Armed bandits attack again … near Belmopan

Details are sketchy at this hour but reports to News Five late tonight indicate that Black Rock Lodge, located near Benque Viejo del Carmen was attacked by armed bandits around five thirty this evening. Sources in the area indicate that the group of seven men stole cash, valuables and weapons but there is no word as to whether anyone was injured. We understand that the thieves were last seen heading towards the area of the Che Chem Ha Caves near Vaca Falls. This second incident follows reports that on Thursday a group of armed men hit tourists at a popular tourist destination that is uncomfortably close to the capital city.

Jacqueline Godwin, Reporting
On Thursday afternoon, a group of seventeen tourists and four Belizean tour guides had just finished touring the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave in the Cayo District. Around three, the convoy left the Ranger Station never suspecting that they were about to be ambushed by armed men.

It is believed as the tour vehicles slowed down at a narrow bridge four men armed with different types of weapons, stopped the group and ordered everyone to get out. The men stole cash, credit cards, cameras, cell phones, jewellery and other personal items. The frightened men and women were then held hostage for at least an hour before the robbers disappeared into the bush.

Today Prime Minister Said Musa says his government is concerned about the negative impact these incidents have on the tourism industry.

Prime Minister Said Musa
?We had a special cabinet, when we consider this whole issue of crime as it affects tourist but also the increase of violence that is affecting our entire population. We are taking steps to strengthen the capability of the Police Department, whether it be terms of mobility, whether it be in equipment or whether it be in man power. But also to involve more the community and also to deal with some of the root causes of crime. I don?t think we should adopt an attitude that people commit a crime because of so and so, in other words there is no excuse for committing a crime. But at the same time we have to look at the root causes, how these things come about? What is propelling people to want to commit a crime? It is not all just evil, in other words, that is the large part of it but also we must look at the social conditions. The issues of unemployment and the issues of more healthy activities in sports, recreation, and culture, all these things need to be looked at. We need to look at crime and at the root causes of crime.?

Jacqueline Godwin
?Just last week I was in the Mountain Pine Ridge, where you say the heighten increase in security. Especially on the Caracol Road and the Rio Frio Caves, now I?ve noticed, I don?t know if it is a result of that, these bandits are moving further in land. Is that a concern??

Prime Minister Said Musa
?Yes, we have been very concerned with the incidents in the Banana Bank Ranch, in Caracol and in the Chaa Creek, all over, and who knows, they will probably move to some where else. What I am saying is that, I believe they are imports, I don?t believe that it is Belizean people committing these crimes. We have been working closely with the Guatemalan government on this, as well as the Mexican government and with all our neighbours in dealing with Trans border crime. That is the new phenomenon, because of proliferation of small arms, firearms. Many of these people are soldiers who have been retired from the army and of course have kept their weapons. So we have a lot of guns out there that we have to deal with and lot of very dangerous people and I am not trying to create an alarmist or a panic situation, but it is a great concern to government. We have been working nationally, as well as internationally and regionally with our partners to address this.?

Although police officers and soldiers have been working to make visits to remote and isolated sites safe, it has become apparent is this simply not enough human resources to patrol the vast protected areas. When asked if Musa and his government will call on the British and United States Armies for assistance this is what the Prime Minister had to say.

Prime Minister Said Musa
?The governments of several of our Caribbean sister countries: Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago had brought in a Scotland Yard to help them because they are facing far more serious problems than we are. And I think the time has come for us to give that serious consideration because we do need help.?

Reports out of Belmopan this evening are that four men from the area have been detained for questioning in connection with Thursday’s hold up and robbery.