PG Murder During Curfew

Fitzroy Yearwood

The double homicide in Punta Gorda last night occurred during curfew hours and, despite the fact that both victims were at home, police are revisiting their strategy to further enforce the restriction of movement after nine p.m.  According to Communications Director Fitzroy Yearwood, they have observed shops that still conduct business inside of the curfew hours.  He says that the department will be cracking down on these offenders.

ASP Fitzroy Yearwood, Communications Director, Belize Police Department

“The curfew started at nine p.m.  We know that establishments should be closed one hour to allow the employees to go home.  So the first thought that comes to me is that we are not adhering and enforcing the curfew laws enough.  For people to be walking out there almost freely, well freely in this case, some fifty minutes after nine o’clock.  So one: we will have to revamp the strategy when it comes to the way that area is being policed.  Two: from the person would open a door to an establishment would suggest that it is a regular practice, so then we would have to look into what we would refer to as knock-knock stores and bars.  Of course, we know that the curfew is nine o’clock which is rather early for an adult on Thursday and it is evident that people are being entertained at these establishments to come and make purchases after curfew hour.”