Julius Espat Requests Apology from WPC Alicia Trapp

Julius Espat

Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat will not be pressing any charges against W.P.C. Alicia Trapp, following a spat with the officer on June fifth in Teakettle Village.  Trapp made an initial report alleging that she was assaulted by Espat, however, the Commissioner of Police wrote to her attorney, Orson Elrington, notifying him that the evidence gathered suggests the contrary.  W.P.C. Trapp has since been removed from her post as a security officer for Cabinet meetings, because Cabinet members are reportedly concerned that she can no longer carry out such duty with impartiality.  Espat and his attorney are also requesting a letter of apology from W.P.C. Trapp – a request that he says is yet to be acknowledged. Here is what Espat told reporters today when we caught up with him in Belize City.

Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South

“From the beginning when you asked me this question, I think various media houses asked me and I have always stated I am not the aggressor. So, I have no need of pressing charges. What I have done is alerted my attorneys to be on hold in case something happen that I have to defend my position. We are sticking that. What the police does internally, I have no control of and they have to do what they need to do. But, the truth is it boils down to national security. This is a police officer that was stationed to protect us in Cabinet. I have a right when I see that person being political and campaigning against the government. I didn’t reprimand her, I just told her that I think she was doing wrong, and if we can’t defend national security then I suppose we have a problem. But, everybody have rules. I have told you guys before, the police have rules, the media have rules, politicians have rules, and the general populace has rules. We have to learn to follow those rules.  How would you feel if you were in government and the police officer stationed to protect you is vehemently shouting all kinds of negative things about you and your government? Only a fool would not feel concerned and I am decently not a fool. So, I think it was my responsibility as a leader of government to ensure that not only me but all Cabinet members feel safe.”