Coast Guard Member Involved in Brawl Will Likely Be Dismissed

There was a brawl at Long Island Night Spot in Belize City that presumably happened over the weekend involving a coast guard member. A brief clip of the commotion shows the seaman shoving two policemen who tried to restrain him. Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett told News Five this evening that he has seen the video and that he was informed that the person resisting arrest was indeed a seaman with the Belize Coast Guard. Bennett says that if criminal charges are brought against him, he will be dismissed from duty.

Elton Bennett

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“I saw the video – very disturbing indeed. I was informed that he was a member of the Belize Coast Guard. I know it involved police. As far as I’m aware, today he should have been charged with some criminal offence. I’m not aware if that has taken place, but if he’s charged then a parallel administrative charge will pursue in that regard. I don’t know the full details, other than what I’ve seen on the video. The police investigation will determine the extent of his action, but it’s obvious that he was involved in some brawl. I hope that the police would take very quick action in terms of discipline with him and we can move from there.”

Marion Ali

“If he’s criminally charged will he also be dismissed from the Coast Guard?”

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett

“Yes, once someone is criminally charged then they’re dismissed.”

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I am sure that the Commander of the Coast Guard saw that video and it would be a matter for him to take disciplinary action against the Coast Guard. His conduct certainly went against the conduct of the Coast Guard and I would hope that they would apply their disciplinary code to him so he can face charges not just criminally, but also internally.”