Is San Pedro Residents, Businesses Complying with S.O.E. Regulations?

Chester Williams

ComPol Chester Williams was in San Pedro today where he met with Coastal Executive Officer, Superintendent Chris Noble and his team of officers as well as with San Pedro Mayor, Daniel Guerrero. Over a week ago, regulations put in place by the mayor, violating the national state of emergency. As you know, central government balked and the police were instructed to stick to the national regulations. Now, the latest amendment of the statutory instrument number sixty-two also makes the wearing of masks compulsory. According to ComPol Williams, some residents and businesses were visibly in violation of the S.O.E. regulations on the island.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“One of the things I am seeing is that there are a number of persons who are not wearing masks. I am also seeing that some of the business places are not in compliance with the law in the sense that there are no markers outside of the establishments as the law stipulates. I have brought that to the attention of Mister Noble and have told him that he needs to ensure that the officers enforce the law as is; these measures are put in place to ensure the safety of all.  While we have opened up to some extent, there is still restriction of movement in respect to cross municipality and cross district. And so, just like if you are in Belize City and you want to go to Belmopan or Orange Walk, the police can stop and question you to ensure that your reason for going is one that falls within the regulation. So the same principle must apply in the sense that some mechanism must be put in place in Belize City to question every passenger that is coming on these water taxis to ensure that they are coming to San Pedro for a reason that would be supported by the legislation.”