We also asked Police Commissioner Chester Williams to discuss the 2-month extension of the Southside State of Emergency. He echoed Aragon's words saying that the cops already have their hands full as front-line personnel in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Here's how he explained why the extension helps the department to focus on COVID-19, instead of on the tensions between warring gangs that could lead to more gun violence in Belize City:
Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police
"I'm not sure if it has been extended. I know, yes, that recommendations have been made for an extension for an additional 60 days. And I believe that that should be up for discussion in the House this morning. We're hoping that the extension will be granted, and with that, we'll be able to keep some of those persons who we believe are the trouble makers from the city in prison, especially now, where we're seeing that the issue related to COVID-19 is beginning to pick up. The police are being extremely busy, and we're going to be busier now, dealing with COVID-19 related offenses. And the behavior of the gang, as you would, is causing more deaths than the COVID-19 that many people seem to be so afraid of. And so, if it is that we can maintain those persons in prison, it will give us some room to be able to ensure that 1, the City remains calm and 2, that the police officers can focus as much as we can on the COVID-19 preventative offenses."
We also asked the commissioner about the 30+ imprisoned gang-related persons and the fact that the state is denying them their fundamental fights for an additional 60 days. Here's how that conversation went over the possible complaints that they or their family members may raise:
Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police
"I think it's a total of 30+ persons, I think 34. It's far less than the previous SOE, and that is because for the most part, those persons who were a part of the first SOE, we continue to monitor them, but they continue to maintain good behavior. And we're hoping that this can continue. And so, we don't anticipate that the number is going to pick up. Nonetheless, we do maintain a close watch, with a view to ensure that things remain as calm and as peaceful within the other parts of the City."
Reporter
"60 days is an extended extension. Are there any concerns from the imprisoned or their families about the amount of time that the state is denying them their freedom?"
Chester Williams
"Well, I think that the previous 2 SOE we had, they were for 30 days, and I think these gang members have now believed that you know what, I'll sit down in jail for 30 days, and I'll come back out. And so, they don't care. The fact that they will see and understand that it can be extended will also serve as a deterrent to them to understand that while you have your freedom, you must learn to live among people and act like human beings. The minute you begin to display behaviors that are incompatible with ordinary social behavior, then something needs to be done about you."
Reporter
"Is the police department concerned about the possible challenges that might come?"
Chester Williams
"From where does the state get the right to do the SOE?"
Reporter
"From the constitution, sir."
Chester Williams
"Thank you very much, so, at the end of the day, you must understand that while the constitution does guarantee certain rights, those rights are not absolute. Those rights are subject to limitations. And one such limitation is that of national security and the rights of others."
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