Security Tightened in San Pedro Ahead of Easter Holidays

Fear and frustration still ripple across Ambergris Caye tonight after a violent triple murder in San Pedro two weeks ago left Karim Espat, Oscar Mas, and Yerlin Alvarez dead. The brazenness of the attack has shaken residents, and raised alarm as the island prepares for the busy Easter rush. But Belize Rural South Area Representative André Perez is urging calm. He says early indications point to targeted gang violence, not a threat to the island’s tourism center. Perez also points to a swift police response and a visible increase in security as authorities work to reassure locals and visitors heading into the holiday weekend.

 

Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South

“You know  It’s always a concern when we have these types of crimes and in particular, this is an extraordinary one where three people. Yes, there is always a concern but look we are not trying to shun away from it. But the investigation is showing that this is something that is a really gang warfare and certainly is not permeating into where the central area where the tourism is. It’s usually those back areas that is happening. But I want to thank the police for that fast response and the arrests that they have made. It just shows the police department are on top of things and that we are moving forward. Especially this morning I was in a morning show speaking about security. So it’s not only about the police doing their job in terms of the drug trafficking is occurring across this whole country, especially the coast. Coming to this Easter, the police will be in check here in Caye Caulker and San Pedro as well with all the different things that happen – accidents and thing. We have to be careful too.”

 

Authorities say the investigation is moving forward, and with extra police on the ground this Easter, officials are working to keep both residents and visitors feeling safe as the island moves past a deeply troubling moment.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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