| And turning back now to the Commissioner's final Compstat. It's his last big show as the top cop - so, believe it or not, the days of the "Chester News Network" are at an end. Some of you may breathe a sigh of relief, while others may miss the famous "frenemy" sparring between him and Jules. Today, he reflected on his career and those testy interviews that he says made him better:
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"It started back from 1991, a 17-year-old boy coming from a very humble background joining the ranks of the department and I said to them that I'll have known my entire life is to fight, to fight for what I believe I am entitled to."
"I believe in work. I can stay at 24 hours and I don't even feel it. Once I'm working, I am good to go. Policing requires a lot of commitment, a lot of dedication, and most importantly, it requires a passion for what you do."
"It's a thankless job, I can tell you that. So if you intend to come here and believe that you're going to do something for people to sing your praises, that is not going to happen. Even when you do good, you are being criticized."
"That's the nature of policing. And I said to them that even coming into the department with only a primary school living certificate then, I had to fight and work extremely hard to prove myself. And I am happy that I'm going into a position where again I can continue to serve the people of Belize because that is what I want to do."
"So I am extremely grateful and I must say thanks to the media. I know we have had some very, very tough times, some very confrontational moments, particularly you and I, you know, and sometimes people look at me and say, Commissioner, Jules is not your friend, you know."
"I said Jules is not nobody's friend, right? But at the end of the day, you are someone that I can talk to, someone that I can use as a means of strength, you know. I look forward to interviews when you are there."
"When I see interviews and you are not there, I'm like where is Jules, because I look forward to that encounter with you. Some people look at it and say, well, it's all negativity, and even my sister, my brother, they curse me every day."
"They say, leave that man, don't let him interview you. And I would just ignore them, right? Because they see it as you offending me. And I said to them, no, it's not a matter of that Jules have a job to do as journalist. I have a job to do as the commissioner. And I believe that in my capacity as a commissioner, I am accountable to the people. And one of the best way for me to come to the people is show you the media. And the tough questions that you ask, it makes me better."
"Sometimes I want to tell you about yourself, you know. But again, I hold back many times, but I don't get upset. I don't get angry, you know, because that any day I see it as an opportunity for me to be able to get better at what I do."
"You challenged me a lot. I know you have come to me with your chainsaw, powersaw, bulldozer, everything to try to bring me down. And every time you come, I made sure that I'm prepared and withstand whatever you're brought with you."
"You know, so I am grateful. I live happy. I am not bitter at all. I am sure the department is going to be in good hands and I do wish the incoming commissioner the very best."
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