Commissioner of Police: “Like the P.M., I Don’t Like Guns.”

While the Commissioner of Police has explained the police department’s efforts to keep murders down, he has come under fire for the issuance of gun licenses. Today, the ComPol told the media that he also shares the same sentiment as Prime Minister John Briceño, who has said publicly that he doesn’t support the granting of gun licenses. And when he was asked to explain his approval for gun licenses on this premise, he said that while he has his personal views, he must carry out his duties and assist people when they apply for these licenses.

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“At times I would go on the range and I would shoot with Mr. Gentle or with other police officers, but in absence of that, I don’t carry a gun. I don’t think I need a gun to solidify who I am or where I stand. I believe that you, me and the Prime Minister have the same view of firearms. We don’t like firearms, but I cannot take my feelings or my beliefs and impose them on people. There are people out there who love firearms. And there are people out there who believe that they need firearms to protect themselves. And once that is the case and they apply and they meet the criteria, I don’t see why because I don’t like firearms, I must reject them. As the Commissioner of Police, I must make myself accessible to the people. I must serve the people of this country in the best way. And say, if a person comes from P.G., from Corozal, San Pedro, and they apply for a license, they have gone through the O.C. Six months ih still nuh reach Belmopan, why must I tell them to go back to the O.C. when I can facilitate them to expedite the process for them? I don’t know why they want it. They may need to protect themselves. So in that spirit, I have no difficulty and again, I have no apology for assisting anybody who comes to my office for a firearm license and I assist them.”