Minor Held in Prison as a Safety Precaution

The teenage minor was picked up over a month ago, along with other individuals known to the police for gang-related activities. ComPol Chester Williams explains that the minor is being held for the safety of the public and himself. However, some concerns were raised by the public regarding the decision to place the individual at the Belize Central Prison, instead of a facility for minors such as the New Beginnings Youth Development Center at mile twenty-one of the George Price Highway. We spoke with Commissioner of Police Chester Williams for more insight on that decision.

 

Reporter

“I think one of the criticisms to that was couldn’t he had been held at a different facility as opposed to the Belize Central Prison?”

 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Myself and Minister have discussed that and we were looking at the powers under the SOE. If the Minister do have the power to confine him, we’re looking at Mile twenty-one. And we’re not seeing that in the legislation, but perhaps it can be done. But, we have to be careful again.  If we put him at mile 21, the children who are kept at mile twenty-one are not at his level. Putting him there may also have a far negative effect on the children. Children who are there at mile 21. He might be able to influence them to become more violent. So it is something we have to look at and try to see how we can find the best solution to the problem or to the issue.”