Brawl - Channel 5 Belize

City Councilor to be Charged for Shisha Bar Fight

On Friday night, a video of a fight outside Shisha Nightclub started making the rounds on social media. In the video, City Councilor Evan Thompson is seen as one of the men involved in the brawl. After the incident, Thompson released a statement saying he wasn’t the aggressor and acted in self-defense. He apologized, saying, “I sincerely apologize if this incident has been perceived negatively. It is in no way a reflection of the Belize City Council or the People’s United Party, both of which I proudly serve with integrity and commitment”. Thompson also mentioned that he wasn’t arrested or taken into custody and won’t be pressing charges. However, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams clarified today that both men will face charges to ensure public safety. Here’s more on that.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I already sent that matter to Mr. Romero and he’s here, with instructions that those persons involved must be picked up and charged.”

Reporter

“They will be tried for disorderly conduct?”

Chester Williams

“Yes, as we normally do. Does it concern you, I mean, this is such a problematic area, you know, lots of fights happening out of, out here, and I know police, they’re always in that area, but does it concern you that it seems like it’s just, it’s a problem that can’t be solved? I won’t say it can’t be solved. We just need to do what needs to. Constantly arrest those involved. It sends a message to other persons that if you do the same, you’ll end up in the same situation. So it’s important is for us to make sure we deal with those persons who get involved in these fights.”

Mayor Sides with Brawling Councilor

Today, we caught up with Mayor Bernard Wagner who told us that he believes Thompson’s account and sides with him on this one. He, however, shared that he implores his councilors time and time again to stay away from nightclubs and invest that energy in their communities.

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City

“It is about ensuring that due process is maintained. We have to hear the side of the councilor. But from all account, based on what I have heard so far, it was provoked. He was provoked. You have to defend yourself at all times. I would consider that maybe politics and clubbing don’t mix like oil and water. On that side he may have had some poor judgment by going into these clubs. I have always maintained to our councilors stay away from clubs. It does not mix. Only problems could happen there and you see in that situation clearly he waws provoked. I am behind him. I support him. I draw a line when they are in the wrong. But when I believe they are in the right I support them for it. There are many activities you could engage in, positive activities. Being in the club one, two in the night will serve no purpose. But being on the basketball court and the football field, eight, nine, ten in the morning shows me the difference and so I want to always really encourage them to participate in sporting activities. Get in the communities, serve the communities instead of serving the clubs.”

ComPol Says More Security Needed at Bars

A violent brawl erupted last week at JR’s Bar in Punta Gorda, involving multiple patrons and resulting in chaos. A video of the incident shows furious customers hurling bottles and causing extensive damage to the establishment. In response, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has called for the suspension of the bar’s liquor license. Speaking today, Commissioner Williams stressed the need for bars to bolster security measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

Reporter

“ What about a bar brawl in Punta Gorda? Is it the case where every bar is required to have a police on duty or security on duty?”

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“In terms of the bar brawl in Punta Gorda, those persons who are involved have been detained by the police and being charged. We encourage bar owners to ensure that when they are committing, they have security present. We are working with the liquor licensing board to ensure that when. We know when the extensions are issued, the extension clearly stipulates that they must have security. Police officers working there. But in the ordinary course of them opening outside of the extension period, that’s a different story. So we need to see how we can get them to be able to ensure that security is also present when they have when they are open during the ordinary opening hours.”

Reporter

“Was the petition to the Legal Licensing Court to rescind this or suspend this bar owners license, was that ever sent?”

Chester Williams

“That instruction has been given to the legal office and they’re working with the O.C. in Toledo. to have that done.”

Crazy Bar Brawl in Peini

Over the weekend in Punta Gorda, a wild bar fight broke out involving several patrons, prompting the Commissioner of Police to seek the suspension of the bar’s liquor license. The cause of the chaos inside the bar remains unclear, but surveillance footage shows furious customers hurling bottle after bottle at the bar, leaving a trail of destruction. ComPol Williams briefly addressed the incident.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I just told the legal officer this morning, in conference, to write the Toledo Liquor Licensing Board and seek to have the license suspended.”