The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) is appealing to Belizeans to curb various acts of violence here, saying ‘we are increasingly confronted with the painful reality of interpersonal violence in our streets, homes and communities.and sometimes even at our hospital doors.
‘Hospitals are meant to be places of healing. Yet, too often, we are forced to act as the final battleground where the consequences of violence arrive in blood, trauma and death especially experienced over this past week. No amount of medical skill can fully mend the physical and emotional scars caused by inter-personal violence,’ the KHMH said in a statement.
It said that as the national referral hospital for Belize its doctors, nurses, and staff dedicate themselves every day to saving lives, comforting families, and restoring health.
‘In the aftermath of violence .we see the broken bodies, torn by bullets, knives, and fists. We see the pain and suffering on the faces of families waiting anxiously and in fear for news of a loved one in our operating theaters. We see the toll it takes on our doctors, nurses, Security personnel and staff who fight to preserve life against overwhelming odds.’
The hospital said every bullet fired and stab wound creates ‘indiscriminate ripples that extend far beyond its target to families, health workers, police officers and the nation as a whole.
‘Together, we must address the roots of violence and protect life. We call on every member of the public to join us in doing their part in being a part of the solution to this violence plaguing our community.
‘Violence does not solve problems. It tears communities and families apart, endangers children, traumatizes survivors, and overwhelms our health systems. We make this urgent appeal,’ the KHMH said.
‘Help us keep the national referral hospital a place of healing, not fear. Together, Belize can curb interpersonal violence. Together, we can build a safer, healthier, and more hopeful nation,’ it added.
The statement by the hospital comes as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country continues to register various cats of violent crimes, with a 28-year-old man being the latest fatality, while a toddler and two other men remain hospitalised, following a shooting incident in the capital.
Gun violence has gripped the area over the last seven days, leading to multiple deaths and injuries. Police said in the latest incident, a gunman fired upon a group of people who were socialising in front of an apartment building, killing Dane Gillett and injuring Antuan Rivero, 26, and 28 -year-old Francis Nolberto. A woman sitting outside with her two-year-old nephew watched in horror as the child was struck by a single bullet in the back.
During the first six months of this year, Belize recorded 41 murders compared to 58 in 2024.