 27-year-old Jimmy Rojas.

On Monday, newly appointed Commissioner of Police Dr Richard Rosado stated that he would fully support a six-month state of emergency following rising tensions between rival groups in the city. He described the increase of gang-related activities as a ‘critical situation,’ adding that a possible SOE is “up for discussion.”

 

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