The Belize Police Department is under fire after detaining four schoolboys who were simply on their way to a football match. The boys, all minors, were picked up by patrol officers on Saturday under the State of Emergency (SOE) regulations, which prohibit gatherings of three or more people in designated “hot spots.” But according to reports, the boys had only stopped briefly to chat with a friend when officers swooped in. The case landed before Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers, who wasted no time in dismissing the charges. She called it a “victimless offense” and ordered the boys released. Despite the court’s ruling, police officials are standing by their decision. Commissioner of Police, Doctor Richard Rosado, has defended the officers’ actions, even as public concern mounts over what many see as an overreach of power.
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“First of all, police department do acknowledge and recognize the decision fo the court and we do affirm our commitment to upholding the tule of law. My police officers were acting in good faith in accordance with the state of emergency regulation. The gathering that was happening while those individuals were detained was in an area of high risk and the police detention at the time was based on credible information to protect those individuals. Hence the reason I believe they acted in good faith. In moving forward it does require we look at alternative measures to guide those at risk from being harmed.”
Paul Lopez
“Was it about preventing those youths from being harmed?”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“There are certain regulations put in place for public safety, all the police were doing was in good faith enforcing the regulation.”
Critics argue the incident highlights the sweeping and potentially harmful impact of the SOE, especially on young people. Human rights advocates are now calling for a review of how these emergency powers are being enforced and whether they’re doing more harm than good.
A grieving family in Ladyville says they’ve been denied the chance to properly mourn their loved one, all because of the State of Emergency (SOE) regulations. The family of Nelson “Mung” Henry, who was murdered on May fifth, claims police stopped them from holding a wake, an important tradition in Belizean mourning customs. Under the SOE, it’s illegal for three or more people to gather in designated areas, a rule that authorities say applies even to wakes. Henry’s death is believed to be linked to the same gang feud that triggered the SOE in the first place. But for his family, the pain is now twofold: losing a loved one and being blocked from saying goodbye in the way their culture and community have always done. Despite the emotional plea, the Belize Police Department is standing firm. At a press conference today, officials showed no signs of backing down on the enforcement of SOE rules. So, what about sporting events in these same areas? That’s the question reporters put to the head table today, raising concerns about inconsistencies in how the rules are being applied.
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“Remember the State of Emergency regulation prohibits certain things, the loitering, the gathering of three or more persons, so several things are restricted under the SOE. So once those areas fall under the SOE, the regulation prohibits certain things from occurring. Any gathering of three or more persons is restricted under the state of emergency.”
Paul Lopez
“What about sporting events for example?”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“Any gathering over three or more persons is restricted under the state of emergency, those areas that are designated under the state of emergency.”
Stacy Smith
Inspector Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“Indeed as the commissioner rightly mentioned when areas are already designated as state of emergency there is an import of monitoring activities. What we have seen or known in the past is that many of these wakes are a catalyst for incidents that arise after. So, yes the wake limits three or more persons, but if the wake is to happen it has to happen in a very organized way that does not spill out into the street in terms of loitering. Whenever it is that a lot of persons are gathered in these areas of course it is the import of police to ensure they properly police those areas.”
It was a dramatic display at today’s police press conference as officers unveiled a haul of high-powered rifles, ammunition, cannabis, and cocaine—all seized during ongoing operations under the State of Emergency (SOE). The Belize Police Department says the crackdown is yielding results, with a significant number of illegal weapons and drugs taken off the streets. But not everyone is convinced. For years, there’s been speculation that some criminal figures are handing over weapons and drugs in exchange for their freedom, a kind of quiet deal to avoid charges. Today, we put that question directly to the Commissioner of Police Doctor Richard Rosado. His response? A firm and vehement denial. “That is absolutely not happening,” he told reporters.
Supt. Jeff Gabourel, Commander, GI3
“We seized ten nine-millimeter pistol, one point twenty-five pistol, one point thirty-eight revolver, two shotguns and one two point two-three rifles. In respect to ammunition, we seized fifteen forty caliber rounds of ammunition and ninety-seven nine mm ammunition. In respect to cannabis, three thousand three hundred and twenty-six grams of cannabis was seized and nine hundred and ninety-seven grams of cocaine was seized.”
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“First of all I want to reaffirm our commitment to transparency and upholding the rule of law. Any alleged suggestion that police are lenient to violent offenders is inaccurate and just an attempt to disregard the dedicated efforts of our police officers and the integrity of operations. Many of the firearms that were seized were based on the extensive interviews conducted and based on those information operations were conducted.”
After two agonizing days of searching, the family of twenty-four-year-old Moises Garbutt believes they’ve found the heartbreaking answer they feared most. The young Roaring Creek resident, who had been excitedly preparing for his birthday celebration on May eleventh, vanished without a word the night before. When he didn’t check in, his loved ones knew something was wrong. Today, their worst fears came true. Around one p.m., a body believed to be Garbutt’s was discovered about five hundred yards off the George Price Boulevard In Belmopan. Though official confirmation is still pending, family members say the clothing and location leave little doubt. According to police, no visible injuries were observed and the investigation continues to determine the cause of death. The discovery has left the community in shock and mourning, as questions now turn to what happened in the hours leading to his disappearance. News Five’s Britney Gordon has more on this developing story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
What was meant to be a joyful celebration turned into heartbreak for the family of Moises Garbutt. The twenty-four-year-old Roaring Creek resident had nearly finished preparing for his birthday party when he suddenly vanished. He never got the chance to blow out his candles or hear his family sing to him. Two days after he went missing, a body believed to be Garbutt’s was discovered near the entrance of Belmopan. His sister, Leah James, who had been clinging to hope that her brother would walk through the door, is now left devastated. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the community, as loved ones mourn the loss of a young life taken far too soon.
Leah James
Leah James, Sister of Deceased
“He went missing around between Saturday and Sunday May tenth and May elevent, he went missing. Around that time we realized he was missing Sunday, May eleventh, Sunday was his birthday and he had a few things planned for his birthday. And when one of his cousins, who was his best friend came to look for him, that’s when he alerted us that they hadn’t seen him the night and it’s not like him to just make plants and then pull out from the plans without saying anything. So that’s when we realized he was missing.”
The desperate two-day search for Moises Garbutt came to a tragic end when his own aunt made a heartbreaking discovery, a lifeless body near the entrance of Belmopan, believed to be the missing twenty-four-year-old. What began as a hopeful effort to bring him home turned into a nightmare for his family, who had been clinging to every shred of hope. Now, they’re left with grief and unanswered questions.
Moises Garbutt
Leah James
“As soon as we realized he was missing, all of the family came together, we started search parties. We notified the police that the standard. Operation for reporting. Initially, we weren’t really getting a lot of assistance from the police, but today the CIB and police really helped us a lot. They were on the ground with us for the most part. So we’re appreciative for that.”
While this discovery is devastating for the family, police have yet to confirm the body’s identity due to its advanced state of decomposition.
Leah James
“My aunt was the first one to see his body. We were combing different areas and that’s how we saw birds and that’s what led us to the era where we found him. It was family on the ground. And my aunt saw him from a distance and some of us went a little bit closer to identify and ensure that was him.”
According to the family, his brother had gotten into altercations recently, resulting in threats against his life. However, they never imagined they would escalate to this level of severity.
Moises Garbutt
Leah James
“He did he did receive threats. Initially, he notified us, but it wasn’t something we took serious. Simply because this is a small village, it’s normal to have little threats here and there, but for someone like him, we didn’t take it serious.”
Garbutt, a father of two, is described as a humble family man. His entire family, who had gathered in excitement to celebrate his birthday, instead banded together to search, in the hope that they would bring him home.
Leah James
“He was a very humble person. He was very loving and he loved kids. There’s always this little thing that I always remind him. I told him, you remember when we were younger? He took some little pieces of board. Board that my dad did construction work with, took the board and little cup covers and nail them together and made his own truck. That’s the type of person he’s really good with his hands. He can take a machine dong and put it up right back in front of your face. That’s the kind of person he is. He’s a humble person. Always has a smile on his face. It’s very rare that you are gonna see him upset and if he is upset. By the end of the day, he’s gonna be smiling right back again with you.”
While police are still investigating the case, James and her family are praying that the right people will be brought to justice.
Moises Garbutt
Leah James
“We’re definitely hoping we can get justice. We have with the police department in Roaring Creek Village. They are definitely doing the work on the ground for us now, which we are grateful for, and we’re hoping the persons involved with this will be brought to swift justice.”
Now that the party supplies and food have been packed away, the family prepares to lay Moises to rest. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Moises is described as a loving brother, son, father and stepfather. Police will be conducting a DNA test to ascertain the identity of the individual.
A deadly setup in Belize City has left a family mourning and police searching for answers. Twenty-seven-year-old Zinedine Pinelo, a resident of San Pedro, was gunned down on Friday in what authorities believe was a targeted robbery. The incident happened on Hunter’s Lane, where Pinelo had reportedly traveled to purchase a motorcycle. But instead of a transaction, he was met by a group of men—one of whom fatally shot him. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero revealed today that investigators suspect Pinelo may have been lured to the location so his attackers could steal his licensed firearm. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to bring those responsible to justice.
“On Friday, the ninth day of May 2025. Police responded to a shooting incident at Hunter’s Lane. Upon the arrival they found a lifeless body of a male person. He was identified as Zinedine Pinelo. Information that he went to Hunter’s Lane, along with another male person to do a business transaction. Thereafter, when he arrived there, there were six other persons there and he attacked him robbed him, and one of the persons shot him causing his fatal injuries. We have two persons in custody in regards to this murder.”
Reporter
“What was the nature of the business they were doing?”
Hilberto Romero
“He went to do a purchase from a person. He went there with some cash to do a purchase. And so he was stolen from him, was his firearm and some cash.”
Reporter
“Are you able to say how much cash?”
Hilberto Romero
“We do not know at this time.”
Reporter
“I don’t see any store at Hunter’s Lane so was it a licit or an illicit purchase?”
Hilberto Romero
“Information is to purchase a motorcycle. That was the information we got. However, we are doing more follow up see what the actual transaction was.”
Reporter
“Do you all believe that he was led or lured?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes. We believe he was led there. When he arrived, there was six personswaiting there and these are the persons who attacked him.”
Reporter
“You believe to rob his of his money and his gun, or was he like specially targeted because of his weapon?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes. We believe that he was targeted to be robbed. Yes.”
Reporter
“So he had a license firearm.”
Hilberto Romero
“He had a license firearm.”
Reporter
“Are you able to see what type?”
Hilberto Romero
“A nine millimeter pistol.”
Reporter
“And has the firearm been recovered?”
Hilberto Romero
“Nothing has been recovered.”
Reporter
“And the persons who orchestrated this, he left San Pedro with an individual from the city. And that person escaped without injury.”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes we found that person. He’s being interviewed.”
Reporter
“Might he be an accomplice?”
Hilberto Romero
“We do not know at this time. After the interview, there was no more information.”
Less than a week after a state of emergency was declared in parts of Belize City, police have already detained at least thirty-five individuals. But despite the crackdown, the violence hasn’t stopped. On Friday, another person was gunned down in the city—raising fresh concerns about whether the emergency measures are actually working. Today, Assistant Police Commissioner Hilberto Romero gave an update on the ongoing operations. While authorities say they’re making progress, the latest killing has left many residents questioning if the strategy is enough to bring lasting peace to the streets.
“The SOE operations continue. So far, thirty-five people have been sent to prison. We have another thirty-five that are being interviewed, and then we’ll know how much from that amount we be sent to prison today.”
Reporter
“Sir, how do you respond to report a number of the, especially the heads have been able to escape the SOE incarceration because they turned over weapon or a kilo of cocaine?”
Hilberto Romero
“Several persons were detained, interviews were conducted and then they’re vetted and then we determine who are taken to prison. That is all I know.”
Reporter
“But are you all trading weapons for freedom?”
Hilberto Romero
“Not that I know of.”
Reporter
“So is it your position that the department has not managed to secure any illicit firearms or drugs?”
Hilberto Romero
“There are several searches that continue to be done. Whenever we find firearm, drugs then they are confiscated or if persons are found, then they are arrested. That is all I know.”
Just days after a state of emergency was declared in the Lake Independence area, Belize City has recorded yet another fatal shooting. The latest victim is twenty-six-year-old Zinedine Pinelo, a fisherman from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Around 12:35 p.m. on Hunter’s Lane, police responded to reports of gunfire and discovered Pinelo’s lifeless body with two gunshot wounds to the head. Early reports suggested a possible robbery, as some of Pinelo’s belongings, including his slippers, were missing. However, other accounts indicate that Pinelo and another man had gone to meet a friend when they were ambushed by a group of men, one of whom opened fire. In the aftermath, police swarmed the area, conducting searches in nearby homes as part of their ongoing crackdown under emergency measures. The killing has raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of the state of emergency in curbing violence, as residents continue to grapple with fear and uncertainty.
After nearly three hours of legal summing-up, the jury in the William “Danny” Mason and Ryan Rhaburn trial delivered a dramatic verdict this afternoon. Mason was found guilty of kidnapping Mennonite couple Lloyd and Rosie Friessen, while Rhaburn was acquitted on all charges. The nine-member jury—five men and four women—deliberated for less than two hours before returning with their decision. Mason was convicted by a majority of eight to one, while all jurors agreed he was not guilty of blackmail. Rhaburn, meanwhile, was unanimously cleared of both kidnapping charges. Justice Nigel Pilgrim, who presided over the trial, reminded jurors that while he interprets the law, they are the judges of the facts. Mason’s sentencing has been set for June twentieth, 2025. Rhaburn, who had been remanded pending the verdict, walked out of court a free man. His attorney, Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson, praised the jury’s decision, calling the evidence against his client “so poor” that acquittal was the only outcome. Mason’s attorney, Peter Taylor, hinted at a possible appeal, calling the verdict “confusing.”
A bold move by Belize’s top cop is stirring up controversy. Commissioner of Police Doctor Richard Rosado is pushing for the current State of Emergency in Belize City to be extended for six months—a proposal that’s raising eyebrows and concerns. Critics argue that detaining individuals for such a long period without charge could violate basic human rights. But Rosado isn’t backing down. He says the priority is clear: restoring peace to the streets. The proposal has sparked a heated debate between public safety and civil liberties, with many now watching closely to see how the government responds.
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“While I am lobbying for it to be for six months, it would allow us, and the main reason for that was based on the threat assessment. And the assessment went from high to critical, and there was a need for us to do something drastically. Hence the reason I was trying to see if we can put a six months in the first instance. But in any case, our strategies have always been threefold. The prevention, the intervention and enforcement strategies. So we are doing all applicant to ensure that we return normalcy to the streets in Belize City.”
Reporter
“Sir, why was Roaring Creek chosen, because no shootings or murders happened in Roaring Creek.”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“Like I mentioned, whenever we do the – or recommended the S.O.E, it’s based on a threat assessment, and the threat assessment in those areas that are affected was at a critical level, hence the reason they were included.”
Reporter
“So, do you believe it won’t go as long as six months, maybe three months would suffice?”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“Like I said, our strategies on the ground is based on the context on the ground. We have a wide continuum of producing strategies available to us. Where on the continuum we place the police department depends on what’s on the ground.”
Marion Ali
“Have you faced any backlash from human rights attorneys for what they would claim to be violating people’s constitutional rights?”
Dr. Richard Rosado
”For the most part, the public has been supportive of the state of emergency and they have applauded the police for the effort that we are doing on the grounds.”
Two months after the tragic murder of 23-year-old Simon Arana Junior, police arrested and charged a suspect. Authorities believe that 34-year-old Owen Rhaburn is responsible for the killing. Arana, a beloved teacher at Stann Creek Technical and Vocational Institution, was shot dead on the night of February 10th in Hope Creek Village, where he lived. The arrest brings a sense of justice to the community as they mourn the loss of a dedicated educator.
