Anti-violence protest casts black eye on San Pedro police…
The number of demonstrators was lower than anticipated, but the energy was high among protestors in San Pedro AC, where two primary schools and others took to the streets today. The protest comes on the heels of an allegation by a teacher that she has been the victim of constant abuse by a police officer, who is also accused of attacking two missionaries. Jose Sanchez was in the Island and spoke to all camps.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
Holy Cross Anglican Primary School students, staff and parents walked through the sweltering heat of San Pedro Town protesting to end violence against women.
Amaru Barreto, Demonstrator
“We are here to show a peaceful demonstration about all the people that are being abused and they do not want to talk.”
Jose Sanchez
“You are aware your teacher was abused. How does this affect your classmates?”
Amaru Barreto
“I really don’t know much about the story but its very wrong for a policeman being abusive of a teacher.”
Jose Sanchez
“You’re a parent. Why are you here?”
Enid Grey, Demonstrator
“I come to support the school and the teacher because this is enough that the police do. They have to stop this, the violence.”
Catherine Ramos, Demonstrator
“I wanted to say that we want the police to stop their corruption and it’s not right what they are doing.”
Isolene Bailey, Demonstrator
“Exactly, I am out here because we are trying to protect those children and women who are being abused and to stop abusing.”
The turnout for the march was poor but that did not dim the spirit of the event’s organizer and Holy Cross Director, Vernon Wilson.
Vernon Wilson, Director, Holy Cross
“It was much lower than what we anticipated based on conversations we had yesterday afternoon with schools that said that they would show up and they would participate. It’s very interesting that so few schools came out; the Roman Catholic School attended and Holy Cross School. But we appreciate the support of those who did come out into public to voiced their displeasure of what happened here. To bring awareness of women abuse and child abuse and the rights they have when they are caught in this type of a situation, specific rights that were written into law in 2007, they were denying our teacher out here on San Pedro last week. We did fortunately, take it into Belize City where the Magistrate reversed the decision made by the magistrate out there.”
The demonstration surrounds the case of the Wilson’s who intervened when a teacher of Holy Cross claimed she was being abused by her former common law husband, a police officer. The officer investigating that incident says there will be justice for all.
Deputy O.C., Sgt. Leslie Wade
“I must say that it was a cross complaint and based on the statements and what they have revealed, I charged P.C. Martinez with a count of Wounding and a count of Harm; Mr. Vernon Wilson was charged for Damage to Property; and Mrs. Francis Wilson was charged for the crime of Wounding. At this time, this matter is before the court and I must say that when the magistrate hears the evidence that has been given by the prosecution based on the witnesses that were present, he will make a decision as to who is guilty and who is not guilty.”
Jose Gomez, Demonstrator
“I don’t want the police to be our enemies. I want them to
Be our friends.”
Reporting for News Five, Jose Sanchez.
