BSAG, ComPol, Aragon Must Go, Says Opposition Leader
Allen Whylie
The People’s United Party has called for the dismantling of the Belize Defence Force’s Belize Special Assignment Group, in the wake of the murder of Ariel Audinette. Seven members of the elite unit are accused of being involved in the beating death of Audinette. Similarly, the P.U.P. has previously called for the disbandment of the Police’s Gang Suppression Unit. Leader of the Opposition John Briceño contends that there are an overwhelming number of “bad apples” in law enforcement. He further claims that junior Home Affairs Minister Elodio Aragon and Police Commissioner Allen Whylie appear unable to tackle the sheer numbers of rogues among the police.
John Briceño
John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition
“The problem is that we have the former Deputy Commissioner of Police that is now in charge – although he’s the junior minister, he is the substantive person in charge of the Police Department – has shown that he’s inept in handling the Police Department. We have a Commissioner of Police that has been there for a number of years, and obviously he’s totally incapable in addressing these structural issues that are affecting the Police Department. If we can’t address the top, then we can’t address the bottom, and the Prime Minister needs to act very quickly because people’s lives are at stake. I was campaigning in San Pedro a few weeks ago when a gentleman was telling me that he had been assaulted and he had been shot. And the bullet, fortunately, came in one side and came out the other side without hitting any organs. But he had his bag of money and he handed it over to the police to hold it for him because he was afraid he was going to pass out. And when he got back his bag monies was missing! This is what is happening, and the top brass in the Police Department and the Minister is totally aware of what is happening but they seem to be unable to address it.”
The lawmen have been charged with murder and attempted murder and will have their day in court in April.
Very well said…the Police department has began a rampage hustling. All they think is to intimidate people and try hustle from them. Its a disgrace the stage it is reaching. However..i appluad the good job Mr Chester is doing and showing them he has the balls to arrest and some some of these rogue police officers to jail.