UDP says Caye Caulker No Longer Safe

During a press conference called by UDP Senator Gabriel Zetina, concerns were raised over increasing violence in Caye Caulker. Long‑time resident and member of the UDP Belize Rural South Team, Samira Martinez, says the island is no longer the peaceful haven it once was.

“The residents are concerned, mainly for their children. There is an entire new generation of children coming up. Caye Caulker used to be a safe haven, a safe zone. I grew up there. This generation will never be able to know the kind of peace that Caye Caulker used to have,” she told reporters.

Martinez also called for a permanently stationed police officer on the island and for programmes to engage youths. “We need to engage the youths in activities, teach them about life, teach them what it is to be a law-abiding citizen. The youths are the ones being targeted. We need to have a loving, harmonious relationship with the police and members of the community,” she said.

Her comments follow a recent shooting incident in Caye Caulker that left one man injured and another detained.