In his second engagement with the media in as many days, Williams also spoke about PC Fabian Laurie who remains detained in Livingston, Guatemala along with Coast Guard Officer Seaman Pedro Colomer along with two civilians Kevin Hernández and Jerille Laurie for possession of firearms and ammunition without a license.
Though they were over there on private time and business, Williams hopes his officer can get home soon:..
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"The presumption of innocence is still there. I would want to think that he would go through a court process and we are hoping that the process would be fair and whatever the outcome of that court process will be then we'll see how that will play out back home. I, for one, am hoping that the officer and others can be sent home and if it is that there is any punishment to be demitted that it should be served here, but we cannot dictate to the Guatemalan authorities what to do. We can just hope that they are going to be considerate and lenient in dealing with the officer and other Belizeans."
Reporter
"Did he have a licensed firearm according to what the police department is saying and he did not seek permission to leave the country as I understand is part of the police standing orders. Can you confirm that?"
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Yes, we were not aware of departure to Livingston and yes that is a breach of discipline, but at this time I am not going to kill the officer. Him and his family at this time are going through a difficult time. Let us wait to see how he overcomes that if he can. When that matter in Guatemala is over then we begin to see what we can do at home, but in the time being I want to appeal to all police officers - if you don't need to go across the border, do not go and yes we know we cannot stop you from going, but the police act do dictates that. if it is that you want to leave the country you must first seek permission."
Email
Print