Does ComPol Support Adjustment of Curfew Hours for the Holidays?

Chester Williams

Earlier in the newscast, you heard that the Belize Police Department is cracking down on those who are violating the quarantine regulations.   As the department juggles COVID-19 policing and their usual enforcement duties, we asked Commissioner Williams how they will police the upcoming holidays, considering that it’s a time of festivities and parties for many.  In light of that, we asked the ComPol whether he would recommend an adjustment of the curfew hours to stem the gatherings. Here’s his response.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Yes, you know we are stretched extremely thin and it is hard for us but we see the importance of this but we are going to find the man power to ensure that this is done. We understand that going into the Christmas holiday that some people are going to be themselves in the sense that they will be doing what their mind is telling them to do and have these illegal events all over the country. And we as a department must do our part. The regulations are there for us to enforce and we have to find a way to ensure that there is compliance with the regulation. For those days coming ahead we are going to have officers out there ensuring that there is full compliance with the regulation.”

Andrea Polanco

“Would you recommend that the curfew hours be amended for these days, the twenty-fourth, the twenty-fifth and the twenty-sixth?”

Chester Williams

“Well, I see what is being done in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean where they are instituting a curfew for the Christmas and Boxing Days and even New Year’s Day with a view to ensure that there is limited movement of people during these times.   So, if it is that the government sees the will to institute a curfew for an earlier hour, I would welcome that but that is a decision that the government would have to make.”