ComPol Chester Williams Supports Removal of Death Penalty Law

The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, publicly supported the abolition of the death penalty in Belize. In an interview, Williams said, “The truth is, as much as many may not believe, I am opposed to the death penalty. I don’t believe in it. That’s my personal opinion.”

Williams cited the Pratt and Morgan case in Jamaica, noting that prolonged legal appeals make executions “cruel and inhumane” after five years. He stated, “I don’t foresee Belize executing death sentences, as legal appeals would surpass the five-year mark.”

Despite his personal opposition to the death penalty, Williams said that the final decision rests with parliamentarians. “My opinion is I don’t believe in it, and it’s a matter for Parliament to decide if they want to take it off,” he said.

His endorsement aligns with arguments from Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith and British attorney Parvais Jabbar, who noted that there have been no executions in 40 years and no death sentences in the past 20 years.