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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

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Fighting Crime on Ambergris Caye

by tacogirl 27/07/2018
written by tacogirl 27/07/2018
Fighting Crime on Ambergris Caye

It’s with a heavy heart that I write this post, but I believe it’s necessary to keep my readers informed on crime. As many of you know, recently, Ambergris Caye residents were shocked to hear about a robbery and shooting of a long time US expat resident. Folks were even more saddened to learn of the victim’s death not long after.

There was a witness but the person is understandably frightened and has left the country for personal safety.

Properly protecting a witness is a very expensive endeavor and currently beyond the financial ability of the Belize Government. 

The few people that might find themselves in this precarious situation stand to benefit from recent changes to GOB legislation allowing for witness testimony to be done via video conference with face shadowed and voice altered.

I wanted to get word from someone who was in the know so I reached out to Tamara Sniffin owner of San Pedro Sun News Paper and President of San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA). Here is what she had to say – “At our April 2018 BTIA meeting with the Ministry of National Security we were informed of new legislation that permits witness video statements in court. This allows for anonymity and protection of witnesses.”

This is a big deal as now there is a new form of accountability coming into place. When someone has to leave and go back to their regular life, they will still be able to testify in Belize if needed.

While I think it is a great advancement, I am not going to put the cart before the horse expectation wise as this is still a new law, and already there is some back and forth about it.

Rebecca Arceo co-owner of Seaduced and a strong leader of the San Pedro Business Association (SPBA) believes that in-person testimony is still the best option to make an airtight case. Based on researching information for this write-up, I have to agree. It is quite likely that it will take time and unfortunately a few growing pains to get this new legislation running smoothly.  Initial research is being done by the San Pedro Business Association to look into how the whole video thing would work and what is needed on both ends. 

Although it is my hope that this situation does not come up often. Thankfully the members of the SPBA understand the nature of how things work. Sometimes we all just need to pitch in and do what it takes to make the best of a bad situation in order to help justice prevail. They are ready to do what it takes to help in fighting crime on Ambergris Caye but they need community support.

Crime Fighting Fundraiser

Fighting Crime on Ambergris CayeThe witness to the horrible event mentioned above is willing to testify against the people who have been arrested for the crime. The testimony will only be made if the witness is guaranteed protection while in Belize. Peter Lawrence is spearheading a fundraiser to support this San Pedro Business Association’s effort to raise money for the security of the witness.

The goal is to raise $20,000. All monies will go into a fund to help the current and if any leftover, future witnesses testify in safety. The SPBA will account for and administer funds as needed.

The fundraiser will be held at Caribbean Villas on Sunday, July 29, 2018. There will be live entertainment and lots of fun including, a free water park (children must be accompanied by parents), 50/50 raffle, volleyball and more. Dj Debbie will provide music.

To RSVP, for answers to questions, or to make your advance donation please contact Rebecca Arceo 226-2254, Megan Paz 226-3825, or Felipe Sansores 226-2715. (fundraiser update will happen when the information comes)

You Don’t Have to Wait to Donate

So far a number of private individuals have contributed. The following businesses have also made crime-fighting contributions: Lola’s Pub, Stacks, Ak’bol, Caribbean Villas, San Pedro Animal Hospital, Pedros Hotel, Jambos Java,

Images

Feature image  – Stunning south-west aerial view of Ambergris Caye at sunset courtesy of L. Kelly Jones.

Colorful Caribbean Sea courtesy of Caribbean Villas Hotel

Related

tacogirl

Laure Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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0 comment

tommy13e 27/07/2018 - 6:37 pm

Very sad

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Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton! I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s... always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and... local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do... what everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation.

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3 childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age.Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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