Is the SOE Enough to Stop Violence in Belize City? 

Police are investigating two separate shootings in Belize City in less than 24 hours, even as the city remains under a State of Emergency (SOE).

The latest incident happened this morning on Freetown Road. One person was reportedly rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment. Police are expected to confirm the details this afternoon.

It follows a Friday night attack on Jane Usher Boulevard, where a gunman targeted Alonzo Myers inside his own yard shortly before 11 o’clock. Surveillance footage shows Myers entering his yard before a gunman rushes to the gate and opens fire. Myers is seen falling to the ground, attempting to evade the shots. A second assailant is then seen peering over the gate before both flee the scene. The footage is now being reviewed by police as evidence.

Meanwhile, just ten days ago, 19-year-old Lamar Garnett was fatally shot outside his residence in the same area.

The SOE was declared on 8 May following a violent chain of events that rattled the city within days. Under the measure, police and BDF soldiers have expanded powers, including warrantless searches and the authority to detain individuals for up to 30 days.

With two shootings in under 24 hours, questions are growing over whether the crackdown is working.