Magistrate’s Court Evacuated Amid Bomb Threat Scare

It was anything but business as usual at the lower courts in Belize City this morning. Just after nine o’clock, a bomb threat brought proceedings to a screeching halt, forcing court staff to evacuate and drawing in bomb experts to sweep the area. The scare came on the same day that street figure Jahreem ’32’ Staine was set to appear before the magistrate on fresh charges, raising questions about whether the two events are connected. While that link remains unclear, what’s certain is that the disruption has raised serious concerns about security at the courts. Court reporter Anita Nembhard was at the scene on Coney Drive this morning.

 

Anita Nembhard, Court Reporter

“We were just told, I didn’t even make it into the building, that there is a bomb threat. I just saw people start coming out and all the police officers. So, as of a few minutes ago, there’s nobody in the building. They are trying to get the proper authorities on the compound and the building will have to be declared safe before anybody can go in. I have not been able to get any information from anyone here on Coney Drive. I was told that I need to speak with the press office to get information as to what is happening out here. As you can see, there’s nobody allowed, even the FedEx office right adjacent the Belize City Magistrate’s Court was told that it is not safe for them to remain open, so they also had to close. A lot of businesses are being approached by the officers. I’m told that they need to also close for their own safety. This is Anita Nembhard, I’m reporting live from Coney Drive where there is an alleged bomb threat at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court.”

 

The all-clear was declared shortly before eleven. Court sessions resumed at one p.m.