By Belize Live News Staff: Belize’s newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, has announced new State of Emergency (SOE) regulations restricting public gatherings to no more than three people in designated lockdown zones.
In his first official press conference, Commissioner Rosado confirmed that 118 people have been detained and 49 detention orders issued since the SOE was declared. While this current phase of the SOE does not impose a curfew, it now includes a clear ban on gatherings of more than three persons in targeted high-risk areas.
The restriction is already being enforced. The family of 37-year-old Nelson Henry was reportedly denied permission to hold a wake in Ladyville, which falls under the SOE. According to Commissioner Rosado, wakes, re-passes, and other public events are prohibited if they involve three or more individuals in lockdown zones.
“Any gathering of three or more persons is restricted under the state of emergency,” Rosado stated, adding that this includes events such as sporting activities, even if scheduled at major venues like the Civic Center.
Inspector Stacy Smith, speaking alongside the Commissioner, noted that wakes in particular have become flashpoints for violence in the past. “If a wake will happen, it must be highly organized and cannot spill into the street,” she said, emphasizing that law enforcement will intensify operations in affected areas to ensure compliance.
The police are urging the public to cooperate with these measures, which are aimed at curbing violence and maintaining public safety in communities currently under lockdown.
