And while that murder remains unsolved, tonight, Belizean officials are questioning a travel advisory notice issued by the US State Department on Belize two days ago. It upgrades the country's security risk to Level - 2 and urges travelers to "exercise increased caution…due to crime."
The country summary says that "Violent crime - such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder - are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang related. Due to high crime, travelers are advised to exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted."
But for Belize City the warning is even higher. It's at Level 3 and advises, quote, "Reconsider Travel". It says "U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to Belize City. Historically much of the violent crime in Belize occurs in the Southside of Belize City and is gang related."
Well, with crime on the Southside at the lowest rate it's been in years, and today the commissioner of police, Chester Williams told us in a voice note that the security alert's conclusions are "outrageous":
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"This is really and truly outrageous. This does not reflect a true picture of the crimes situation in Belize. I don't know where they're getting the information from, but this is out of order."
The Commissioner told us he will communicate his displeasure to the Embassy and the Foreign Minister. Eamon Courtenay told us he is "requesting a meeting with the ambassador for Friday."
