At the San Pedro Belize Tourism Industry Association’s (SP BTIA) monthly meeting, the primary topic of interest was the increase in crime on the island. Held at the VIP Lounge of Fido’s Courtyard & Pier on Wednesday, May 30th, more than 40 people were in attendance to debate the issue of crime affecting businesses on Ambergris Caye. The interactive gathering saw members and concerned citizens sharing ideas and suggestions on how to deter the escalation of crime on the island.

Recognizing the seriousness of the concerns, everyone demanded a permanent solution and they look forward to having the opportunity to speak with members of the local and national government regarding the issues. Some of the demands from the business community is a tougher judiciary system for criminals, police sub-stations manned 24-7, and more presence of police and tourism police on patrol, especially in areas vulnerable to criminal activities.

At the end of the meeting the group decided to not only send letters of appeal to the Ministry of National Security and government officials, but to organize a public “For the Love of San Pedro” rally at 6PM on Thursday, June 7th at the R.A. Nuñez Auditorium, where the officials and island residents are invited to attend and share their support towards a viable solution to the crime situation in San Pedro.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see photos in the San Pedro Sun

It would be nice and informative to have follow up reporting on what eventually happens to police officers charged with offenses such as the incident in Central Park and the extortion of a tourist in 2017. Maybe I just missed the follow up.
Hard to effectively control crime if there is serious crimes perpetrated by some in the police.