The Reason Why He Shot His Fellow Soldier 

A shooting incident at the Belize Defence Force’s (BDF) Crique Sarco Patrol Base on Sunday, January 19, 2025, resulted in one fatality and one injury. Major Roberta Usher, Chief of Staff of the BDF, told News 5 that Private Clive Baizar died from multiple gunshot wounds, while another soldier sustained two gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment at the Western Regional Hospital.

The shooting is under investigation by the police department. “This matter is now under police investigation, and depending on what comes of it, then they will be charged accordingly,” Usher said. Both soldiers were part of the same patrol.

Usher added that the incident occurred while the soldiers were on duty at the patrol base, and the weapon used was confirmed to be an issued firearm. Initial reports suggest that alcohol was not involved.

“The samples of the entire patrol have been taken, and they’re going through their process of being investigated; however, on the initial outcome of the commanders on the ground and the commanders that were at their camp, they do not believe alcohol is involved,” she said, adding, “We will not know until these results are back.”

Major Usher said that the infantry battalion commander has replaced the patrol, and all necessary steps to maintain operations have been taken. She also added that those involved in the previous patrol are now part of the ongoing investigation.

The incident follows similar cases in 2019 and May 2024. 

Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters this afternoon that one of the soldiers, identified as Alfred Robinson, allegedly shot Baizar. “Alfred was taken into custody of the police and is currently detained, pending further investigation,” Williams said.

According to Williams, the shooting occurred after a heated argument between the two soldiers while they were reportedly socialising. The argument escalated, and Robinson fired several gunshots, fatally wounding Baizar and injuring another soldier.