Media colleagues remember Kareem Clarke; police clueless

Monday, July 06, 2015. Aaron Humes Reporting: Belize City police continue to investigate the senseless murder of 27 year old Amandala journalist Kareem Clarke, who was shot to death around 1:00 this morning while riding his bicycle toward the Vernon Street/Lakeview Canal bridge.

Supt. Hilberto Romero of Eastern Division says they have neither motive nor suspects. However, they have a major problem, as the Vernon/Lakeview area has now seen its third murder in a week following those of Ruben Leslie and Tyrique Thompson last week.

The Superintendent says police were too far away to stop this one – their checkpoint was based further down on Vernon Street – but they will double down on their efforts. Patrols are out in the area and police are putting all they have into solving the murder.

A press released was issued by Amandala with an official statement this afternoon on the passing of Clarke. It notes that on this particular Monday, when Amandala publishes its mid-week issue, Kareem would have been busy preparing stories.

He had just come off writing a headline story for the Friday issue on the death of Myra Carbajal in San Ignacio, and is credited with many more, including, quote, “major stories on the Penner Passport Scandal and the troubles of the cañeros in northern Belize, in addition to the usual beats of crime and politics from across the length and breadth of Belize.” End quote.

This month marked two years since he joined Amandala’s staff, and the newspaper says that, quote, “His murder has left a vacuum that will be very hard to fill.”

Kareem also covered stories for Amandala’s sister media houses KREM Radio and KREM Television. He will be sadly missed by all in the press corps, and a selection of them gathered in Belize City to share their memories of their fallen colleague.

For KREM Radio/Television news editor Marisol Amaya, Kareem was her “go-to guy” to cover the major stories, which he did unflinchingly. She said she would miss his determination and “beautiful” writing style.

Fellow reporter Orson Picart said he nicknamed the youth “Superman,” referencing the occupation of the DC Comics superhero in real life as a writer named Clark Kent, and also because he went above and beyond the call of duty to be the best at his work.

For 7 News director Jules Vasquez, it was as simple as his smile, which he said “inspired” him whenever he saw it, which was often.

There were many similar remembrances – and a few sober reflections on the inevitability of this happening to a beloved member of the press corps.

A Facebook page titled “We Remember Remo” – another nickname – has been set up in Clarke’s honor. May he rest in peace.

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