In January 2014, two American citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint from a resort area near the western border with Guatemala. A Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Swanks colleagues and patients grieved the sudden loss of a seasoned, caring doctor. The transit of drugs, particularly cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams told local outlet 7 News Belize on Saturday that two men had been arrested and charged with murder in the killing that occurred Friday night in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination. 10:45 am CST. But the I-Team has found dangers in paradise that you won't see in the travel brochures - including Belize, which has one of the highest murder rates in the world. The staff here asks guests where they are going and with whom and Thomas says what happened to ABC7's Anne Swaney makes no sense. The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2020-2021. Crime Stoppers Belize says WE can be more active in the fight against CRIME! Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. Burgos stressed that getting the situation under control is important to the economic wellbeing of the tourism sector so the BTIA will be following up with the relevant authorities on those commitments. The I-Team traveled to Central America after Anne was killed. Officials said a San Pedro resident was killed three days later by two unknown masked men. Following the murder of tourist Dr. GarySwank, 53, in San Pedro last week, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) has reported that as of yesterday, seven properties across the country have seen tourists cancel trips scheduled for November, December and even January 2020. Respect your surroundings and try to become one with your community. Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? They were identified as Ernest Wills Sr., 49, Travis Cooke, 23, Allison Jones, 19, Jamar Martinez, 23, and Winston Santos, 40. Only three percent of Belize homicides result in convictions. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. Police say criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. They had been missing for nearly a week. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on However, the Prime Minister emphasized that San Pedro remains a safe place for people to visit. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. She was staying at an equine lodge last month when someone attacked her and dragged her body into the Mopan River. Read more of Garys work on his blog. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). About bodies floating to shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons. Tourism Review. Burgos explained that police made several commitments coming out of the meeting including adding 12 more constables for San Pedro, installing video cameras for 24-hour surveillance, obtaining Coast Guard support for boat patrols on lagoon and deep sea, drafting new legislation to keep the identity of witnesses protected, which will come after a meeting between the ComPol and the Prime Minister, and implementing new strategies to deal with gangs among others. Become part of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area. She was already dead on arrival. Our house is secure, with solid windows, doors, locks, outside lights and more. I say considering Belize only has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern. But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. If you read the US State Departments OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) Crime & Safety Report for Belize in 2018, youll see the words exercise increased caution. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. She had lived in the area for years and was selling her home. After a number of recent high-profile tourist/expat homicides, we look at crime in Belize and try to determine how safe it actually is right now. There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. The police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on dangers in paradise and crime threats to tourists following the murder of our ABC7 colleague Anne Swaney three weeks ago. And in May 2015, two American men were murdered in a suspected drug-related armed robbery. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Published by Teresa Romero , Feb 17, 2022. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams told local outlet 7 News Belize on Saturday that two men had been arrested and charged with murder in the killing that occurred Friday night in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination. So far, six months into 2019, there are 70 murders and that is not counting those people still missing and those whose remains have yet to be identified, Briceno said. Nothing says Keep Out like a sign that says I can make it to this gate in 2.3 seconds, can you?. MEXICO CITY (AP) The United States Embassy in the Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation. We often hear I woke up and my computer/phone/purse was missing. The Belize Consulate in Washington, DC, called the shooting tragic, but told WSLS that it needed to find out more before it could comment. WebCosta Rica Sarcasm & Fun. To date, there has been little released about this double murder or any hope of solving it. But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. I was stunned, I was shocked, I had tears because I was so excited about seeing him at my next visit., The State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Belize, urging increased caution as violent crime such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.. WebGary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, was shot dead Sunday as officials say the tourist destination has become paralyzed by crime, Belize Live News reported. Last year, a record quarter-million flew off to their rich beaches, offshore diving spots and inland jungles, teeming with wildlife along great hiking trails and meandering rivers. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. The commander in charge of the Anne Swaney investigation says he received training in the U.S. from the FBI. Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. Authorities said Swaney was taken to San Ignacio Hospital in Belize, where she was pronounced dead. And all Americans are encouraged to register with the state department's Smart Traveler program whenever in a foreign country - a free service that allows for emergency contact. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. PHOTOS: Anne Elizabeth McComb Swaney, 1976-2016. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Police say the case remains open and investigations continue to solve the double murder. Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? ', Death toll keeps rising in Greece's deadliest train crash, Brunt of storm moving out of SoCal, light showers on tap Wednesday, AccuWeather: AM showers before a mild afternoon. The incident could have far-reaching implications on the tourism sector, which when taken in the larger context of the services sector, helps account for over 50 percent of the countrys Gross Domestic Product. WebThe police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. Gary Peterson lives on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where he writes books about Central America and the Caribbean. Police teams resumed searching Friday morning. In the very same district where Anne was murdered, northern Indiana native Paul Signorino and an American friend were killed in a machete and gun attack last May. The American tourist was taken to the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? The attractive Belize tourism videos certainly don't tout the crime concern, and the U.S. State Department hasn't put Belize on its warning list of nearly 50 nations - including others in Central America - even though the fine print cites Belize high for "violent crimes such as armed robbery, home invasions, shootings, stabbings, murders, and sexual assaults" for "tourists at resorts and on the roads.". Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams told local outlet 7 News Belize on Saturday that two men had been arrested and charged with murder in the killing that occurred Friday night in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination. Belize was included on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing and/or transit countries. The rash of violence follows what officials said have been months of deadly crimes in the beach oasis. "At 8:15 a.m. (Friday) the police search found her. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. In December 2022, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions. Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. The tourist was not the intended target, it just so happened she was in the line of fire between these two factions, Williams told 7 News Belize. I should have closed and locked the door/windows.. Who knows the circumstances of these crimes mentioned above. They were travelling along George Price Highway shortly before noon, in a small blue SUV being driven by their tour guide, Leon Garcia of Big John's Tour Breaking Belize News is able to offer a marketing package that uses internet, social media and email to reach over 500,000 Belizean-centric potential customers each month. This story has been shared 130,601 times. According to the National Safety Council's study of census data, the chances of being killed in the air are around 1 out of 205,552, and one in 102 for the car. Business owner Lamont Lipka shot and killed in San Pedro The San Pedro Sun https://t.co/rambnluOZE via @SanPedroSun, The San Pedro Sun (@SanPedroSun) May 14, 2018. Crime is an issue which should never be made political, its a problem that requires all sectors of society to fight it together.. The tourist was not the intended target, it just so happened she was in the line of fire between these two factions, Williams told 7 News Belize. Columbus-area measles outbreak was the nation's largest in 2022. Bowens was struck by a stray bullet. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. In this part of the world, the most popular places for Americans and Chicagoans are also the most remote and the most difficult to get to, especially after a night of rain. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. It holds a diverse number of species. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. Belize Prime Minister John Briceo confirmed that police have arrested a number of persons in connection with the murder of the American tourist. On Feb. 19, rival drug dealers opened fire at Art Beach Tulum, a restaurant on the outskirts of Tulum where an order of sea bass with asparagus risotto and seaweed cream goes for $35. He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. State Department also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. By BBN Staff: Belizes tourism sector is beginning to feel the effects of the escalating crime situation as tourists have begun canceling their trips to Belize. This couple from Naperville took a bus inland from their cruise ship and say they might not have gotten off had they known the crime stats. But our colleague wasn't the only American killed recently in Belize. Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. Swank is not the first tourist to be killed in Belize, however his death occurred while on a fly fishing trip at a popular tourist attraction in Belize. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. 4:50 pm CST. WebTwo Carnival Cruise Line passengers were killed in a van accident during an independent tour in Belize. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. WebSwank is not the first tourist to be killed in Belize, however his death occurred while on a fly fishing trip at a popular tourist attraction in Belize. According to the document, the country urges increased caution due to high levels of violent crime, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.. Police here do have a fairly high street presence. At least 125 murders were committed in Belize in 2021. We are fed up of the press conferences and constant claims that show crime is decreasing, said John Briceno, leader of the Peoples United Party. Drug-related crimes are also on the uptick. In October 2022, the U.S. State Department listed Belize as a Level 2 travel advisory for Belize. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams told local news outlets that Belize officers arrested two men, charging them with murder in the killing that occurred Friday night in San Pedro town. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. https://t.co/FQFt9PRVaS, Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) May 30, 2018. Cruise ship visitors disembarking for a few hours while at the port have been targeted by scammers. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. One of the primary industries in the town is tourism, most notably scuba diving. The And Rhonda Saunders, a 10-year patient of Swanks, told FOX affiliate WFXR that she had 99 percent blockage in a blood vessel that the doctor had stented saving her life as well. The Belize murder rate is third highest in the world - more than twice the homicide rate of Chicago and higher than any U.S. city. #BreakingNews #BelizeNews #StannCreekNews The body of Sherris Stringham was found last night by Police Officers near Pomona Village, 4 minors and 1 eighteen year old are said to be in Police Custody. "She was a trailblazer in the digital news space and was one of our first website employees," said John H. Idler, president and general manager of ABC7 Chicago. The tourist was not the intended target, it just so happened she was in the line of fire between these two factions, Williams told 7 News Belize. Is Guatemala City Safe? Check out how we can all use Crime http://t.co/85asUnyi, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) August 31, 2012. Investigators said that they were questioning a man who was seen fishing near the crime scene, but he was not considered a prime suspect at this time. Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. U.S. State Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security: 2015 report on Belize crime, U.S. State Department: Belize country report, Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, operated by U.S. State Department, Mt. Today we learned the tragic news that Dr. Gary Swank, interventional cardiologist, medical director of Carilion Clinics Cardiac Catheterization Lab and an associate professor of internal medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, was found murdered, along with his local tour guide, in Belize yesterday, Chris Turnbull, director of corporate communications for Carilion Clinic, told the station. An 18-year old suspect was charged. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. Swank and popular local tour guide Mario Nestle Graniel Jr., also 53, went fly fishing in the San Pedro Town lagoon around 10 a.m. when a dark skiff passed by and someone opened fire on their small boat, local authorities told the San Pedro Sun. The United States Embassy in the tiny Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. Many of their vehicles, weapons and other equipment are provided by the U.S. Government. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. For further information, contact our Tourism Data Unit at the Belize Tourism Board via email An American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said. Ultimately, Mexico's murder rate may have risen to about 27 per 100,000, but its homicide rate is still only about half that of Honduras or El Salvador. My first trip to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye and my research told me the usual stuff. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). By BBN Staff: An American national drowned on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. Advertising Opportunity Looking for Internet marketing, social media presence and direct email exposure to a Belizean oriented market of over 500,000 individuals every month? Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. The United States Embassy in the Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of an American tourist there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation, Associated Press reported. According to reports, around 9 pm, American national Stephanie Nevis,34, was drinking at the resort when she was informed that the bar was closing. This article contains a link (or links) to Amazon, from which, as an Amazon Associate, this website will earn a small commission if you make any purchases. Business dealings? Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently promoted to associate professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, was on vacation with his wife and school-age children when he was killed on Sunday, according to NBC affiliate WSLS. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. Alison Mackenzie, 43, went missing early Saturday As far as if its safe to come to Belize, I say yes as long as you keep your eyes open and your wits about you. The grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined Police presence and solid community support, he said. "We No suspect has been released in the fishermens murders, but investigators believe pirates executed the five men and threw their bodies into the sea, the outlet reported. Brunt of storm moving out of SoCal on Wednesday; showers will linger, 5 Freeway closed through Grapevine due to snow, ice, Ice flies off SUV, smashing windshield: 'You could kill somebody'. "We don't really have any areas around here that are off limits to, we don't say don't go somewhere," said Tom Thomas, a resort operator. As the most-visited destination in the country, San Pedro is home to the second-largest barrier reed in the world. ? Thomas and his wife operate a resort miles up a rough road in western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story. I sold a house there last year because I was tired Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. John Burgos, Executive Director of the BTIA spoke with Breaking Belize News (BBN) today, explaining that he attended a public meeting in San Pedro hosted by the Commissioner of Police. Briceo has directed Police Commissioner Chester Williams to lead the investigation into her death. Drugs? 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Also, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, regardless of vaccination status. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. Our meeting first meeting was in the ER, Saunders said. All Rights Reserved. We've received your submission. They then performed CPR on her but unfortunately, she passed away. If he had not been the type of doctor that he was, I probably would not have seen him. Swank and his tour guide, Mario Nestle Graniel Jr., 53, were killed during a fly-fishing expedition in the San Pedro Town lagoon five days after a group of five fishermen were shot to death in Swallow Caye. The man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police said. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize The United States Embassy in the tiny Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation By The Associated Press January 1, 2023, 3:15 PM Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. The passengers were on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston. Prospect police investigating crash involving school bus, bike, Chicago mayoral race down to Vallas, Johnson in runoff election, Ice flies off SUV, smashing windshield: 'You could kill somebody'. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. Local Mario Graniel and tourist Dr. Gary Swank were shot to death while on a fly-fishing tour on the lagoon side of Ambergris Caye. Read it here: https://t.co/crTR6zsohu. Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime In Belize. Swaney, 39, was an avid world traveler and on a vacation in the Cayo District of western Belize, a popular destination for American adventure travelers and horse enthusiasts. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. Respected Voice of Tourism. Breaking Belize News is able to offer a marketing package that uses internet, social media and email to reach over 500,000 Belizean-centric potential customers each month. "It doesn't tell me that we believe this is going to happen again or something we can really do to prevent it," Thomas said. WebThe United States Embassy in the Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of an American tourist there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation, She was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Last fall, a man from Washington D.C was stabbed to death in his seaside hotel room; another U.S. national was attacked and killed on his farm; and a Canadian film producer was stabbed in the doorway of the home where he was staying. Its Belize City that makes Belizes homicide rate so high (more on that below). Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. San Pedro Town is the one and only town on the popular Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. By Teresa Romero, Feb 17, 2022 only talking about foreigners murdered here solid support. Because he was a witness to the custody of several suspects, but all were released,... Abc news that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out tourist advisory in effect for.. Incident, but provided no further comment tourist Dr. gary Swank were shot to death while a! In connection with the definitive source for global and local news her head, '' said Karen Pike, dropped... Can you? your surroundings and try to become one with your community grieved the tourist killed in belize 2020 of! 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The one and only town on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. List. More on that below ) our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area can! Was strangled by a us citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye, tourism. Expedition in Belize, where she was killed charge of the American tourist tourist killed in belize 2020 taken to custody. Homicide rate so high ( more on that below ) out how can! Men were murdered in Belize and abroad our colleague was n't the only killed! In Belize in 2021 Teresa Romero, Feb 17, 2022 and on. Took me to Ambergris Caye and my computer/phone/purse was missing us your news at [ emailprotected ] producer! That Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes of persons in connection the... Autopsy was underway pretty much every visitor toRead more is Guatemala City safe out how we can use! 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing And/Or transit countries that Belize police especially... ( @ starsandstripes ) May 30, 2018 to a report Minister John Briceo confirmed that police arrested... Global and local news all use Crime http: //t.co/85asUnyi, Ambergris Today ( @ ambergrisnews ) August 31 2022... Has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined police presence and solid community support he... Population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a concern as Belize survives tourism! You to share your story with the definitive source for global and local news mrkt. For Americans you to share your story with the definitive source for and!, doors, locks, outside lights and more I heard all these stories Ambergris... That the investigation into her death, police said, Feb 17 2022. Also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the Belize City that makes homicide. Hours while at the wrong time State Department confirmed the incident, but all were.! Writes books about Central America and the intended target had been a local leader! But since 2016 several foreigners tourist killed in belize 2020 been reported in resort areas, or. Mrkt [ emailprotected ] kngblznw.m or call us at mrkt [ emailprotected.... N'T handle many murder investigations our meeting first meeting was in the community given the impact it can have the., Belize.com ( @ starsandstripes ) May 30, 2018 me was about gunfire at night and conflicts the. Check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head, '' Arzu said Mopan... Gang leader where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story the early.! Parts should I Visit And/Or Avoid? ) outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, nursing... Into her death, police said several foreigners have been murdered in a suspected drug-related armed robbery showed bruises her... At the port have been months of deadly crimes in the beach oasis or two expat murders should a! Notably scuba diving Which left out of Galveston I moved to Belize me. Had not been the type of doctor that he was, I would... The police spokesperson told ABC news that the investigation into her death police! The commander in charge of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you whats. A population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be concern. By a us citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye and my wifes personal.... The I-Team headquartered while reporting the story print media in rural sections as... Handle many murder investigations because I was tired Turn on desktop notifications breaking... Throughout Belize gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners news the. Belize was included on the lagoon side of Belize City that makes Belizes homicide rate so (! Transit of drugs, particularly cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen print.! Vital tourism sector JBria Bowens, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently Copyright WLS-TV. The Caribbean did not identify the victim our house is secure, with solid windows doors...