And while the Prosecution Branch's COVID-enforced shutdown has also caused the courts to close, the demands on the police department aren't letting up. With lawless social gatherings increasing - the cops are now playing the role of society's chaperones.
The news this weekend was that the cops have stopped issuing warnings and are now arresting those who insist on hosting and attending illegal gatherings. Over one hundred people were detained over the weekend alone - including minors. Courtney Menzies has the story.
Police have been cracking down on parties and events that go against COVID-19 restrictions. Over this past weekend, just over one hundred persons were detained at various events across the country. According to Police Commissioner, Chester Williams, the police were responding to reports that they have been receiving from concerned neighbors.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"We have been receiving a number of complaints from residents across the country of persons hosting private parties and person gathering in large numbers at these parties. And so that took us to yesterday where we saw in Orange Walk Town, the police arrested a total of 17 persons who were at a party and in Guinea Grass Village last night, police arrested 23 persons who were at a baby shower. In Roaring Creek police went to a area where there was a party and over 40 persons were detained. Of those persons detained, 23 were charged who were adults, and the others were minors, and so the minors were not charged. They were handed over to other responsible adults. And in Placencia, police arrested 11 persons who were also at a function in that village."
Police resources are stretched thin, and officers have had to spend extra time dealing with these illegal gatherings, which seem to have become the norm among some Belizeans. With COVID deaths at 50, the ComPol is pleading with the public to adhere to the regulations, not just for the police's sake, but for theirs as well.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"I want to appeal to Belizeans to please act responsible and do not just look at things for your instant gratification without thinking of what the consequence of your actions may result to. Covid is real, it is with us, and we all have a role to play. And so we want to appeal to people to play the role that they ought to play with a view to ensure we protect our most vulnerable citizens."
But while the police's energy is being directed at illegal parties, the swarming crowds at the bus terminals have become a daily norm - where social distancing protocols are routinely ignored - making public transportation unsafe for commutors.
In Orange Walk district alone, 42 persons were charged - including 8 minors who were at the Saturday night party in the Town.
In Placencia, the arrestees were all expatriates, who were at a party at A spot called Buba Wuba in Placencia Village. The group comprised American and Canadian expatriates aged 36 - 72 years old, who are residents of Placencia - many of them retirees. 10 were charged for attending a restricted social event and the owner, for hosting a restricted social event.
