7 News Belize

Cops Dismissed After Vasquez Death
posted (September 30, 2019)
The police officers who were on duty and in charge of the cell block in early June at the time of Nestor Vasquez Jr's barbaric beat down while in custody at the Queen Street police station have been dismissed. Today at the police press briefing Commissioner Chester Williams discussed the decision and process behind the dismissal.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"In respect to the officers who were placed on disciplinary charges and subsequently interdicted from duty in respect to the death of Mr. Vasquez Jr., at Queen Street Police Station cellblock, the tribunal in that matter has been heard and the officers in question were all found guilty and the adjudicator has since recommended their dismissal. How that works is that the notes of evidence comes to the commissioner's office and then we forward it to the officer of the solicitor general because by virtue of the police act, once it comes to dismissal or reversion in rank it must be affirmed by the solicitor general. So, it will be sent to solicitor general for confirmation. As the commissioner, I am in agreement with the findings of the adjudicator and the sentence the adjudicator has demitted where those officers are concerned."

"They can appeal. I don't think about reapply to be re-enlisted. That is farfetched, but they can appeal like any other person, but in this case it will go to the Belize Advisory Council and if the Belize Advisory should find in their favor then they will see where that go, if not then they will affirm the sentence and then the dismissal is stand."

And while the officers have been dismissed, no criminal charges have been brought against Colin Francis - the detainee who beat him in the holding cell. Last we heard, the file was with the DPP.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize