Police Officer Arraigned for Allegedly Cyberbullying Outgoing COMPOL

A police officer has been arraigned for allegedly using social media to publicly ridicule outgoing Commissioner of Police (COMPOL) Chester Williams. The officer, Barrington Gilbert Mai—also known as Barry Flowers—was charged with “using a computer system to publish obscene and vulgar data.”

Mai, a resident of Carmelita Village in the Orange Walk District, was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court under tight security this morning. He was transported in the police van but was discreetly taken into the courthouse through a rarely used rear entrance to avoid media cameras.

In court, Mai, who appeared unrepresented, was read a single charge stemming from an alleged social media post on April 2, 2025. The post reportedly contained offensive remarks directed at COMPOL Williams, including statements such as, “Thank God this a**hole is gone.” Williams reported to authorities that the post was a direct attack on his character and reputation, prompting him to request legal action.

Mai pleaded not guilty to the charge. While there was no objection to bail, the prosecution requested specific conditions be imposed. The Senior Magistrate granted bail at $5,000 plus one surety of the same amount or two sureties of $2,500 each, which Mai was able to meet.

As part of his bail conditions, Mai is prohibited from interfering with COMPOL Williams, his family, or any prosecution witnesses. He must also maintain a minimum distance of 25 feet from Williams and his relatives. Any violation of these conditions could result in bail revocation.

Mai’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 4, 2025.

Williams, 51, recently received a one-month extension before officially leaving his post after serving three terms as Commissioner of Police. His exit has been met with mixed reactions, with this latest legal case adding further controversy to his departure.