#SaferBelize

[newsbites]

News from Belize, 18 July

A young mother of two was tragically killed and her 4-year-old daughter injured in a shooting incident at their home in Belize City.

The shooting is believed to be the result of an internal feud within the George Street gang, and the victim, Jasmine Domingo, was not the intended target.

Domingo's 4-year-old daughter was shot and is stable, but her parents were killed in separate incidents of gun violence, leaving her and her little brother without parents.

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of violence and crime in Belize City.

2. A resident of San Estevan Village lost his life in a road traffic incident involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck.

The motorcyclist, Edwin Ismael Ramirez, lost control and swerved into the oncoming pickup truck, resulting in the accident.

This incident adds to the tragic history of accidents in the Ramirez family, with one brother already in a wheelchair and another now deceased.

3. A hit-and-run incident in the Orange Walk District resulted in the death of a 34-year-old man and injuries to another person.

The victim's family is seeking justice for their loss and is urging the public to help identify the perpetrator.

The incident involved a white pickup truck hitting a cyclist and a separate motorcycle accident shortly after.

4. Prime Minister John Briceno left the country today enroute to Brussels, Belgium where he will the European Union – Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (EU-CELAC) Summit 2023. 

5. The inauguration of a new police station in Seine Bight Village highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of Belizean citizens and tourists.

The collaboration between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Belize Tourism Board aims to address crime issues and create a safer environment in the Placencia Peninsula.

The government's efforts, along with the leadership of Inspector Martinez, have led to a significant reduction in major crimes in the region.

6. The National Fire Service is implementing a new recruitment process for firefighter volunteers, which includes releasing those who did not complete high school and requiring them to further their education to rejoin.

The aim of this revamp is to ensure a higher level of education and qualifications among firefighters.

The Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Disaster Risk Management, Dr Kenrick Williams, explains that this change is driven by the need for a more skilled and competent fire service.

7. Belize City Fire Service has been in Marion Jones Sporting Complex for two years. A promised new station on Chetumal Street has been delayed and firefighters will stay at Marion Jones a little longer.