B.P.D. Braces for Reprisals Following Murder of Orel Leslie

Chester Williams

In the wake of Sunday night’s execution of Orel Leslie, the Belize Police Department is bracing for reprisals.  As a result, officers remain vigilant for any developments that will trigger a tit-for-tat between rival gangs in the Lake Independence community.  News Five spoke with Commissioner of Police Chester Williams about citizen security amid the ongoing tension.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Of course, we do believe that there is going to be retaliation and we are doing what we can to avert it from happening, but again, you know that criminals will always find a way to go around the police and do what needs to be done.  So we are watching anxiously to see what they are going to do and, as I have said before, if they think they will do what George Street and South Side did last month, then they are going to get the same treatment that that crowd got.”

Hipolito Novelo

“Are these gang members under surveillance?”

Chester Williams

“I’m not going to say that.”

Hipolito Novelo

“What can the citizens do because sometimes dehn just shoot up outta nowhere and somebody else could get shot.”

Chester Williams

“Well, the citizens just need to ensure that they look after their own personal safety and at the end of the day the police will do what they can to ensure the general safety of the population.  But again, you also have a responsibility to look after your own personal safety.”