Fallen Cop’s Family Gifted with Christmas Goodies

Osbourne Martinez

Back in November we told you about the shooting death of on-duty cop, Osbourne Martinez. The twenty-seven-year-old Police Constable was shot and killed when he responded to an armed robbery in downtown Belize City. Martinez ran into one of three thieves who robbed the Belcove Hotel on Regent Street that morning. The shocking and tragic incident happened near the Swing Bridge in Belize City in front of many residents. PC Martinez died and left behind six children – his parents and siblings.  And today, the Belize Police Department, with the assistance of Minister Tracey Panton and businesses from the Albert Street area, tried to spread some Christmas cheer among the Martinez family. The media was invited to the presentation this morning. Reporter Andrea Polanco was there and us more on the donation.

Yvonne Martinez

Yvonne Martinez, Mother of Osbourne Martinez

“Osbourne always have plans and he had a plan for this Christmas. He had a plan that he would buy a vehicle and get two houses. He would get the whole family and go somewhere to spend time. That was his plan.”

Andrea Polanco, Reporting

…but those plans died when Police Constable Osbourne Martinez was shot and killed in the line of duty on November second. Today, the Belize Police Department honored the fallen cop’s children with gifts – toys and food items. His mother, Yvonne Martinez, says the holidays are not going to be the same for the family.

Yvonne Martinez

“I neva would want to be celebrating this Christmas like this without Osbourne.”

Andrea Polanco

“So, it is incredibly painful to be without him – especially during this holiday?”

Yvonne Martinez

“Very.”

Andrea Polanco

“Now that he is not here, how are you guys going to be observing this Christmas holiday?”

Yvonne Martinez

“Well, it is very hard. I nuh even feel the Christmas; no kind of preparation.”

…and so to try and ease the burden and bring some joy in the children’s lives, Regional Commander Robert Mariano called on Minister Tracey Panton, who reached out to the business community, and they donated a trove of items to PC Martinez’s six children, his parents and siblings. Mariano says it is a kind act that he hopes to see happen every year.

Robert Mariano

ACP Robert Mariano, Central Regional Commander

“I can guarantee that we will ensure that we will have something for PC Osbourne’s memory again for next year. We will also look at other programs where we can involve other late police officers where their family and kids can also be involved. This is one of the things I will be making presentation on very early in the year, so that by end of the year.”

Yvonne Martinez

“I would like to say a big thank you to the Minister and the Ministry. Thank you to the businesses, organizations and the police department for honoring my grand children with these giftsIt will create a fun and lasting memories for them. I know that my son Osbourne… [crying].”

Yvette Martinez

…it became too painful for Yvonne Martinez to speak about her son. While many Belizean families will be with their loved ones during this Christmas holiday, the Martinez family will not get that opportunity. His aunt and sister reflected on the life of the lawman that was cut short as he responded to a robbery.

Yvette Martinez, Aunt of Osbourne Martinez

“As difficult as it is, we just try to cope and try be positive as we go along daily. Especially when we would look at his picture, it is very painful to know that he is no longer with us.”

Vanessa Martinez

Vanessa Martinez, Sister of Osbourne Martinez

“Osbourne, who was very ambitious, was aspiring to become an attorney as he was studying law on Saturdays while being a student at the UB and police officer, until that unfortunate situation on November second, 2018.”

Yvette Martinez

“I would refer to Osbourne as a very organize and happy-go-lucky person. He made things merry at any occasion or any event that we had as a family. He was the center of attraction within our family. He would be the dancer among the males and always try to make everything go right as well within the family.”

Reporting for News Five, I’m Andrea Polanco.