Im not sure if the recent decline in tourists is because of sargassum or increasing crime or both. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! "On the bus I felt safe but I would not want to be off the bus," said Brian Mielke, a Naperville resident. Respected Voice of Tourism. And then just this month, a US retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. David Martinez, 23, reportedly was shot eight times by the gunmen, who ambushed him from the bushes in a Corozal Town yard. The WebBelow find the latest compiled statistical information on the Tourism Industry in Belize. Breaking Belize News is able to offer a marketing package that uses internet, social media and email to reach over 500,000 Belizean-centric potential customers each month. A member of the tour group reported that when they woke up the next morning around 6:00 a.m., MacKenzie was nowhere to be found, according to a spokesperson for the Belize Police Department. There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2019-2020. John Burgos, Executive Director of the BTIA spoke with Breaking Belize News (BBN) today, explaining that he attended a public meeting in San Pedro hosted by the Commissioner of Police. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Become part of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area. WebGary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, was shot dead Sunday as officials say the tourist destination has become paralyzed by crime, Belize Live News reported. I was stunned, I was shocked, I had tears because I was so excited about seeing him at my next visit., The State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Belize, urging increased caution as violent crime such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.. Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. In the Cayo District, armed robberies occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, especially near Caracol to the south. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. However, tourists are told to exercise a high degree of caution due to an increasing rate of violent crime throughout the country. The man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police said. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. State Department also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. WebTwo Americans were killed and five others were injured in a bus accident as they traveled in Belize on Wednesday as part of a Carnival Cruise Line trip. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams told local news outlets that Belize officers arrested two men, charging them with murder in the killing that occurred Friday night in San Pedro town. Read more of Garys work on his blog. It holds a diverse number of species. Belize was included on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing and/or transit countries. WebFormer Belize City Councilor and Justice of the Peace Rafael Chavez dies at 71 February 26, 2023 Crime Teenage woman held up in Belize City, loses jewelry and other valuables MEXICO CITY (AP) The United States Embassy in the Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation. Business owner Lamont Lipka shot and killed in San Pedro The San Pedro Sun https://t.co/rambnluOZE via @SanPedroSun, The San Pedro Sun (@SanPedroSun) May 14, 2018. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Denver boy, 8, suffers horrific injuries in fall from horse during Belize vacation, Tropical Storm Lisa expected to become season's next hurricane as it approaches Central America, 'Godfather' director Francis Ford Coppola's island lists for $2.2M, Shark surprise: Mysterious Arctic species found lurking in Caribbean. When they arrived near the seaside, they heard Nevis screaming for help. Alison MacKenzie, 43, was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye on Saturday. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). The entire Carilion family extends Police teams resumed searching Friday morning. Juan reported her missing Thursday afternoon. Alison MacKenzie is pictured in this undated handout photo. Its also the only nightclub that opens after midnight. Tourism Review. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime In Belize. Breaking Belize News is able to offer a marketing package that uses internet, social media and email to reach over 500,000 Belizean-centric potential customers each month. According to the National Safety Council's study of census data, the chances of being killed in the air are around 1 out of 205,552, and one in 102 for the car. Like the previous cases mentioned, no leads or convictions, which seems to be the norm. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. By BBN Staff: Belizes tourism sector is beginning to feel the effects of the escalating crime situation as tourists have begun canceling their trips to Belize. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. San Pedro nightlife offers restaurants, bars and nightclubs. And Rhonda Saunders, a 10-year patient of Swanks, told FOX affiliate WFXR that she had 99 percent blockage in a blood vessel that the doctor had stented saving her life as well. A Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. She was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. WebThe police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. San Pedro Town is the one and only town on the popular Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. The I-Team traveled to Central America after Anne was killed. Hes part of my life.. We are heartbroken at his loss. The United States Embassy in the Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of an American tourist there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation, Associated Press reported. Robbery? The police came with their canine unit, and the scent led them along the river but due to the darkness the search was called off for the night before finding her," Arzu told ABC7 Chicago. Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. The attractive Belize tourism videos certainly don't tout the crime concern, and the U.S. State Department hasn't put Belize on its warning list of nearly 50 nations - including others in Central America - even though the fine print cites Belize high for "violent crimes such as armed robbery, home invasions, shootings, stabbings, murders, and sexual assaults" for "tourists at resorts and on the roads.". There's no need to be concerned about safety on commercial flights. We've received your submission. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. By Reuters NIAMEY, Niger - Gunmen on motorcycles killed six French tourists and two Nigeriens in a wildlife park in Niger on Sunday, a senior official said. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. The grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2020. https://t.co/DOPUhxwZrt, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) September 5, 2018. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams told local outlet 7 News Belize on Saturday that two men had been arrested and charged with murder in the killing that occurred Friday night in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination. So far, six months into 2019, there are 70 murders and that is not counting those people still missing and those whose remains have yet to be identified, Briceno said. ANNUAL WebThe United States Embassy in the Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of an American tourist there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation, After a number of recent high-profile tourist/expat homicides, we look at crime in Belize and try to determine how safe it actually is right now. Burgos explained that police made several commitments coming out of the meeting including adding 12 more constables for San Pedro, installing video cameras for 24-hour surveillance, obtaining Coast Guard support for boat patrols on lagoon and deep sea, drafting new legislation to keep the identity of witnesses protected, which will come after a meeting between the ComPol and the Prime Minister, and implementing new strategies to deal with gangs among others. Check out how we can all use Crime http://t.co/85asUnyi, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) August 31, 2012. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. I would argue you should exercise caution no matter where in the world you travel. Our house is secure, with solid windows, doors, locks, outside lights and more. One was Canadian and the other from the US. Download. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. WebThe overwhelming majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans themselves, but recent years have seen an increase in these types of crimes against tourists and expats. The commander in charge of the Anne Swaney investigation says he received training in the U.S. from the FBI. Corozal District saw an incident last year with the discovery of a local expat couple found strangled in a cane field. Ultimately, Mexico's murder rate may have risen to about 27 per 100,000, but its homicide rate is still only about half that of Honduras or El Salvador. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. Following the murder of tourist Dr. GarySwank, 53, in San Pedro last week, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) has reported that as of yesterday, seven properties across the country have seen tourists cancel trips scheduled for November, December and even January 2020. Officials said Swanks murder was one of four deadly incidents across the country in a four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported. WebThe Belize murder rate is third highest in the world - more than twice the homicide rate of Chicago and higher than any U.S. city. According to reports, around 9 pm, American national Stephanie Nevis,34, was drinking at the resort when she was informed that the bar was closing. Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. She was staying at an equine lodge last month when someone attacked her and dragged her body into the Mopan River. To date, there has been little released about this double murder or any hope of solving it. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. See the State Departments travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. Its Belize City that makes Belizes homicide rate so high (more on that below). 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. Teresa Hodges, a patient of Swanks for 13 years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had happened. For further information, contact our Tourism Data Unit at the Belize Tourism Board via email Who knows the circumstances of these crimes mentioned above. Nevis then reportedly walked toward the seaside. Prospect police investigating crash involving school bus, bike, Chicago mayoral race down to Vallas, Johnson in runoff election, Ice flies off SUV, smashing windshield: 'You could kill somebody'. Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently promoted to associate professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, was on vacation with his wife and school-age children when he was killed on Sunday, according to NBC affiliate WSLS. #BreakingNews #BelizeNews #StannCreekNews The body of Sherris Stringham was found last night by Police Officers near Pomona Village, 4 minors and 1 eighteen year old are said to be in Police Custody. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. No suspect has been released in the fishermens murders, but investigators believe pirates executed the five men and threw their bodies into the sea, the outlet reported. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. "At 8:15 a.m. (Friday) the police search found her. They then performed CPR on her but unfortunately, she passed away. If you read the US State Departments OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) Crime & Safety Report for Belize in 2018, youll see the words exercise increased caution. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. Last year, a record quarter-million flew off to their rich beaches, offshore diving spots and inland jungles, teeming with wildlife along great hiking trails and meandering rivers. At least 125 murders were committed in Belize in 2021. ?Check out OSACs 2018 Crime and Safety Report on Belize to learn the most up-to-date traveler security information. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) This should be a concern as Belize survives on tourism. WebToday we learned the tragic news that Carilion interventional cardiologist Dr. Gary Swank was found murdered in Belize, along with a local tour guide. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. She apparently had planned to go on a horseback expedition Thursday morning, but when the group came up one animal short, Swaney stayed behind. MEXICO CITY (AP) The United States Embassy in the tiny Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. Advertising Opportunity Looking for Internet marketing, social media presence and direct email exposure to a Belizean oriented market of over 500,000 individuals every month? Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). This article contains a link (or links) to Amazon, from which, as an Amazon Associate, this website will earn a small commission if you make any purchases. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Investigators said that they were questioning a man who was seen fishing near the crime scene, but he was not considered a prime suspect at this time. Burgos stressed that getting the situation under control is important to the economic wellbeing of the tourism sector so the BTIA will be following up with the relevant authorities on those commitments. Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. Thanks for contacting us. Police told the outlet they believe Graniel was the target because just a day earlier, a gunman reportedly fired shots outside his apartment complex, and one of the rounds penetrated his front door. Swank is not the first tourist to be killed in Belize, however his death occurred while on a fly fishing trip at a popular tourist attraction in Belize. Columbus-area measles outbreak was the nation's largest in 2022. Business dealings? Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. WebBelize is a very corrupt and violent country and I don't mean just the drug gangs in Belize City which clearly makeup most of the murder. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. This story has been shared 130,601 times. But the I-Team has found dangers in paradise that you won't see in the travel brochures - including Belize, which has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Alison Mackenzie, 43, went missing early Saturday In December 2022, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions. She was already dead on arrival. We've received your submission. But our colleague wasn't the only American killed recently in Belize. "What we say to all tourists is that you should be situationally aware, be cautious and just be aware of your surroundings," Pike said. Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. WebA tourist from Arizona has gone missing while on a catamaran tour on Rendezvous Caye in Belize, police there said Wednesday. The Belize Consulate in Washington, DC, called the shooting tragic, but told WSLS that it needed to find out more before it could comment. Police say the case remains open and investigations continue to solve the double murder. It was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney. I sold a house there last year because I was tired In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. Posted: Friday, June 28, 2019. The transit of drugs, particularly cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize The United States Embassy in the tiny Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation By The Associated Press January 1, 2023, 3:15 PM WebBelize Police Commissioner Chester Williams told local outlet 7 News Belize on Saturday that two men had been arrested and charged with murder in the killing that occurred Friday Last fall, a man from Washington D.C was stabbed to death in his seaside hotel room; another U.S. national was attacked and killed on his farm; and a Canadian film producer was stabbed in the doorway of the home where he was staying. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. WebSwank is not the first tourist to be killed in Belize, however his death occurred while on a fly fishing trip at a popular tourist attraction in Belize. 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