There has been no word from the Belize Police Department, but The San Pedro Sun can confirm that two Ambergris Caye elected officials’ lives have been threatened. Senior Cabinet member and Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and recently re-elected Mayor of San Pedro Daniel Guerrero both received calls, presumably from criminal elements, in which serious life threats were made. While they have not offered any official statements, the two island officials have been granted full military and police protection by the Ministry of National Security.
With the recent murders on the island, the two elected officers have declared war against the criminal elements. The elected leaders requested that Central Government dispatch more law enforcement officers to the island to combat crime on the tourism dependent island. Those requests were met and law enforcement officers have maintained a visible presence on the island, especially in the areas where the recent killings and shootings were concentrated in.
At the Swearing in Ceremony of the recently elected town council members on Monday March 16th, the Minister made reference to the safety of the Mayor and himself and indicated that they will not give in to any threats made against them. “We are making sure that our community can be safe and our community can sleep well, because we deserve it. It doesn’t matter how many threats I or the Mayor will get, we will continue to work for you all. If we have to die for you all, we will do so,” stated Heredia in his remarks.
Since Thursday March 12th, a fully armed team of police officers and at various intervals, members of the Belize Defense Force, have been seen escorting Minister Heredia around town. That immediately called the attention of the local residents since the veteran politician is known to move around town freely and unescorted throughout his political career. A visible presence of law enforcement officers have also been seen at functions attended by Mayor Guerrero.
The full content of the calls are unknown at this time, but The San Pedro Sun understands that both Minister Heredia Jr. and Mayor Guerrero have made formal reports to the San Pedro Police Station. Officials at San Pedro Police have remained tight lipped about the situation and declined to comment on matter.
