Court will hear Chester’s case for judicial review

In mid-April, Senior Superintendent Chester Williams filed for and received permission from Justice Samuel Awich for judicial review of his transfer to a desk job in Belmopan. But after the matter was struck out earlier this week on a technicality, today Williams and his attorney, Elson Kaseke, went back to re-submit the application. Following in-chamber arguments before Justice Awich, the suspended police officer was all smiles when he greeted the press.

Elson Kaseke, Attorney for Chester Williams
“The application has been reinstated.”

Janelle Chanona
“What does that mean for your client?”

Elson Kaseke
“It means that his application for judicial review is still going to proceed.”

Janelle Chanona
“Had there been a counter to the judicial review?”

Elson Kaseke
“Yes, Miss Lois Young appeared and opposed the application but the judge ruled in our favour.”

Williams, an aggressive street wise cop, is claiming that he was improperly transferred because he did not receive a letter informing him of his appointment as head of the Planning, Performance, Review and Inspection Unit. He is also asserting that the post is below his rank and is in fact a demotion. Evidence of that, Williams claims, is that his vehicle and phone privileges have both been revoked. There is also the matter of Williams’ suspension from duty, which he says was again improperly executed. The Senior Superintendent is still on suspension and the case has been adjourned until June twelfth.