Driver’s Viral Rant Has His Boss Apologizing
A viral video on social media has caused the Minister of Health and Wellness, Michel Chebat, to issue a public statement about the behavior of his driver, Hamid Awe. The incident, recorded by police on Thursday, captured a rant by Awe who was incensed following what he claims was brutal, unfair treatment by police of his son in San Ignacio. Of note is that Awe is not wearing a mask and in close proximity to the officers. The Minister of Health and Wellness called it a “verbal altercation” that was “unpleasant, unnecessary and unfortunate.” In the statement, Minister Chebat apologizes to the police and says that Awe will also apologize to the officers involved. The release says that all national leaders have sworn to obey the rule of law and that quote “those around us can never feel as if they are specially privileged to act without repercussions” end quote. There is no mention of Awe losing his job, contrary to those rumors flying on social media today. During today’s press briefing in Belmopan, the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said that Hamid Awe has been served with a summons to appear in court for using indecent words, as well as disorderly behavior. News Five’s Paul Lopez asked the Commissioner whether this incident is just part of a larger pattern of well connected people calling contacts to try and influence the release of someone being detailed.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Using of indecent words and the manner in which he was behaving, which was in a very disorderly manner, those are offenses and yes, he has been served with his summons to appear in court for using indecent words as well as for disorderly behavior. I will tell you that the behavior of Mister Awe is one that cannot be condoned and the police is taking action against it. From the incident occurred and Minister Chebat spoke with me and his words were that we must deal with the matter. He said that as his driver, he cannot allow his driver to disrespect the police in such a manner and that we must do what needs to be done to address the matter. Well the truth is Mr. Lopez, it is a culture that is going to be here with us for a very long time until we the people must be able to stop it. I say so because if we don’t call the politician, then they are not going to call [us]. But it is just this culture that people believe at times that they can do whatever they want to, and they can call the politician and the politician calls to have them released.”
The commissioner says Awe’s son had been ticketed for failing to wear a mask and was being taken to the police station. Channel Five notes that just a few days ago, the Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa had stated that failure to wear a mask is a ticket-able offense and there is no need to take individuals to the station.
