And also making a statement on the murder today was the Business Chamber of Spanish Lookout. It is sounding the alarm over a growing wave of violent robberies targeting delivery drivers across Belize, warning that the situation now poses a direct threat to public safety, commerce, and national stability.
The Chamber strongly condemned the recent string of attacks along major transport routes including the Hummingbird Highway and in Belmopan. Speaking via Zoom with President Norman Dueck he warned that insecurity on the roads could have far-reaching economic consequences.
Norman Dueck, President, The Business Chamber of Spanish Lookout
"As an organization, we are concerned about the security situation in Belize and I would think that it's the government's first priority is to ensure that we are safe. I mean, if we want to, do we really want to become a Guatemala where every truck has a security personnel on the truck? Is that really what we want as a country? I would think that it would be that their first priority of a government should be to ensure that we are safe, that we can do business without having to have our own private militia."
Jaleeza Roberts
"And so I see a part of it, a part of it that really stood out from the statement was of course you guys saying that no one should feel unsafe going to work. And so can you elaborate on that sentence specifically?"
Norman Dueck, President, The Business Chamber of Spanish Lookout
"Well, we just feel very strongly that every truck driver that's on the road should feel safe in Belize. I think it's a terrible situation to put our people into if they don't feel safe at work, right? And so I think different businesses will respond differently, but it's just simply a matter of Safety is paramount. If we don't feel safe, the economy will suffer. I mean, businesses won't expand and services will be cut if people are not safe in our country."
The Chamber confirmed that discussions are underway with the Blue Creek business community regarding collaborative efforts, including the possible offering of a reward to aid in the capture and prosecution of those responsible for the death of Mark Gabourel of Caribbean Chicken.
