Ross Kemp On Gangs: Belize
Belize is the smallest country in the whole of the Americas with a population of just over 300,000, but since becoming a major transit point for cocaine trafficked from Colombia to the US in the late 1980s, it’s developed a serious gang problem and become one of the most dangerous places on the planet.
Until recently, guns and cocaine were practically unheard of in Belize. Today the country is facing a massive crack cocaine problem, there are hundreds of semi-automatic weapons in the hands of gangs and the country has a per capita murder rate 5 times higher than the US, 98% of it gang-related.
Ross meets reformed gangsters who introduce him to the dangerous streets of Belize City and the gangs that control them. Ross gets to see a fraction of the weapons that make this city so violent, including grenades and high explosives, the new weapon of choice for the dozens of gangs which
control Belize City.
Ross teams up with the police as they try to tackle the problem that has its epicentre in the few square miles of the notorious Southside of Belize City. He takes part in a dawn raid but ends up seeing the other tragic side of Belize’s gang story, meeting gang members crippled for life despite being barely out of their teens.
Belize’s Coastguards consist mainly of captured Columbian smugglers boats that are reconditioned and then used to protect the miles of coastline. Ross joins the armed guards as they intercept and search suspect vessels, and sees captured planes used by the cartels to ferry drugs through Belize.
Finally his journey leads him to the George Street Crew, the most feared gang in the city and the local enforcers for the Mexican and Colombian drug cartels. In 2004 the gang’s leader was sentenced to 33 years in a Miami prison for smuggling more than 10 tonnes of cocaine into the US. Ross meets Jason Brown, the current leader of George Street, along with a collection of his lieutenants. The head of the country’s gang unit warns Ross that each of the men he meets will have committed at least one murder. But as Ross wins the trust of the gang’s leader, he is given an insight into the reality of gang life that poses as many questions as it gives answers.
Quotes
“Belize used to be a British colony; we cut down all the teak wood and then gave it back to them. There’s a British base there used for jungle training, but the soldiers aren’t allowed into Belize City because it’s said to be too dangerous”.
“Belize is a very small country with a lot of drugs and a lot of guns on the streets. It’s infested by gangs. Gangs are a cultural thing. Drug dealers use gangs for the safe passage of their drugs and they pay them in drugs and weapons”.
“Belize was the first place I was ever given a hand grenade by a gang member”.
“In Belize City I met one gang who are incredibly violent, they’re all killers. I’m not talking about the odd hit, I’m talking about killing ten to 15 people, shooting children. If a child’s in the way they will shoot through the child to get to the target. And they talk about being big and hard, but they can’t even cross the road to get a beer unless they have a bodyguard. They’ve effectively put themselves in a prison. That upsets me”.
Ross Kemp On Gangs, Monday 15th September only on Sky1 and Sky1 HD.
September 15th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
sad but true…
September 15th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
You should clarify that Belize City is only one part of Belize. You are painting a horrible and unrealistic picture of the entire country. There is much more to Belize than Belize City.
September 15th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Gangs and drugs and out of control in Belize city because the politicians protect them and the present government is doing nothing to combat this epidemic.
However Belize is not only made up of Belize City, there are other disctricts that are beautiful and peaceful and where people live in harmony.
September 16th, 2008 at 3:47 am
Belize is faced with drug and gang problem.You come here and getting half the picture is worse a problem.George St.never had a BOSS, as to my knowledge you never set foot in the red that is George Street.I safely say that you are misguided by the police and people who has knowledge of them selves and not of what really goes on through “G” street.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:15 am
I was very recently out in Belize, and spent the majority of that time in and around Belize City. We covered most of the city and i did not feel in danger, unlike many other cites including in the UK. Belize is a developing country and hopefuly now heading in the right direction, but it has a long way to go! Many of the problems the country has is down to a series of unfortunate events (natural disasters) and massive corruption.
September 16th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Ross is a joker…. tryin to sell books…
September 16th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Belize was, prior to the mid-1980s, a “tranquil haven of democracy”. I am listening to our local radio right now, and Belizeans are calling in one after the other to complain about a foreigner having the audacity to portray our country in such a negative light.
As a resident of Southside Belize, however, I would opine that Mr. Kemp is not too far off the mark. We live in a society where we fear for our children’s lives every day. When they go out at night, we anxiously wait up until they come home. When they go out in the day, we make telephone checks to ensure that they are okay.
This is a beautiful and exotic country. There are many, many, wonderful people and places to visit. But the truth is, the majority suffer for the sins of the few.
Belizeans need to wake up and smell the coffee and get up and demonstrate against the violence and corruption and demand that there be change. I personally cannot understand how the police can take a foreign journalist to visit with all the hardened gang members and not have the ability to arrest them.
Something wrong there.
September 16th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
While as Belizeans we can certainly not hide from the fact that gangs and violence exist in our country, primarily in Belize City, I believe Mr. Ross went too far in exaggerating the facts. Hell after I read the article I was wondering if Mr. Ross was talking about some city named Belize that existed in the UK. While his report contains some truth about the existence of many weapons on our streets it is far from reality when it attempts to declare that gangs is a cultural thing and that the so called men he met are murderers. We do not have hardened gang members in Belize sir, what we have are hardened cowards who call upon teenagers to carry out senseless murders over simple arguments not drugs, which by the way are committed sporadically. Hell as far as I am concern the drug trade does not even involve the so called gang members but rather involves the rich and wealthy folks in our society. Come on Ross Kemp…get real mate. I now see why you’re referred to as Rass Kemp in the streets of Belize City.
September 16th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I grew up on South Side. I was there when the parents right to correct a child was taken away by misinformed wanna be’s like Ross. Belize is almost 9,000 square miles - NOT ONE STREET of corrupted youths. Walk the streets of London Ross. You will find a lot of material to write a book you can sell for L99.00 and not L9.99. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN…… A H.
Don’t worry we will take back our city. People like you just get in the way.
September 16th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
By the way your knowledge of Geography is bad. Belize is not the smallest country in the Americas. Again, educate yourself properly before writing crap. Since you claim to know so much I call on interpol to pick you up for questioning…
September 16th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I think you are totally misleading the people about Belize, i am a proud BELIZEAN and there is nothing like what you are saying is right. am not sure what you are trying to do to our country by painting a bad image to it. In every country there are bad eggs but not all even your country has the most crime at home and abroad in this world and no one talks about it. I recommend that you get your statistics right before you post anything on the internet.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I think this article is a slap in the face of all belizean living home and abroad. I’m a belizean- american who visits belize regularly, for the past 2 years i’ve organized a youth basketball program for kids on the southside of belize ages 13-19, as a matter of fact a few live on George Street, and i’ve sat down with them personally and 75% of what you are talking about doesn’t exist in their neighborhood, they live there, you were just passing thru(who feels it know it). Crime is worldwire, and belize city population is about 60,000 people and i would say about 1000 people if that many live on george street from start to end, and if these people were getting killed the way you have described it, everyone in that area would be dead. i think the government of belize should considering suing you for reporting false informtion about its country.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
I need to question his methodology and decides if it subjective rather objective. How valid was the methodolgy employed? Is this article based on Jason Brown’s comment alone? Please note that violence occurs across a wide range of cultures. It is also a global issue. Belize is not alone in this. In the Western world violence becomes more visible and the matter of media coverage coupled with public perception are factors that need to be examined more closely.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
This is waaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy OVER EXAGGERATED and full of bs…some parts are true, but that’s not how it ALL IS!!!!!!!
September 16th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I live on George Street and you don’t know what the hell you are talking about Rass Kemp. You are giving our beautiful country bad press.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
and your publisher and PR people are doing a good at trying to sell more books. I hope u realize that when you make books about these A.Holes, you help to make the problem worst. Why didn’t you come to the country and help the police with some resources to help aleviate the problem, and them write a book about how you made a difference in one small country in the world? Instead you come and blow the situation way out of proportions. Plus you Americans can be blamed too, with your Human rights rubbish when our little country speaks about killing (hanging, executing) them. They don’t bring soluctions, but they quickly come down to defend the killers from being sent to hell. How about the dead and their families.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
After reading a few comments on Kemp’s “Gangs in Belize”, I have noticed that we Belizeans are quick to instinctively defend the reputation of our country.
I will agree that as a Belizean, from Belize City, his story is a bit exaggerated but at the same time we cannot DENY the corruption and the breed of viciousness evolving from our locals and our politicians regardless of it being drugs or just local vengeance.
Compared to how Belize was a few years ago, its present is “BAD”! I would suggest to our current government, rather than occupying your time and resources victimizing your opposition, Minister of National Security needs to devise an emergency plan that will encourage the reduction of these crimes within our country.
We voted for a change! We did not want to vote for a government who would step into governance with the same intellect with which our “street people” possess.
We are governed by people who have that same vicious mind set and expect that we the Belizean people, who are under your umbrella, not to have a dribbling effect? An effect that would cause us to justify our differences thru means of the violent demise of our neighbors, our friends, our families, our women…This is a plea to PM Dean Barrow and my UDP government – We would love a more peaceful Belize!
In addition, it is also important for us Belizeans to assume part of the blame for Belize’s violent reputation. We are a society that feeds at the hands of our politicians, which submits to the “stipend” dangling from a string to shut our mouths.
We need to be a society that will respect our ideals. Educate our young ones, remind the adults and learn from the elders what Belize was once like when most people knew what their ideals were; what their principles were. A time when our ideals were defined and our differences were harmoniously settled.
Let’s take ourselves out the war-mode that the rest of the world is in. Let’s not wave guns in the streets as though it’s made of plastic. Let’s not throw grenades in our September celebrations. Let’s not hammer our women in their heads to have sex. Let’s not shot our shop keeper’s for a $100 in the register. Let’s not destroy the innocence of Belize’s future - our children.
Somehow the crime number adds up each and every single day, and as the number gets higher, the probability that crime would be tapping at your shoulder is extremely higher. Kemp may be wrong in some of the things he has said…true…but Kemp is very close about the degree of the violence rising in our “little” country Belize.
September 16th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Well said. Half the reason we are in this mess is because Musa and the rest of them acted like it wasnt happening for so many years, at the same time secretly using these young boys to do their nasty business for him. It should be the politicians and “businessmen” facing the questions not some TV guy
September 16th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Well, indeed we cannot hide from the violence or the grenade stuff. of course not, BELIZE is what it is today, so, the guy got some of his stuff mixed up, but there is reality in it. For instance I dont live in the City, but where i live, g every corner u walk, there is a joint selling CRACK OR WEED. These guys are not scared of the police or the law. Justice serves no purpose in BELIZE. Police, do the same things as the gangs, get paid, money, money, money. But then again….beyound the crucial side of it all, Mrs. Kemp, you forgot, belize is not made up of BELIZE CITY. U MESSING UP MY BEAUTIFUL one COUNTRY, to sell a bloody book. In every country there is crime……..FOR INSTANCE am here in London living for a period of time, in a so called residential area, every half an hour, or less u hear syrenes passing by, every morning u read the papers,”someone got stab” yeah in LONDON, u should go write about that. HMM just the other day they found a 9 year old wt gun in his home, yeah here in LONDON. In my Country, Belize as much as the bad things u said about it, half of it is screwed up, because u based your hypothesis on one street an one City, “BELIZE CITY”. An whoever took u around how did he knew all the joints? How did u get to talk to leaders of the gangs….. jajaja, “unbelievable” these are just guys looking for international attention from a white man, so how did u bribe them ;yeah did u say,,,,,ur gonna be on internation T.V. am a white man an am gonna make that happen?” senseless, ur theory is so wrong about BELIZE. u should be sue indeed, for dooming our reputation, cus we are the people who make up BELIZE, an we strive daily to make a difference in our Country, but all to blame is not on u MR.Ross, its on our GOVERNMENT to allow a white man as uself to do such uniform research in my home land, shame on them, much less on ur book.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
if dah nuh suh…dah neyly suh…
September 17th, 2008 at 1:02 am
In 1984 when the US initiated it’s “New Drug Policy” the so-called war on drugs which featured the likes of Ronald Reagan, Oliver North, Enrique Blandone, Ricky Ross, Curl Thompson and many others you never heard of, Belize and the vast masjority of Belizeans did not know what cocaine was. However, using their trade influence and the gullibility of a political party hungry for their first taste of power, The U.S, coerced the “New Government” to spray marijuana fields and as soon as that business was done, in December 1984, Belizeans were given the worst gift any body could get for Christmas. Plane loads of cocaine and the violence and misery that followed. Check your stats Jack!!! Iran-Contra- You created the mess as usual- now you are profiting once more from the misery you wrath upon us. Who is in power in Belize again?????? The more things change, the more they get worse!!!
September 17th, 2008 at 1:14 am
Dear Mr. Kemp!
You have painted a very bad image of my country F*** You! Belize City does not make up the entire country, so it really astounds me that you would make such comments. Next time if you ever come back to Belize make sure you see the real Belize not just a small piece of it!
September 17th, 2008 at 4:38 am
We need to do something about crime yes.Belizeans, thou our government is trying to assess the problem,i personally would like them to consider a law before they pass it because it may help in one way and do us bad in the other.Act swiftly not just because you don’t want the people to say you’re doing nothing about the problem but also in a way that won’t have a negative impact on some people and things in life.No matter who is in government,i think we need to get a lot of financial aid from other countries and put it to good use.Raising the pay scale for everyone,paying our government workers well may help in some of the corruption.Investing in our people and our youths,making real athletes of our youths and all sports participants getting them recognized internationally.PEOPLE OF BELIZE LET NOT THIS “A” HOLE GET YOU OFF.WE ARE GONNA ALWAYS BE THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD,BLESSED AND PROTECTED BY THE ONE TRUE GOD.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:03 am
This is the MOST ridiculous journalistic story about Belize. It is sad to see a British journalist come to a British country to slander a little jewel. Ross should make it clear Belize City do have gang activities but ONLY in Belize City. Belize is divided by 6 districts and all are peaceful. Ross should take a ride to Toledo and he will be amazed at the beauty, peaceful and tranquil Southern Belize. Ross, how would you react if we say London is being overrun by gang violence and one of the MOST dangerous cities in the world? Do your research before degrading a tiny country. Rather than trying to make millions of dollars from a despicable story, why do you do a piece about the laid back towns and communities of Belize? SHAME ON YOU.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:33 am
We cannot hide from the reality in our country, especially Belize City. Our youths have become the victims of neglect from their families, their communities, and our government. Sad to say, they have also fallen victims of the foreign press. We cannot blame a foreigner ‘rass Kemp’ for exploiting the opportunity to intrude in the domestic affairs of our country and blow our weaknesses out of proportion into our face. Besides, you must know by now that his audience ‘the ill’ only expects exaggeration and like the ‘high’ from a stick of weed which he must have smoked while hanging in the hood, they crave for that thrill effect which eventually dies down, and when they sober up, they don’t even believe half of what he says in his book. So Belizeans, no need to get uptight. Crime and violence is a global issue. In fact, It has taken nations in its entirety, unlike us where it is just secluded to a few streets and small areas in the city. Let us be strong and take initiatives in helping to rescue our youths in this ailing situation. Life will be better for all!! Kemp will never have a reason to come.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:41 am
everywhere in countries have gangs but this guy is painting a very wrong picture belize city is one part we have many places that are peaceful and quite. he’s just trying to sell his damn videos and books. u should try to do a piece in your own country fool
September 17th, 2008 at 7:19 am
Mr. Rass the queen should send u back to do a full documentry of our Jewel Belize (den u wah get d sense)your comments are very misleading but i wish u will waste your money on publishing and b on d worst sellers list! go back so!
September 17th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Kindly note that this individual needs to come back to Belize and have a talk with individuals from around this beautiful Jewel of ours. I will not deny the fact that we do have gangs and drugs on our streets but to enlighten this fool about life here in Belize, nobody absolutely nobody lives in fear and we are as safe as his next door county. So Mr. Ross with due respect get your shit together about Belize and if ever you come back We will show you a side of Belize you need to see you dog ass individual. Belize has its problems people but not the way its being portrayed by this dumb ass. Peace out
September 17th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I am a Canadian that spent 10 years in the Cayman Islands and now 8 years in Belize.
Every city I have ever been in in Canada, the USA and the UK are way more dangerous than Belize.
The Cayman Islands are way more dangerous than Belize is.
There is no comparision…and Cayman is the wealthiest country in the Caribbean. Rape, Robbery and gang realated crimes are out of control there…
Ross, try keeping a reality check on your Drama…
or is putting your story in context too boring?
September 17th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Well my Belizean poeple let us accept the reality, Belize City is a mess, dangerous like hell; I agree on that but the rest of the country is beautiful and very peaceful. In this other districts one could walk any time at time without fear.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Ross you ARE FULL OF BULL ****! its people like you that destroy small developing countries like us, i hope that when you do another documentary on gangs in some other country that show a footage of you been shot at fool!
September 17th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
The documentary is talking about a part of the Southside of Belize City. This is not the entire City and most certainly not the entire country of Belize. Belize still remains one of the most peaceful places to raise children and also a “FREE COUNTRY”. I do agree that the government needs to work hard on the Southside of the city to combat the serious gang problem they have on that side. Belize “Land of the Free”.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Belize was and still is a heaven, Belize City is only a part of this country.Maybe you should write about the influx of crminal deportees to Belize’s and its effect on Belize’s society.
There are great amount of criminals who were nurtured in the ghettos of America who find their way back to Belize and contaiminate the our youths. Nothing can compare to the violence in American cities i.e Newark, NJ.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
GET YOU FACTS TOGETHER A** H****!! YOU NEEDED A TOUR GUIDE TO TEACH YOU ABOUT THE MESS THAT YOUR COUNTRY DID TO BELIZE. DESPITE THAT BELIZE IS STILL TODAY A MEMBER OF THE COMMON WEALTH COUNTRIES. READ AND TRY TO UNDERSTAND GEOLOGY, HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY BEFORE YOU WRITE WHAT YOU HAD JUST POSTED. I HOPE THE MONEY YOU MAKE ON THIS BOOK/VIDEO, WOULD MAKE YOU LIVE A LITTLE LONGER. I DON’T THINK THAT YOU MADE ENOUGH RESEARCH BEFORE YOU WONDER AROUND THE STREETS OF BELIZE. YOU HAD TO BRIBE SOMEONE TO GET SUCH VIDEO CLIP, WHY DON’T YOU TURN IN ALL THE NAMES OF THE PEOPLE WHO YOU GOT INVOLVED IN THIS CLIP SO THAT WE CAN START TO TAKE CARE OF THIS MESS!! A S S H O L E!!
September 17th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
My Belizeans, please do not let what this idiot said cloud our minds about the reality of the situation in Belize. Our young people need guidance and love. Lets come together as a nation and heal our youth, before we all become the victims. My call is to the churches, and people of this nation to do what GOD intended us to do. We all wonder what is our purpose in life !! Well we are here as soldiers of Christ. Lets continue the work Jesus started in the land of Galilee. Lets walk our streets, base by base, and talk to our children about them being God’s children,what that means for them and about his intended plan for them. Our youth needs a life of spirituality, so that they can grow to see the light and walk the light.
To my government, I beg that you take matters into your hands and do what is right for our young people. they need back their Youth department. We all need an area of focus, lets give them back. Youth For The Future, can never, will never, and was never intended for the role it is now playing. Reach out to the right people who has the knowledge, will, guts, and hope for our young people, and USE them to your advantage. This is not a political game we are playing, we are playing with the minds, heart and soul of god’s children. Wise up my Belizeans, Lets come together and work to save the souls of our dearly, beloved youth.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
The worst thing that ever happened to Belize was getting independance and letting our home grown Belizean politicians rapidly bring in corruption and greed. This has continued until we have the lawlessness of today where good citizens are very wary of going out after dark unless in a vehicle, the few stores that are open serve from behind steel grills. Although Ross Kemp has done the TV exageration, he is basically pretty accurate. Drugs and crime is rife and every Monday’s news bulletin is studied to see how many murders happened over the weekend. Belize is a beautiful country and should be a tourists’ paradise, but it would need a strong honest politician to eliminate graft and corruption.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Its a fair point. We hear this everyday on 7,5, Amandala and all the rest, suddenly this guy pops up saying more or less the same thing and everyone rares up
September 17th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
let’s be realistic and face this matter with “open Mind” it just happen in Morelia,Mexico. a sick mind person killed more than 20 people by using exactly the same granade that was used in Sep. 6 on Princess margaret drive, so guys let’s think about this and get togheter to put an STOP to this violent city
September 17th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Greetings fine people of Belize, I am not a Belizean, however I have travelled throughout your fine country over the years since 1978, I have also lived in and around Belize City on many occassions including the Southside, also Fairweather Street, Mahogany Street and Majestic Alley to name but a few. Yes you have a gang problem but so do many other cities and countries throughout the developing world. Of course there was exageration, it was as we all know for public viewing and ratings, but there is an element of truth and the murder rate per capita is frightening and hopefully this will now be addressed by a willing and strong governing body, that can also be aided by a strong and willing electorate, I do hope and pray that there is a will by the people to help these guys change their lifestyle and help rather than kill their country folk. I personaly have always enjoyed my times in Belize and I have experienced both sides of the fence including being mugged in Mahogany street some years ago, this episode in my life did not make me think that all Belizeans were of the same ilk and niether did it give me a sense of dislike of your fine country, more of a sense of stupidity on my part for walking down an area with the bling blinding everyone that passed me and obviously someone thought, o, look theres a silly white boy walking down the street in broad daylight with shiny stuff on , I,m havin that , and they did. So if anything it wised me up and taught me a swift lesson. I have always enjoyed my times in Belize and I will be visiting again at the end of the year and look forward to visiting old friends and meeting new ones, bye the way folks me da wah scotsman ah prowd of it and ununshuld be too.
Ketch yo later
Slange H
September 17th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
wow he really researching the bad..stuff like he wanna bring down belize for some reason (s)…hum…mein this is horrible..this is sad..someone need to take him on a tour of the beautiful scenary & treasures we have to offer and put him in shock for good..he’s out looking for the bad in a country..when he got a lot to look for in the usa..he need to put his focus on the country he’s from if he’s from usa..he needs to bring some good in the countries he’s visiting and done with the bad..GOD b with u…
September 17th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Dear Mr Ross
I am appalled that you visited my country in an attempt to highlight the negatives of a few select individuals when there are so many nice people in our country. We have lovely flora and fauna, beautiful beaches, mysterious mayan cites, wonderful caves, diverse cultures, great food and serene resorts all over our small jewel.
I am a Belizean. I have lived here all of my thirty one years of life. I have two children and I live in comfort and relaxation. So, no, Belize is not the hell hole you have been trying to sensationalize it to be.
Have you lived here? Have you spent enough time for you to recognize that the few who call themselves gangsters are a few lost souls who performed for their fifteen minutes of fame?
Have you been to the wonderful places in this country which would make you feel like you were in heaven? have you been to Punta Gorda? Have you been to Belmopan or Corozal or Caye Caulker? No, you visited Belize City, one small area of the country.
I would have thought that a foreign media personnel would have been better trained.
Mr Ross Belize is a jewel. If you were honest you would accept that. Get real cause you wont win any peace award for your lies.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
People, this was a documentary about gangs, not a documentary about Belize. The piece on Belize was only a portion of the entire production. Focus.
September 17th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Belize has some crime but name me one place that doesn’t have crime. Maybe your the one bringing the guns and bombs.
i travel and the states has a higher crime rate. NY is one of the dangeous places in the World, NOT Belize.
Why don’t you write about that because Belize is not dangerous. I walk belize streets every day and i never got robbed or raped so if you often lie just to make a book wake up. Belize is a safe place and beatiful as it could be.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:11 am
ross leave Belize alone, go try to make money else where……you obviously dont know the history of Belize…its sad to see sickos like you trying to give a beautiful country like Belize a bad name.
YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN BELIZE
September 18th, 2008 at 4:17 am
Yes we have a gang problem, and yes we have a crime problem, but what country and city doeas not. I have lived in Belize City all my life and have never seen it the way I saw it on the documentary tonight, Ross made it look 1000 times worse. For those that have never visited Belize and see his documentary, im sure will never ever visit and indeed miss out on experincing the wonderful parts of this Jewel.Thanks Ross!!! I mean RAAASSS!!!
September 18th, 2008 at 4:25 am
@#$! u ross it aint that bad -_-*
September 18th, 2008 at 6:05 am
Belize would be much better if we had no influence from the United States (Tv, Deportees,Drugs going to America etc.) I am a Belizean in support of my country you’re an ASSHOLE trying to make a quick buck by portraying my country negatively with a whole bunch of lies. So FUCK YOU!! DON’T COME BACK TO BELIZE.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
The Most Dangerous Place on the Planet…WOW…what an idiotic statement to make.
Travel much Ross???
This is from wikipedia
Most murders worldwide per capita:
1. Iraq
2. Venezuala
3. El Salvador
4. Honduras
5. Jamaica
Your facts aren’t researched at all, are they Ross?
You can hardly be called a Journalist.
The ONLY thing you are supposed to do is get your facts straight.
You really suck at your job buddy!
September 18th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
OOO, SOMEONE is getting their facts str8 in BELIZE Ross and ur documentary holds alot of crap…. u should checkout our news website, http://www.channel5belize.com, you have Mr.Brown in fear of his life because of using his words wrongly, and editing you clips to portray him as Gang leader. While u told him that he was just gonna be a regular Belizean guy who made a change in his life……o u did alot of editing on your clips that gave wrong information. Your in Big trouble Ross Kemp. I cant believe ur an European, am in London an they talk so highly of Belize…ggg come on u guys have so much crime here, how about the daily stabbing an i mean THE DAILY STABBING OF YOUTHS HERE, using knift not guns, not grenade..KNIFE..heartless….
I dont think you should be welcome to Belize anymore Ross, you messed us up men. Belize City is just a tiny portion of BELIZE.
HERE IS WHATS ON OUR DAILY NEWS!
Jason Brown reacts to his role in Kemp’s documentary
There is plenty reaction to the gang documentary by Ross Kemp which portrays Belize as a notorious outpost of three thousand people, where criminals, cocaine, gangs and weapons are in control. Last night we showed you a small extract of the one hour piece and the reaction has been fast and furious for the negative image it gives the jewel. Today we interviewed one of the principals in the documentary, Jason Brown, who went along with Kemp in the sensational piece, but who now says he is scared for his life.
Jason Brown, Featured in Kemp’s “Gang” Documentary
“Right here I have in my hands, a document which says that “the George Streets crew are the most feared gang in Belize City operating as local enforcers for the Mexican and Colombian drug cartel. In 2004 the gang leader was sentenced to thirty-three years in Miami prison for smuggling more than ten tons of cocaine into the U.S. Ross meets Jason Brown, the current leader of George Street. Along with a collection of his lieutenants in the trust of Brown, Ross is given an insight on the reality of gang life and discovers as many questions as it could answer.” When he’s states that George Street is operating as local enforcers for the Mexican and Colombian drug cartel, nothing goes like that you understand. So he’s exaggerating a lot. And when he says I’m the leader of George Street, that’s never ever possible and that never was in existence ever at all. I am only affiliated with them but I am not a leader of George Street like he says and for me that is very dangerous for me for him getting on the internet and telling lies like that.”
Marion Ali
“What about this section that you said we have witnesses who we kill. If you are a witness, I could come twelve o’clock in the afternoon and shoot this guy in the middle of the forehead and you are a witness. And then Ross Kemp answered you “I wouldn’t say anything and then you respond you better not.”
Jason Brown
“Yes, what I have to say about that—before that he asked me a question; he asked me … because first of all, I gone into this documentary noting that I was gonna be this guy who is working, changing his life, who was once in the gang and now trying to reform his life. But none of that was portrayed in his video. I was telling him the live reality and stuff of the streets that I experienced back in the past. It’s not like I am the guy who will be shooting people or be killing. I don’t even have a police record for their information, so for them labelling me as this. He asked me a question like this; he said what is the procedure taken when a hit is set on the street for someone and I used the example like this. I said if I was the lieutenant, I would get the smaller guys to do the work for me because that’s how it runs in the street. that’s what I’m explaining to him but he cut where he asks me the question and just portray it like I said oh, I am the lieutenant, I am this. And for that part when I am telling him that if you talk against these people you will get hurt, that’s reality. I was on the streets; when you’re on the streets affiliated with George Street a bit. I was on the streets and I saw lots of bad stuff and several attempts were made on my life too. So what am I supposed to do? For me survival is the key.”
Crispin Jeffries, Assistant Commissioner of Police
“The police was involved through Mr. Douglas Hyde when Mr Kemp indicated to us that his camera crew and his management indicated to us that they want to come and do a documentary on Belize on gangs like they’ve done across the world. That was welcomed, we see it as an opportunity to share Belize like every other country and Mr Kemp’s team came. The team was taken around and they were introduced to a number of things including the Coast Guard, the Belize Defence Force, CYDP and we showed them around. They were given the opportunity to meet people. They did not just get sent into the street to wonder around. They came as an organisation and they were treated as an organised group of people. Regrettably, they have given off the information very slanderously to sensationalise what they found in Belize to make Belize look bad in my estimation. However, there is some truth to what they are saying. They could not have seen or spoken to some of the people if they did not exist. Belize has seen a number of persons, national Geographic, coming to do documentaries. This is only another opportunity that Belize has been highlighted. Unfortunately for us, it came at a time when grenade is in the fore floor. Most persons are scared of grenades so because Ross Kemp has done this, and it has been sensationalise people are in sensory so obviously, the paranoia steps in.”
Police say the grenade that Kemp held in his hands could still very well be in the streets but since the production of the documentary police have confiscated two of the devices. The weapon also resembled the same British type that was lobbed on Carnival day.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Ross Kemp is an a*****e who has fabricated a lot of malicious lies about our PARADISE called BELIZE. The truth is we are the jewel of the entire AMERICA’S and probably the ENTIRE WORLD. Every city in the world has its problems with drugs and violence but we are not rated as he portrays. He should be persecuted for those lies. The picture he has painted about us could be damaging but we will continue to struggle and fight for what is right and that is we are a peaceful and loving people and should not be stereotyped just because of a few rotten bananas that will be cast out of the bunch anyways.
September 18th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Our country has been slandered badly. As most Belizeans are pointing out, ross has dissected Belize and portrayed an exaggerated image of Belize. I need to Reiterate that every country/cities have there unfortunate gang, violence, drug related problems. Ross crafts his career by exposing countries/cities gang related problems. That his profession. This documentary on Belize is a bit different compared to a documentary of the same scale, say in London for instance. Not to say that gang, drug related incidents are not important but London is huge so a dissected documentary on even the worst part of London would not affect many viewers view of London. Belize is a small developing country so this blown out of proportion documentary will catch people’s attention quickly and paint a bad picture. One of the major income to Belize if not the top income is Tourism. This probably will not affect our industry but it will divert some potential visitors to Belize. I was proud to read all the response and concerns of Belizeans towards ross. Shows that we are proud of country however, we would still love to have the right people with the right frame of mind to lead our country out of all the corruption. I say the next documentary that’s done on Belize should be a private investigation on all the corruption that hails all the way to the top of the Belize government. We need fresh representative in our government, until that happens our country is going to stay stagnant. GET RIGHT POLITICIANS and serve the People of Belize instead of “getting yours”
Sorry for straying unto politics, but when everything is said and done it all falls unto the people that are protecting Belize and Belizeans.
September 18th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
As problematic and deplorable as his message about our jewel has been, it’s a reminder of what those that don’t know can do to us and what we take for granted can create if it is not controlled. Wake up Belize this guy is not totally wrong he has some truth to what he is speaking of although exaggerated. Nevertheless we that are from here and live here know the truth and it is up to us to let the rest of the world know and see that truth, not some foreigner who knows little of our or his own for that matter.
As painful as it is to accept, the beauty and value of the remainder of our country holds no water in the eyes of the less informed who will reads his article or see his documentary, hence you see where this can create a lost in revenue for our country via tourism. The term snowball effect comes to mind. Lost of revenue, lost of job, lost of income, lost of food, creation of survival methods via, gang related activities, drugs or simple petty crime. You all get my point. So it’s like Diane Hall and many others said, we need to get our act together and take back our youths and country from the arms of negativity and those that dwell in the realm of it.
My plea is to HON. PETER EDEN MARTINEZ Minister of Human Development and Social Transformation, HON. JOSE MANUEL HEREDIA, JR Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, HON. PATRICK JASON FABER
Minister of Education, HON. MARCEL P. CARDONA Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, HON. CARLOS PERDOMO Minister of National Security and the PRIME MINISTER THE HON. DEAN O. BARROW, to come together with the leaders of our communities and develop a strategic plan, which could combat this unfortunate reality that is facing our country. And if for any reason, you guys are frozen and without ideas, please free to contact me by any means (aobeinc@yahoo.com). I’m not a college scholar in politics and laws but I do know what I want to make a reality for my people and I do have hundreds of ideas like many talented Belizeans at home and abroad.
I’m at the airport here in Houston on a daily basis and see the numbers of negative male influence that is being sent back home and just wonder who kid they are going to influence next. It’ not a phenomenon but more a reality, that needs to be address quickly before we become the next Jamaica, Iraq or Venezuela. We are far from that reality but yet close.
Mr. Ross, you have it all wrong. Belize, we too have it all wrong. The moment we picked up the foreign(American) mentally on dealing with gangs, drugs and crime, the moment we stop being parents to our kids and became their friends, the moment we allow corruption within our government to go unanswered and unpunished, the moment we stop being BELIZEANS(Cultured, Proud and Respectful) we had it wrong. So you see my people we too have it wrong and we cannot just blame Mr. Ross or others for their ignorance. We too have to take the blame and in doing so find a way to take back what is ours from the negative foreign influence. BET, MTV, CRIPS, BLOODS or any of the other negative foreign influence that today is engraved in the way of life in most of our kids, is not what made Belize. Belizeans Made Belize Remember That.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
truly Rass kemp. very little truth to this so called “documentary.”
September 18th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I am a Belizean. Born and raised. It upsets me to read anything about Belize like the article written by Ross Kemp- I don’t know that place, and if anyone were to ask, I have never been to that ‘Belize’ portrayed in the article. No! I have not.
Gang violence is a problem, and I would not dare to ignore that fact; however, gangs in Belize is not a generalization- Ofcourse, it is a culture that can become the norm but Belizeans fight everyday not to allow it. It would have been more effective had Ross Kemp taken the time to talk to non gang members and see their point of view. This way,BELIZE WOULD NOT HAVE APPEARED TO BE WHAT IT SI NOT.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Ross is the type of journalist that would sell his mom for a story, it’s sad to see what some people like Ross would do for money. Why don’t you verify the fact that this documentary was conducted solely in Belize City as oppose to the entire nation which is rather contrary to the violence that transpires in the City. The population in the City is far less than 300,000. Rass before you place a documentary on the international seen do a through research of the nation or specify the area that participated in the documentary and focus on that section of the country; instead of portraying the entire nation as violent, at least that’s the implication that’s imprinted on the mind of majority of your audience.
In addition, why don’t you state some of the causative factors that contribute to poverty within the nation such as the natural disasters that occurs occasionally? State the facts Rass and nothing less, nothing more. Stop the exaggeration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I realize and acknowledge that Belize City and Belize City solely/primarily, is faced with a violent ordeal but your picture which is attempting to entail the entire nation is utterly far from the mark due the core exaggeration.
Firstly, I apologize for my hasty generalization, but the idiotic police officers need some knowledge and training in detecting incidence like this which has great potential for a backlash. Do y’all work and get some professional intelligence that will aid y’all in performing your operations. Shame on you guys for permitting the current condition to exist not only in Belize City but also with this insidious documentary. I’m pointing my finger in y’all direction. Wasn’t there anyone escorting this guy during the course of his interviews and time spent in Belize? How could y’all permit such stupidity to be conducted? Arrest the idiots that participated in those outrageous acts.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
To be honest, The programme is about gangs, kemp portrayed the gang culture in belize like any other country he visits, ( its not gonna be rose tinted,) We might not like what we see but this is the reality of gang life in belize. I am a belizean and i witness a lot of this shit going on. The fact of the matter is that things are not getting any better and its clear that the government system is corrupted. We need to stop being in denial about the situation. Of course belize has a much more beautiful side but thats not the side we are focussing on right now.This is the harsh reality…., lets just deal with it
September 18th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Facts are facts. I can appreciate Mr. Kemp trying to bring to light the serious issues in a raw way. I only wish he would do a documentary on the POLICE here in Belize and they’re alleged cover-up murder, bribe-taking and brutality (torture) on common citizens. The Belize Defence Force (ARMY) is well aware of the fact that Belize is a main transshipment route for drugs. Ministers of government and judiciary (again allegedly) are big participators in this deceptive process (hint hint). We have a prime minister now who in my view pretends to be all-wise. The other day I was walking on the streets on the city when three young children approached me. The eldest, a young boy no more than twelve years old struggling with his pride and tears asking me to buy them a plate of food to share. If our Prime Minister is so smart, such a scholar, then why can’t he fix this? Why is there no financial aid for poor families that really need it? I know the question of dependency arises but that is something we can figure out. Or should children be left to starve because we’re worried about non-ambitious parents? At the end of the day, I think its a cataclystic period, not only for Belize but for all countries in the world. The truth will come out someday about all the hidden deeds. Then, I’d be more than happy to give Mr. Kemp an interview I’m sure he’d never want to miss!
September 19th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Belize is a young country however. It is rich in natural resources (a jewel of its own). Its never too late to reverse what has been damaging us. Sometimes I wonder if there will come a time of revolution, when the people will stand militantly against the oppressors among us. The ministers that do special favors only for their families and close friends. The ministers that curse vulgar words at the ones that elect them to rise in power. But there is a beautiful part of Belize that is yearning to be nurtured. If this abuse and rape is struck from our country, our citizens, our people, and replaced with a fair system and laws that one can trust and rely on, then we will make positive steps in the right direction. Sometimes I wonder if we realize what our country is worth. If we did, why are we covering up the mistakes? FIGHT for that beautiful Belize instead. Don’t be like that mother I know that has a drug-addict for a son that comes in the late night while she is drunk in her pleasure and rapes her constantly. She still protects him and hides his mistake, because ‘it is my son’, she insists. Sometimes the truth comes out painfully, sometimes it comes well wrapped courteously. No matter how it comes, the point is its the truth, we listen and use it to make a difference. Everyone has his own agenda. Some people write to make money. We write because we care.
September 19th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
whiteman thrash always bend things to fit whatever they want, no matter who gets hurt, no matter the consequences. Belize is growing don’t damage us. The gang problem will be resolved to a certain extent. you will see. We are going to be ok, no matter what. Belizeans let’s fight for a peaceful country. (interesting irony… fight for peace). we are multicultural, we are beautiful, we are Belize. Viva Belize for true Belizeans!
September 19th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
One of the first upsetting things that I read in Mr. Kemp article is the part that he mentioned about the gang being a cultural thing. That is so false because if that was the case then I guess we would all be gangs members. The way Mr. Kemp painted Belize was like we were one in a million. Like every other countries in all parts of the world they have their good and their bad. I won’t deny the facts that our country are facing problems with gangs and drugs related problem which has a lot to do with our government. But Belize is still a very peaceful place to visit and the people are very friendly and like one person comment Belize City is only one district of Belize, we have other districts that is really peaceful and beautiful. I would wish that Mr. Kemp would have visited the entire country of Belize and find something positive to write about instead of exploting our country in the worst kind of way but whoever have visited Belize before would know that a lot of the information that mr. Kemp reported is false and those who have not visited Belize before should not listen to the words of Mr.. Kemp but rather come and see for yourself and then make your own assumptions of our country because we are certainly not Iraq thats for sure.
Mr. Kemp what is it that we have done to you for you to paint our country the way that you did? Are you trying to tell me that the UK does not have problems of its own, are you telling me that your coountry is free from corruption and have no kind of drug relations or gang. No country is perfect and every country has it problems just that some have it worst than the others and we are all trying to fix those problems. The next time you do visit Belize please explore the entire country and get your facts straight.
September 20th, 2008 at 4:32 am
someone should f****ing sue your gringo a** for saying bs about my country! every country in the world and especially the U.S. have criminals, gangs, and rapists. You are lucky that someone didnt pop a cap in ur a** in Belize! write a book about our maya ruins, our islands, rainforest, exotic animals and cultures.
September 20th, 2008 at 5:52 am
Let this serve as a lesson to those young boys who run to a f… white as…ho…. with a bloody camera and try to “play bad”!
September 20th, 2008 at 5:59 am
I still cannot believe that even the cops fell for this shit. Come on guys stop posing for the dam cameras and get on with your work. In this way asses like Ross won’t have much to write about. Start by cutting out those weekly “kodak moments”!!!
This ass really screwed us up in the eyes of the world. There is no denial here. We do have problems. But have a look at the other videos. Our boys are pre-schoolers compared to other groups around the world. Ross should review his video before attaching labels….
September 20th, 2008 at 9:49 am
I was in Belize in March with a good friend of mine. Spent most of my time on Caye Caulker.
The country has some of the best diving in the world.
I had a great time, dont be put off from visiting Belize. It is a beautiful country and if your careful and show respect you will be safe, there are more dangerous places in the UK.
The locals are friendly, the living is relaxed, the waters and sea life are wonderful.
Everywhere has it’s problems, which Mr Kemp and his programs like to highlight.
September 20th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Dear Belizeans as most have grasped it was a documentary on GANGS and unfortunately that is what Ross Kemp focused on as he has done throughout the series of GANGS which he is covering throughout the world and I,m sure he has exagerated it for effect and to up the ratings at the irritation of the innocent.
I think someone mentioned earlier that because Belize is a smaller country it would probably have more effect on the country as a whole as it tended to portray this problem as a national scurge when in FACT it is NOT, this same GANGS documentary was covered by Ross Kemp on London including Glasgow which I stay 25 miles from but had no real impact on my views as it was pretty much the reality of the situation and I might add has been for some forty plus years and their are places in Glasgow that I would not dream of venturing to today. I think Ross Kemp and his team should have been more sensitive and aware of the geography of Belize and its diverse cultural history before proceeding to air and for this I believe he and his team have failed, on the positive side of things, it has certainly arose a passion that I pray will not lose momentum as I believe you deserve better from your politicians and only time will tell if they have the will to push for radical change.
For those who have never been to Belize, I would urge you to pay lip service to this Documentary and get your bags packed and go and visit this fine country and explore this jewel and its wonderful friendly people, you will arrive to a splendid welcome and leave with awsome memories and friends for life.
Regards H
September 20th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
LOVE BELIZE!!! DONT DESTROY OUR JEWEL.. ITS ALL WE GOT…WE ARE BLESSED BY GOD WITH THE MANY WONDERS THAT ARE FOUND IN OUR COUNTRY..WE THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS VISITED OUR JEWEL, THE MANY WHO LOVE THIS COUNTRY SO MUCH THEY DECIDE TO RETIRE IN THIS BEAUTIFUL JEWEL..AND WITH OUR WARMTHNESS AND TRUST WE WELCOME EVERYONE TO EXPERIENCE THE WONDERS WE HAVE TO OFFER…
everyone has their opinion about our country and i am happy to say that i have been amongst many people from all over the world who love to travel and for many one of their unforgettable trips was when they came to Belize,,,some got married here, some celebrated their honeymoon here and plan to come back and visit for their anniversary…many people love Belize and let us keep it that way…Lets not be misleaded by an unprofessional journalist and lets strive to make our City better and prettier than what he says it is…
September 21st, 2008 at 6:12 am
I think that man needs to be put in Hattieville prison for slander.What the HELL do u think u r doing ,say s..t like that about such a wonderful place . Why don’t u write a story about the drugs in Los Angeles ? Go ask the fools out there about what they do . Just LEAVE BELIZE alone.
September 22nd, 2008 at 4:46 am
Mr Rass u are a disgrace to the world…How can u do such a diabolical thing to peaceful and loving nation called Belize..I am not from Belize but i lived there for almost 10 years and never in my life did i felt threatened. I am a white person like u, but not Evil like you. Get ur facts together. Remember Mr Rass every dog has his day….the world is a cycle..SHAME ON YOU…why don’t you continue singing opera rather than embarrassing yourself, portraying yourself as a journalist for the sake of money.
If i was the Prime Minister of Belize, I would sue your white ass for being such and idiot.
Live long Belizeans…this is a lesson for u people never trust a idiot like Rass…
Belizean let him know…YOU ARE NOT WELCOME TO THIS PARADISE ANYMORE…YOU marked yourself idiot…
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I thing you´ve stretched the truth quite a bit here - and that´s putting it lightly Mr. Kemp! I lived in Belize my whole life (with the exception of the last 2 years.) I went to Belizean high schools, including one on in the city center. Later, I went to the University of Belize (at the Belize City Campus) and walked from Eve Street across town to the University twice a day every week day. Nothing ever happened to me - not even a threat! Now, I won´t go so far as to say that the Southside is NOT dangerous, and that gangs and weapons aren´t a problem in Belize - but the whole country and the majority of kind-hearted Belizeans shouldn´t have to pay for the Southside thugs! So, STOP YUH RASS!!!
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Get the REAL facts and rewrite your article!!!
September 22nd, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Just to inform the misinformed historically Belize it actually one of the most peaceful countries in Central America. My mother comes from Belize City and I have been going back home since I was 5. I can walk down the streets of Belize City and I have never seen this violence Mr. Ross speaks of. The next aspect in the film which astonishes me is saying the soldiers are not allowed to go into the city, which would be false statement. I have gone to the Princess Hotel many times and I have met many of them hanging out. Also how do you base a statistic in the U.S.A. and compare it to Belize. Belize is about the size of Massachusetts which is one U.S. State.
Every one knows if you go looking for trouble of course you will find it. I do not know the research methodology Mr. Ross performed but since when can one base observation on one part of Belize and then go onto generalize the entire country? A great and creditable researcher knows this. By your misleading documentary you have generalized an entire country and misinformed people around the world.
September 23rd, 2008 at 5:38 am
My fellow belizeans. This documentary can serve as a wake up call to action. We all know that Belize has a drug peoblem,so what are we willing to do about it. Every one wants to complain but unwilling to act.Evidently government itself is not the answer. We need community leaders to rise up and take action. We need Belizeans abroadto give back to their community to build a better Belize. My husband and I are in the process of returning to Belize to work with displace youth. Lets get back to our roots. We use to be a caring nation, where our neighbors children was welcome to eat at our table. Rise up Belizeans and lets take back what the enemy has stolen.
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Kemp,
Your main focus was merely on one street in Belize City; you can hardly call that a real coverage. I don’t even know where the hell you could have gotten your statistics; you should have studied more carefully and should have gotten your figures straight. The vast majority of the country of Belize is a free one. Surely, we have our problems we have to deal with daily, like every other country in the world. I’m sure your mother country isn’t absolutely free of crime.
I agree with some people’s comments here that your story wouldn’t be that much interesting if you just could have stuck with the blatant truth of what Belize really is. But of course you aren’t affiliated with …. say, Discovery Channel, right? So, in order to make your story more exciting and plausible, you had to make your “documentary” so exaggerating, even if it were at the expense of our beautiful Belize.
I’m sure people from my country will agree with what I’m saying.
QUE VIVA BELICE!!!!!
From Sugar City!!!
September 24th, 2008 at 5:26 am
THIS IS A BUNCH OF BULL SHIT SIR………..BELIZE IS NOTHIN THAT U SAID IT WAS HOW DARE U GO TO MY COUNTRY PICKING UP TRASH THAT DON’T EVEN MAKE SENSE AND PUT IT ON THE INTERNET………..THE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE SHOULD SUE THE HELL OUT OF U
September 24th, 2008 at 5:36 am
well all i can say that i live 2 hours from belize city and many of the towns here are not as violent like the city- belize city is infested with drugs, crack heads and beggars, i am sorry to say this but recently we went to a belize city night club and they had 2 armed guys come out with ak-47 and shooted at the crowd, unfortunately 6 people were dead and like 12 were badly injured, which a teen was crippled. Belize is really the most dangerous country as you cant even walk safe that dreadlock guys with mask are trying to rob your wallet or chain snatch you. the real truth is that there is no security in the country, no neighbourhood watch, indeed there is a lot of racism in the country, black, whites and brown, also the minor ethnics, dont really socialize, well in the city, blacks dont like the spanish and underestimate them,also in the western part or northern the spanish do the same, and it goes the same on whites on the islands. also the islands like caye caulker and san pedro there are a lot of cocoaine being trafficked and marijuana also, low security of police, the majority of crimes are armed robbery and burglary.
September 25th, 2008 at 6:33 am
I can see why you made that comment because of your name, San Pedro.
I am sorry but this racism that you speak of is really hard for me to visualize. As a true Belizean I am what represents the country. I am the melting pot, Mayan, creole, Scottish, African, Spanish, American and Hindi roots. I have almost every ethnic group that represents Belize in my family and we all get a long just fine. An your comments about blacks not liking Spanish can you please stop making generalizations.
An Belize is not the most dangerous country. Let me put yall up on some knowledge:
Top Ten Most Dangerous Countries in the World:
1.Liberia
2.Afghanistan
3.Somalia
4.Sudan
5.Lebenon
6.Iraq
7.Chad
8.Haiti
9.Burundi
10. Pakistan
So there you go folks Belize didnt make the top ten. If Belize is so dangerous to you wouldn’t you have left by now?
I recognize the problems the country has but one cannot just depend on the government. Belizeans have to stand up and take charge. This means educating ourselves on the political process, creating lobbying groups, etc. It also comes back down to the strong family base in Belize which the country as a whole has moved away from. But on the other side for a young country Belize is a positive example in many respects. Look at the past election, it was a peaceful transition. In today’s world that cannot be said for many of the countries that share the same continent.
But if we are going to call drugs and gangs issues affecting the country why dont we look at another major issue foreign investors buying the land off for cheap. The main example of where this occurs in San Pedro, much of the island isnt even owned by Belizeans or San Pedreanos. The majority of the island is now owned by U.S. citizens, Canadians, and some Europeans. An believe me there are Belizeans out there who would love to own a business but when one doesnt come from old money or from a super power it becomes difficult to obtain those loans.
An the dreadlock comment is sterotypical. Why does the person have to have dreadlocks why cant they have a clean fade.
On my last note if you want there to be change you have to be a participant in this process. It really annoys be how people leave it up to the government as a citizen or even a resident you have a responsibility to your community in this case it would be Belize. The reality of the situation is not every Belizean has access to the basics, which are income, health, and education. I believe that if these needs are met then can the country can thrive even more then now. We can sit here and talk all day about the negatives but it will not get us anywhere. My suggestion is for all who talk about change talk is cheap and be about it by advocating, volunteering, and giving back to the community of Belize.
Regards,
A Proud Belizean American.
September 25th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Mr Kemp’s comments are outrageous, irresponsible and self-serving. Clearly this is geared to make ratings for SKY TV and make sure this aging out of work actor keeps a job at the expense of a beautiful country where I feel safer than anywhere else in the world. I have visited Belize many times as I travel the world for business and personal reasons and I feel safer in Belize than anywhere else on this planet. One of the most dangerous places in the world? The US says it has reached a crises point? One of the Top 6 places you are most likely to be shot? Where do you get this information Mr. Kemp. Children are going to school in London, your home town, with knife-proof vests and you dare to compare that or anything else that is going on anywhere else in the world with the peacefulness that the rest of us experience in this gem of a country? Shame on you Mr Kemp. You are no better than the gangs themselves. You have dropped in for a week or two at most, armed with your agenda to find a ’story’, stretched things far out of proportion in the worst case of sensationalistic journalism I have ever seen at the expense of many innocent people. All countries should close their borders and refuse you entry before you do any further damage with your reckless behavior.
September 25th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
San Pedro - which nightclub were u at when 6 people were shot dead? Racism is a strong word, and one that doesn’t fit my impression of bz.
Ross Kemp made a program about gangs in belize. Not about the beautiful reserves, coral reef, maya temples etc. It’s whole purpose was to focus on the problem of gangs, and it did it well. Exaggerated? To some degree yes. But the facts hold true - 9th highest murder rate in the WORLD (These statistics don’t lie - they take in to account the population and the number of murders). Hand grenades thrown in to crowds (yes plural!).
So what happens now? Two choices are open to us…
1. tell ourselves program was untrue, ignore situation and watch as bz self-destructs
2. accept the program for what it is, and get off our fat backsides and do something to change the situation.
I fear my money’s on 1.
September 26th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Hey Spotfire, you hit the nail right on the head. short,sharp and truthfully to the point and I,m not a gambler.
well said.
H
September 27th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Yes Spotfire. Reality time
October 5th, 2008 at 4:08 am
congratulation Mr. Rass
you make our country sounds like the most dangerous country in the world. please Mr. Rass please get your stats strait. are you telling the world that Belize is much more dangerous than Kuwait, Iran, Kanya, Iraq and other part of the world. The fact is yes the city itself is dangerous but face it Mr. Rass in every country every state the city is the most dangerous part. i beg the people who read these comment please do not believe this crap and come to Belize and see what it has to offer. please Mr. Kemp please find another country to write about if you want to make money. research better and learn more about my country before you write. one question Mr. Kemp, if Belize is very dangerous tell who the hell did you a chance to interview a hard core criminal in brad day light with no fear. I know that in other part of the world when a journalist wants an interview they have to hide and duck from bullets because there is constant shooting and robbing in the area.I think you owe Belize and its people an apology and a big one at that.
October 6th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Rass Kempt, get real mi breda! Stop talk nonsense, Get the whole picture a Belize not the portion.
October 7th, 2008 at 2:39 am
well i completely agree with you i mostly think that ross kemp payed them to say all of that because i live in belize and it’s not that corrupted like other countries like Guatemala you hear that everyday someone is being killed belize is a peacefully country..i think that he payed the people to say all those things because if they would be really involved in serious crimes they wouldn’t be stupid enough to say every thing to the camera so0 people don’t be stupid enough to believe in what he says!!
October 7th, 2008 at 2:44 am
yap show to the whole world what belize really is its the beauty of nature baby i mostly think you are jealous because belize is one of the fewest countries where you will find nature at its best i think you are trying to intimidate tourists but they know well the people which have come 2 belize know that u are a liar belize is a safe country where you and your family can enjoy a wonderful vacations!!!
October 7th, 2008 at 2:59 am
belize u talk like if it was the entire country people remember that belize city is just part of belize we have the rest of the districts which are safe enough where you can walk late at night without bothering about danger!!!!!!so0 please grow up and don’t believe on the BULL SHITS ROSS KEMP SAYS I THINK WHAT HE WANTS IS TO BECOME FAMOUS BY DISCRIMINATING POOR COUNTRIES LIKE BELIZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!FUCK YOU MISTER KEMP I WANT TO TO COME BACK 2 BELIZE U MOTHER FUCKER!!!!!!!!!
October 7th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Many of you Belizeans are in denial, this documentary is truth. As a Belizean who grew up in south central Los Angeles during the 80’s and visiting many parts of Belize he is not making this up. I have visited Belize and starting in the 1990’s I had an unnerving feeling being in Belize City, just as when I was in south central LA. I went to visit family in Belize City, Majestic Alley and remember people I grew up with from diapers walking around with Tech 9’s, and MAC 10’s on their waist belt. Ready to shoot fi’ kill. Stop denying this violence does not exist, crazy violence are even happening in the small villages Ladyville, Hattieville, Boom etc. If the Belizean adults had try to stop this 20 yrs ago-when the deportees started coming home- instead of pretending the problem was not there, Belize and Belize City would be a much better place. I know people that sent their sons back to Belize to escape gang violence in Los Angeles, only to have their child either join a gang in Belize or get murdered or “chop up” by gangsters in Belize.
check out http://www.amadala.com fi read di new bout belize anytime.
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:35 am
yo man ross yah crazie man coke i give you to too strong fu you son. come back da belize i got more fu you.allright bretha holla at me at smoky jay . net