So, we have given you the flash points of recent conflict - now we pull back for the panorama.
What's driving the gang warfare? And what can police do to stop it? We asked the Compol today:
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"I can tell you from a policing standpoint and as well as from the multi-agency standpoint that we have been working with a view to see how we can quell some of the gang tensions on the streets of Belize City."
"In response, I have given directions to Commander of Operations, that is both Mr. Grinage and Mr. Rosado, that there is a need for us to revisit how we have been dealing with these gang members. While yes, we do have some of them who are productive and are engaged in the ongoing arrangement that we have through the multi-agency taskforce, we will try utmost best to keep those who are engaged and trying to change their lives to do so. But at the same time, we must go hard on those who continue to hold the people of this city hostage. And so, operations will be conducted in Belize City everyday and those operations are geared at going after gang members aggressively and I know that some will call the media, they will complain and I trust that Jules, you don't go and interview them and give them headlines, because it is these sort of behaviours that fuel them to believe that they are so mighty and powerful."
"The people of this city have had enough and they have seen that we have tried enough with them, with a view to see how we can work with them, but we cannot continue to work with terrorists. They behave like terrorists, then we must be treated as one."
Reporter
"Sir, but didn't you just have a mediation meeting?"
Chester Williams
"I don't. I was invited to that meeting and I said that I am not going to talk with any gang member. I believe that I have spoken enough with these people and for me at this time, it's no more talking. Mr. Rosado is engaged with the LIU in those discussions. I am not going to be a part of it. Those who continue to go out and act like terrorist, we have to send a strong message to them so that they understand that we have had enough."
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