And while San Pedro police have been cracking down after a string of murders, what are Eastern Division police doing to reclaim the peace in Southside Belize City?Â
Well, today. Southside commander Senior Superintendent Mark Vidal told us that he and his officers are doing all they can include engaging the gang intervention team. But another important factor in finding a solution to the rash of violent crimes and murder is to understand what is causing it. Here is what Vidal had to say on that:
Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal - OC, Southside Commander
“I think generally there are certain areas that are a little bit tense obviously because of the frictions that are occurring between rival gangs but we intend to do everything that is necessarily to bring that to a halt and we will. This September festivities will attract a number of people and unfortunately will attract people who have nefarious intentions so we will certainly address those and we will address them.
Courtney Weatherburne
“What can you sharein terms of what has caused this recent increase in crime, what are you able to share of course based on the information you got or are getting from residents is it gang war fare? What really is having the violence flare up like this?
Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal
“I said it during the last interview, what we are seeing is kind of an implosion and because the plying of drugs within these communities are being controlled by gang elements and some of them are using force in order for this sale to continue where this doesn’t occur then they commit some of these crimes including murder.
Reporter
“Are there any plans to further involve the mediators in the gang intervention program?
Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal
“Right the intervention and mediation program is a part of what we are doing as you know there is this tension in the Jane Usher Area and we have brought in the body that is responsible for interventions and mediation and I think that we are making headway in that regard.
There have been 7 murders in the city in August.
