Teen Killers, Gang Violence and SOE

Chester Williams

In many of the instances where armed assaults are tied to gang violence, the shooters are often teen minors.  In the case of the arson attempts on Park Street, the family, having viewed surveillance footage of the incident, believes that the would-be arsonist is also a minor.  ComPol Williams spoke briefly about teen gang members in the broader context of the state of emergency.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“When we look at the persons who are pulling the trigger, in most cases they are persons under the age of eighteen and these young persons cannot buy guns, so the older ones are giving them the guns to go and do crime for them.  So again, it is something that we saw necessary and I am sure that the majority of Belizean people are going understand and will come to the same conclusion that considering what is happening, the state of emergency is the best approach at this time.”