Police Establish 24 Hour Presence in Hattieville, Roaring Creek

The murder of twenty-one-year-old Malcolm Hyde in Roaring Creek over the weekend has prompted the Belize Police Department to establish a round-the-clock presence in the Hattieville area of that community.  The incident which is believed to be gang-related has led to an intervention among feuding groups within the village.  It has also resulted in Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat assisting the BPD with equipment and resources necessary for officers to maintain a twenty-four hour presence in that particular area.  The decision to ramp up measures in that neighborhood comes amid other law enforcement challenges in another part of Roaring Creek, as well as in Cotton Tree Village.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Yes, we know that Roaring Creek is another area of concern with the whole issue of the gang rivalries in that village.  And so, what I did, I had a talk with the area representative, the honorable Julius Espat, and I must say that he was extremely excited to be able to assist the police in putting in place something that would help to make the residents of Roaring Creek more safer.  And so what I did was, myself, the commander of that area, Mr. Barrow, the commander of SPU, Mr. Gamboa, and the chairman of that village, Mr. Banner, we did a walk-through of the area of concern which would be the Hattieville area of Roaring Creek and we decided that due to the fact that the rivalry between the rival groups is so intense in that area, it would be good to set up a permanent police presence.  And so, the honorable Espat managed to purchase for us a tent, table chairs and bicycles which is now assigned to that area so we have police presence there on a twenty-four hour basis.  They are given bicycles that they would be patrolling the area on with a view to ensure that the criminal elements do not get any opportunity to strike again.”

Thus far, no one has been arrested for the murder of Malcolm Hyde.