Jorge Ivan Villanueva

Born and raised in the beautiful town of Corozal, Mr. Villanueva developed a profound sense of community and public duty from a very early age. Central to his life is his family; he has been married to his beautiful wife, Ana Villanueva, for thirty-two wonderful years. Together, they are the proud parents of two wonderful children, Joannie and Jorge. Outside of his demanding life, he recharges by playing sports, running, watching movies with his family, and sharing a deep affection for his precious dogs.

His lifelong journey in public service began in 1991 when he stepped forward to join the Belize Police Force, which later transitioned into the Belize Police Department. He started on the ground as a Patrol Officer in Orange Walk. In this role, he patrolled the streets, responded to the calls of citizens, and built the foundational community relationships that would define his entire philosophy of policing. By 1997, he earned a place in the prestigious Special Branch, followed by a promotion to Corporal in 1999. Mr. Villanueva spent majority of his career as an Intelligence Detective. His quiet dedication did not go unnoticed; he steadily rose through the ranks, achieving the position of Sergeant in 2008 and Inspector in 2011.

In 2013, he was instrumental during the monumental installation of the localized precinct system in Belize City. Stepping into Precinct One, he took the responsibilities of Deputy Commander of Operations, and later, Deputy Commander of Administration. During this critical chapter, he focused his commitment into Community Policing. Under the department’s Community Policing programs, he coordinated and implemented youth outreach programs like "Do the Right Thing" and participated in the implementation of local neighbourhood watch groups. He worked directly with at-risk youth in vulnerable neighbourhoods, guiding them away from gang life through the G.R.E.A.T. program. His days were a balancing act of overseeing and meeting with the business community and other stake holders sharing safety security tips on how to manage critical incidents.

In 2016, his leadership path led him to serve as Commander of the Joint Intelligence Coordinating Centre, in Belmopan where he earned a promotion to Assistant Superintendent. By 2019, he was trusted with the role of Deputy Head of the National Special Branch, rising to Superintendent of Police. Just two years later, he was elevated to Senior Superintendent. Ultimately, in 2023, Mr. Villanueva reached a crowning milestone when he officially assumed total command as the Head of the National Special Branch.

Throughout his decades with the police department, Mr. Villanueva has collected a lifetime of unforgettable memories, from moments of heartbeat-skipping rescues to facing down immense professional trials. Among his most intricate and high-stakes responsibilities was overseeing the total logistics, safety, and security operations for official presidential visits and high-profile international VIPs traveling to Belize. Coordinating with a vast network of stakeholders, he ensured that these critical state visits executed flawlessly, protecting both the nation’s guests and the reputation of his country on the world stage.

Mr. Villanueva firmly believes that true policing cannot exist without mutual trust, accountability, and a willingness to learn. For him, keeping communities safe means meeting with residents, listening to their concerns, and solving problems together.

To the next generation of law enforcement officers, he leaves a heartfelt message: "Enter this profession with genuine humility, unyielding integrity, and a true servant’s heart. Lean on mentors, guard your mental and physical health, lead by example and remember that your actions echo across your community, your agency, and our beloved country. The badge is heavy, but it gives you the beautiful power to change a life and make a difference.”