Terrified…

Editor Sir,

Greetings from the Southside of Belize City!

The purpose of writing this letter is to create awareness on the issues we face on a daily basis as ordinary citizens in Belize City.  So, I ask if you would be so kind as to publish this letter in your newspaper  because we need to ensure all understand the environment in which we live today in Belize City and more so in the south side.

I am an older citizen who has retired from the world of work and hoped to live a peaceful and decent life the rest of my days.  But if you watch the evening news and listen to the talk shows you would know that this is no longer possible here in the city. It is unbelievable what is happening. Murders and shootings on a daily basis, home invasions everywhere, hold ups, allegations of police brutality and corruption in the security forces and the list can go on.  Every day I ask myself if this is the same Belize where I grew up. And every day I remind myself that indeed it surely is not.

I hardly go out as I am terrified of doing so…even if only to buy something at the corner shop.  Many times I have to do without basic stuff because I will not risk my life being taken away by some stray bullet in the street or by some bullet meant for a grocer where I will go to buy a pack of bread and half pound of cheese or even by a grenade explosion.  Through the kindness of a good friend, I manage to do my weekly shopping in a neighbourhood which we believe is safer.  However, we are quickly starting to realize that there is no safe neighbourhood here in Belize City.

Recently I have been even more perplexed with all that is said in the media about the allegations that some Policemen are involved in recent murders in the city.  With all of this it is becoming really stressful living here in the city as I keep thinking who will assist me if I am assaulted or my home is invaded. I am indeed alarmed for the safety of our neighbourhoods and especially our children and youth.

I am appealing to the Government and the relevant authorities to please address this situation.  Many people are afraid but don’t voice it, my neighbours are even scared of going to Church now. When will this stop! It is crazy!

Sincerely,

Daniel Samuels

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