A few months ago the government of Belize passed a law prohibiting prefab houses from beibg transported during daytime hours. However after 2 fatalities on the road involving flatbed trucks carrying houses the government completely halted the business altogether, citing safety concerns. Mennonites house builders were understandably up in arms over the nonsensical laws which appeared to be made on the fly. Stopping the industry would certainly have far-reaching effects on the economy. Government agents announced they would be meeting with business owners to see what they could work out.
Mennonite businessmen from Orange Walk were the victims of an armed assault in BlackMan Eddy Village, near Spanish Lookout by the Iguana Creek junction. According to a report the Mennonites stopped to refuel their vehicle during which time unkown men approached them and demanded money. One of the victims attempted to flee but was injured from shots fired at him by one of the robbers. He then complied and handed over a bag of money containing several thousand dollars. The robbers then escaped.