Where Does Kolbe C.E.O. Stand on State of Emergency?

Virgilio Murillo

As you’ve heard, the legal fraternity, including the Bar Association and the Human Rights Commission of Belize, has weighed in on the state of emergency that has been declared in parts of Belize City.  Their position has resounded across the media in the days that followed the rounding up of gang members.  But what about that of stakeholders in the penal system since those persons are now transferred to the Belize Central Prison and are formally the responsibility of the Kolbe Foundation?  We asked C.E.O. Virgilio Murillo for his thoughts on the measures taken by government.

Isani Cayetano

“What are your thoughts on the state of emergency situation considering that we’re dealing with violent criminal organizations in Belize City and the fact that while yes, you do have a hundred and twenty-seven men who are classified as gang members here in prison, your workload automatically increases in terms of bringing on these other persons who have been deemed as such.  What are your thoughts on the whole state of emergency situation?”

Virgilio Murillo, C.E.O., Kolbe Foundation

“Well, I think, in all honesty, to some extent I believe the country was being held hostage and I guess this is one of those measures that had to be put in place, at least initially as a precaution or some kind of wedge to stop it from happening.  Like I said, I don’t know that I can say much about it because we are all aware of what is happening out in the streets and obviously a life means nothing to these guys and it’s just not right.  I believe this is just a wedge, even if it is a temporary fix.  But something has got to be done in order to send a strong message.  All I will tell you is that once they come to the prison we will do our utmost best to ensure that the calm and the peace and stability and the security of the prison is not jeopardized.”