Prime Minister Defends Detention of Jamaican Man

On Monday, Jamaican national Christopher McIntyre was detained in Belize after customs officials flagged his accommodation details. McIntyre had been invited by American Sheila Williams, who explained to News 5 that the booking was in her name, not his.

Williams tried to resolve the issue by speaking to officials, but she was told by a supervisor that her invitation didn’t hold weight, as she is not a Belizean citizen. McIntyre remains in detention, and Williams is now working with attorney Norman Rodriguez to explore legal options for his release.

Prime Minister John Briceño commented, stating that Belize had to ensure visitors met specific criteria, such as proof of funds and confirmed accommodation. “There have been many instances where we’ve had, in this issue, Jamaicans that would come to Belize and say they would come on holidays and then after that they disappear. They go across the border on the way to the United States. We have a responsibility to ensure that that is kept at a minimum.”

Briceño said, adding that “Based on what was presented to the department… they felt that he did not meet the criteria.”