Law and Order Must Prevail

Dear Minister of National Security,

What I saw and experienced in Orange Walk as a result of Sunday’s Village Council election and the way members of the Police Department behaved gives me cause to write this letter, especially when the Belizean people appear to have lost confidence in the police.  Regrettably my experience leads me to believe that there is blatant political victimization, intimidation and attempts to politicize the police department, a situation that will further erode our confidence in law enforcement in Belize.

During last Sunday’s village council elections in San Jose, Orange Walk there were  clear signs that certain members of the Police Department were either acting on instructions or neglected to maintain law and order.

During the election, there were many supporters of the United Democratic Party disruptive and behaving disorderly.  Some were openly drinking alcohol in public, consuming contraband beer and some were throwing stones at their opponents.  In addition there was obvious taunting and intimidation of the police.

In an attempt to keep the peace, I spoke with two Police Officers, including the Officer Commanding (O.C.), pointing out the offences and the problem that would result if the police did not take charge of the situation.   One officer ignored me and the other claimed that since the people did not “buy the beer in front of the polling station, nothing could be done.”

While no serious incident occurred at the polling station, a troubling situation occurred later in the evening in Nuevo San Juan, a village the PUP won in the election. Three persons who were apparently drunk viciously attacked the father of the newly elected Village Council Chairman Mr. Noel Blanco.   As family members came to the defense of Mr. Blanco, a brawl broke out.  Later the police would arrive and break up the fight; however the matter didn’t end there.

On Sunday night known supporters of Minister Gaspar Vega went to the Police Station and pressed charges against PUP supporters.   Late Monday evening, a full day after the incident, police returned to Nuevo San Juan and picked up seven villagers, including retired Community Nurse Sanchez and newly elected PUP council member Magdalena Blanco and placed  them in police lockdown, “piss house,”  While only PUP supporters  were kept locked up overnight, none were charged until the following day.

After hearing allegations that Minister Vega has ordered these arrests, I personally went to the Police Station to find out what was going on. Several attempts were made to ascertain what was going on, including calls to speak to the O.C. as well as a visit to his home.

Unsuccessful in this attempt, I finally spoke with the Commissioner of Police Crispin Jeffries (this was the first time in my life that I spoke with him) but received no cooperation. With the exception of two ladies, all attempts to post bail for those arrested were unsuccessful.

Returning to the Orange Walk Police Station the following morning, we discovered that four of the persons arrested who needed medical attention were not taken to the hospital because they needed a police medical form.  Two of the four Belizeans got their forms.  Shortly after the police officer told us that his O.C. had called and told them that they were not to issue any more medical forms, resulting in two people remaining in police custody requiring medical attention. One full day after being arrested, all the people arrested were finally able to go to the hospital.

All this time, not a single supporter of the UDP was arrested, so that by the time counter charges were processed, it was after 6:00 p.m. and the police informed us that there were no vehicles to pick up the persons against whom complaints were made.  While PUP supporters were made to spend the night in police lock up, those UDPs who started the fight and were involved were allowed to spend the night at home.

If we agree, Minister that no one is above the law then we must ensure that the actions of our people in law enforcement be carried out without fear or favour.  In this connection I would like to offer the following recommendations:

1. That the Police ensure that  the rights of every Belizean be respected at all times
2. That the law be applied equally.
3. Police Officers must not only be aware of the laws that govern elections, but must be prepared to enforce them fairly.
4. Any Belizean in police custody who is hurt should be allowed to seek medical attention at the earliest convenience.

Considering the escalating levels of crime and violence in our streets and because of the erosion of confidence in the police department, everyone needs to support the Police Department, but for this to occur the police must behave responsibly.  While I am sure that the majority of police officers work hard and put their lives on the line for us each day, their good will is being eroded by those few who disrespect the uniform and behave in a manner that damages the credibility of the institution.

It is my hope that all of us can do our part in making sure that we maintain law and order in our country.

John Briceño

PUP Party Leader

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