Belizeans are Ready or Curfew to End; What Does Commissioner of Police Say

Chester Williams

Belize has had a nightly curfew in place since the start of the pandemic in 2020.  The hours have been adjusted numerous times since then, but many are clamoring for the removal of the restrictions. The Belize Police Department is tasked with enforcing the restriction. However, when asked if he supports the lifting of the curfew, ComPol Williams says he is fine either way.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“If it is that the government decides to lift the curfew, yes, certainly we have to do more.  I’ve said to officers that currently we know curfew is at ten or at twelve and we work until then, as much as we can, and when the curfew hours kick in you can decide to take a little step back.  If the curfew is lifted then certainly we have to give that effort right throughout the night because we certainly know that the criminals will be moving around and so we are prepared if the curfew is to be removed.  I’ve heard people clamoring for [it to remove].

Marleni Cuellar

“What’s your position?”

Chester Williams

“I don’t have an issue with the curfew being removed.  Certainly, people do have the right to freedom of movement across this country and if it is that the government decides that they want to remove it, I will welcome it.  If they decide they want to keep it, I will welcome that as well.  It doesn’t matter to me.”