Fishermen Deny Violations in Court

Robert de la Cruz

When we report on court cases involving fisheries violations, it usually ends with a guilty plea and heavy fines. But two fishermen today chose to challenge the department on their alleged violations. Thirty-six-year-old Robert de la Cruz of Copper Bank, Corozal and twenty-nine-year-old Gilbert Perez of Belize City pleaded not guilty to breach of fishing license conditions and using a vessel without attached distinguishing mark.

Gilbert Perez

On April eighteenth, authorities say the men were found fishing in an area off-limits to their license, near Caye Chapel. Both are to return to court on May twenty-third and since they were summoned, bail was not at issue.