ComPol Says B.D.F. Soldiers on Standby

Chester Williams

According to Williams, B.S.C.F.A. members will continue to be allowed to peacefully demonstrate. If things get out of hand and emotions run high, Belize Defence Force soldiers will intervene as a last resort. Williams says the hope is that both sides come to a mutual agreement without any physical conflicts.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Yes, we do deploy officers from Corozal to assist and we also have our specialized units on the grounds along with BDF. So we have the SPU, the MIT, the GI3 and then we have a team of BDF on standby. The BDF is going to be an act of last resort if there were to be any serious breach of the law, and it reaches a stage where will require the support from the BDF. Then we’re going to call them in. But for now we only are using the BDF at the different choke points along with police to ensure that there is no blockage of the entrance as well as the highways.  I am sure that the cane farmers do appreciate the effort of the police and the fact that we have been extremely patient with them, and that goes a long way. The days of applying unnecessary force are gone. We try to police with common sense while at the same time employing support of people and as the case may be.”