Teenage Minors Transferred from Belize Central Prison

Public outcry following the detention of a thirteen-year-old minor at the Wagner’s Youth Facility, under the existing state of emergency, has led to the transfer of the teenager to the New Beginnings Youth Center.  Along with another fifteen-year-old boy, he will now receive the care needed for his development. There has been much controversy surrounding his imprisonment, despite police linking the teen to gang activity in his neighborhood.  Commissioner of Police Chester Williams went on record earlier this week to justify the arrest and detention of the youth at the Belize Central Prison, much to the disappointment of his fellow attorneys.  Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa, along with C.E.O.s in the ministries of Home Affairs and Human Development, visited the Wagner’s Youth Facility where he spoke with the young detainees about their concerns.  Out of that interaction came a request from the teenagers to be included in Leadership Intervention programs upon their release.  The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a statement released earlier today, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the rights of these young individuals are respected, regardless of the allegations made against them.