Youth Perishes on Fishing Trip in Southern Belize

Jamire Borland

A fishing trip went wrong over the weekend in southern Belize and ended with the death of a young dancer. Twenty-four-year-old Jamire Borland was out with his brother and another friend on a makeshift raft off the coast of Cattle Landing when the vessel capsized. Borland’s brother and friend were able to make it to shore. Unfortunately, Jamire could not be saved and he drowned. The death of the father of one is being felt as the bank employee was well-loved by his community. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Twenty-four-year-old Jamire Borland drowned on Sunday afternoon in Cattle Landing Village, Toledo. Borland was along with his brother and a close friend on a vessel that capsized at sea. All three fell overboard, but unfortunately, Borland was unable to swim to the shore. Assistant Superintendent Fitzroy Yearwood shared details of the fishing trip turned tragedy.

Fitzroy Yearwood

ASP Fitzroy Yearwood, Communications Director, Belize Police Department

“Jamire Borland, one of his friends and another brother were out fishing about a mile from the shore on a makeshift raft that was made with two kayaks and some lumber fastened to it. The makeshift raft unfortunately collapsed and the friend was only able to rescue one of the Borland brothers and unfortunately Jamire lost his life during this incident.”

The dance community has lost one of its most promising dancers. There was an outpour of condolences for the young talent who is being described as having so much life and character; humble and always willing to collaborate and learn. Joseph Stamp Romero, who is no stranger to the creative arts, remembers working with Borland.

Joseph Stamp Romero

Joseph Stamp Romero, Artistic Director

“Jamire was one of those persons that was always excited to be a part of the arts. I remember meeting him in Punta Gorda when I first recruited him to be part of the dance show here in the city and his enthusiasm and just the way he carried himself as a person, his mannerism, was always humbling. Jamire was always one who would help to collaborate, to inspire. As young as he was, he spoke his mind when it comes to how he thought we should work with young people. I think that he was somebody that people always liked. Definitely I am going to remember him as somebody who always tried to find his own way on the stage. Whether you give him instructions or not, and he would take those, but he would find his way into that creativity process. And the way he did it was through hard work. Jamire always wanted to be one of the best and so when he would meet up with some of the guys like Charlys Nunez and Sheldon Bodden, he would always see how he could learn best from those guys. I think he took my mentorship very seriously. He looked at the things that we’ve done before and how we could challenge the things that we are doing now. So I think Jamire forced us to stay relevant and to stay fresh in terms of performances.”

A detail account of what transpired has since been shared with investigators.

ASP Fitzroy Yearwood

“I know that officers are still investigating this even though we got an account from Borland’s brother. We still have to investigate anywhere where a life has been lost. But for now, it is being ruled as a drowning by accident.”

Borland was a father of a four-year-old and an employee of a bank in Punta Gorda. Duane Moody for News Five.