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.
Chat about this on the Unreality TV Forum »
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.
truly Rass kemp. very little truth to this so called “documentary.”
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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”!
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….
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.
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
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…
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.
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…
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!!!
Get the REAL facts and rewrite your article!!!
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.
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.
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!!!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Yes Spotfire. Reality time
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.
Rass Kempt, get real mi breda! Stop talk nonsense, Get the whole picture a Belize not the portion.
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!!
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!!!
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.
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
Get real everybody. Me and my family were born in Belize and it’s sad to say, but our country is in horrible shape and it’s our own fault. I’m from Belize City and gangs, drugs and AIDS has made our cities & towns worse than alot of the “bad” areas in the US, why do you think we all leave to come to America. As soon as I can afford, I will send for the rest of my family just like the rest of you. You would have to be crazy to want to live in those conditions. I am a proud Belizian, but there is not really much aside from history left in our country. This European man only documented what he saw and was shown by fellow Belizians. Most of our culture has changed and for the worse. Anyone on here saying any differently is lying or living on a memory of over 25 years ago. I also noticed, almost everyone complaining is not even living in Belize as well. I know it’s embarrassing, but you can’t complain when this is what WE have done to our own towns and cities.
I do not understand why so many people complain about Ross Kemps’ article. First of all it is very clear to me that he focuses primarily on GANG CULTURE, not on the every day life of a Belizean person. He is emphasizing on the fact that it exists, it is brutal and barbaric but hopefully not widespread. He is not generalizing. Just focusing on a evident problem.
Also, I read people saying that this is whiteman distortion of facts to scare people and bla bla bla… A little bit of common sense, please! What does colour have to do with this? Just watch the video (youtube or dailymotion) and witness for yourself what the people involved in these activities have to say.
I’ve seen many of his videos and many times he takes risks to bring this terrifying information to your knowledge.
My only critic would be that he doesn’t really get to the bottom of things, and himself admits it. But it’s not enough. It would be much more informative to understand the root cause of this phenomena. Why is this happening and what can we do to prevent this from getting worse.
Well, as I sit through my second day of research to find a place to retire on my social security disability, it’s becoming obvious that Latin America just ain’t looking to good. After living in Rosarito Beach, south of San Diego about 20 miles, for 7 years I left because of the attitudes towards “gringos”. I thought maybe Costa Rica, too much crime, but it sounds like Belize is in the same boat, except it gets smashed by hurricanes. Been there, done that. It sounds like the drug thing is ruining all of Latin America. It presently appears to me that I will begin to look at other continents. I need to relax at my ripe old age of 55 and not watch my back because I’m white. Everybody wants the gringo tourist dollar, but not the gringo. Austrialia, SE Asia, anyone?