However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Advertising Opportunity Looking for Internet marketing, social media presence and direct email exposure to a Belizean oriented market of over 500,000 individuals every month? As the most-visited destination in the country, San Pedro is home to the second-largest barrier reed in the world. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. The United States Embassy in the tiny Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation. Like the previous cases mentioned, no leads or convictions, which seems to be the norm. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. Columbus-area measles outbreak was the nation's largest in 2022. Violence in Cancun, for example, is quite common an attack on a bar there on Feb. 16 killed five people but most of the violence occurs far from the tourist zones along the beach. Download. She was staying at an equine lodge last month when someone attacked her and dragged her body into the Mopan River. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. ", "Whenever a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we share information with their family however we can," the official said. The entire Carilion family extends U.S. State Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security: 2015 report on Belize crime, U.S. State Department: Belize country report, Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, operated by U.S. State Department, Mt. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. This should be a concern as Belize survives on tourism. It holds a diverse number of species. WebBelow find the latest compiled statistical information on the Tourism Industry in Belize. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. About bodies floating to shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). Graniels body was discovered inside the boat with multiple apparent gunshot wounds, and Swanks body was found floating face-down in the lagoon, about 30 feet away from the boat also with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. WebBelize Police Commissioner Chester Williams told local outlet 7 News Belize on Saturday that two men had been arrested and charged with murder in the killing that occurred Friday Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. We've received your submission. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. Local Mario Graniel and tourist Dr. Gary Swank were shot to death while on a fly-fishing tour on the lagoon side of Ambergris Caye. David Martinez, 23, reportedly was shot eight times by the gunmen, who ambushed him from the bushes in a Corozal Town yard. Anne Swaney from Chicago was that person - her life taken as she did yoga by herself on this riverside platform 1,700 miles from home; something no one could have predicted, and only her killer could have prevented. We are fed up of the press conferences and constant claims that show crime is decreasing, said John Briceno, leader of the Peoples United Party. In January 2014, two American citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint from a resort area near the western border with Guatemala. See the State Departments travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2019-2020. But the I-Team has found dangers in paradise that you won't see in the travel brochures - including Belize, which has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Alison MacKenzie, 43, was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye on Saturday. Alison Mackenzie, 43, went missing early Saturday The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. This article contains a link (or links) to Amazon, from which, as an Amazon Associate, this website will earn a small commission if you make any purchases. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. Hes part of my life.. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. WebThere have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates. Swank and his tour guide, Mario Nestle Graniel Jr., 53, were killed during a fly-fishing expedition in the San Pedro Town lagoon five days after a group of five fishermen were shot to death in Swallow Caye. Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? John Burgos, Executive Director of the BTIA spoke with Breaking Belize News (BBN) today, explaining that he attended a public meeting in San Pedro hosted by the Commissioner of Police. The Belize Consulate in Washington, DC, called the shooting tragic, but told WSLS that it needed to find out more before it could comment. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. She apparently had planned to go on a horseback expedition Thursday morning, but when the group came up one animal short, Swaney stayed behind. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Im not sure if the recent decline in tourists is because of sargassum or increasing crime or both. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Following the murder of tourist Dr. GarySwank, 53, in San Pedro last week, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) has reported that as of yesterday, seven properties across the country have seen tourists cancel trips scheduled for November, December and even January 2020. Briceo has directed Police Commissioner Chester Williams to lead the investigation into her death. If you read the US State Departments OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) Crime & Safety Report for Belize in 2018, youll see the words exercise increased caution. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. Last year, a record quarter-million flew off to their rich beaches, offshore diving spots and inland jungles, teeming with wildlife along great hiking trails and meandering rivers. Crime is an issue which should never be made political, its a problem that requires all sectors of society to fight it together.. This stretch of winter into Spring Break is a popular time for Chicagoans to head south. Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. MEXICO CITY (AP) The United States Embassy in the Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation. Respected Voice of Tourism. Breaking Belize News is able to offer a marketing package that uses internet, social media and email to reach over 500,000 Belizean-centric potential customers each month. WebFormer Belize City Councilor and Justice of the Peace Rafael Chavez dies at 71 February 26, 2023 Crime Teenage woman held up in Belize City, loses jewelry and other valuables Both men went into the water to rescue her. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. They were travelling along George Price Highway shortly before noon, in a small blue SUV being driven by their tour guide, Leon Garcia of Big John's Tour There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013. Business owner Lamont Lipka shot and killed in San Pedro The San Pedro Sun https://t.co/rambnluOZE via @SanPedroSun, The San Pedro Sun (@SanPedroSun) May 14, 2018. Is Guatemala City Safe? I should have closed and locked the door/windows.. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. Belize was included on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing and/or transit countries. Jerry Espat was killed in October in the waters off Ambergris Caye, while taximan Leo Skeen was killed at his home. The United States Embassy in the Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of an American tourist there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation, Associated Press reported. To date, there has been little released about this double murder or any hope of solving it. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Ultimately, Mexico's murder rate may have risen to about 27 per 100,000, but its homicide rate is still only about half that of Honduras or El Salvador. San Pedro Town is the one and only town on the popular Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. 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