Local News

A shooting incident last night offshore Sarteneja Village in the Corozal district has left residents concerned for the livelihood of the region’s fishermen.  This afternoon, Love News spoke by telephone with school teacher Mario Mora, who expressed the concerns of residents of Sarteneja about their economic and personal safety.

MARIO MORA, Teacher

“We are concerned because, you know, two months ago three of our fishermen disappeared and up to this time nobody knows what happened to them.  According to reports they were assaulted because of the shootings that went on or which the boat shows.  What happened is that late last night something went on around Long Caye and Alligator Caye and well what happened is that the people here are worried because Sarteneja is made up of about 400 fishermen and most of them are in that area.  So the Coast Guard did reach there but our - had already left, one of our men here Mr. Verde got shot and it should be concerned.”

PATRICK JONES, Reporter

“So what is it that he villagers are now asking for the authorities to do?”

MARIO MORA, Teacher

 “We are asking the authorities to do more patrolling.  Maybe station some of the Coast Guards that area, in the specific area.  Sarteneja is long being known as one of the largest fishing community in Belize and we have over, like I said, over 400 fishermen and the livelihood of our community depends on fishing and if something is not done then it will affect negatively our community.”

While a motive for the attack last night is still the subject of an investigation, Mora says the villagers remain very concerned and are asking for outside intervention.

MARIO MORA, Teacher

 “I have little, little reports on what went on.  I would not know.”

PATRICK JONES, Reporter

 “Basically, the villagers just want to feel a sense of ease once again that they’ll be safe.”

MARIO MORA, Teacher

Yes, yes exactly that’s what they want to feel.  Like said, most of them are fisherman of Sarteneja and they have been stationed there for years and years and nothing like this have been happening and then we have seen here incidents like this over and over but nobody report, nobody report it at times.  We only here it in Sarteneja that this one went and the other one went but no one go out and make a formal report and I think it’s about time like I said I am not a fisherman I am school teacher, I am a principal but at the same time I feel like I have to speak out you know for our community because our fishermen sometimes just come in and share what happened out there with their families and do not share with the authorities of what is happening.  I want to know, I want the authorities to know that we need, at this time, we really need their help.

School teacher Mario Mora speaking on behalf of residents of the fishing community of Sarteneja.