Chester Williams' portrait was at the National Training Academy's parade square 4 weeks before it was unceremoniously painted over. But that's all in the past because now the former - and longest serving - ComPol has a brand new painting to honor his legacy.
Artist Alex Sanker, after seeing how a fellow artist's work was erased, decided to take action on a much larger scale. He had an unveiling of his latest art piece today at Williams' Belmopan office. Courtney Menzies was there and has this story.
Chester Williams' portrait may no longer stand at the National Training Academy's parade square, but today he received a piece of art that cannot be so easily erased.
In a scene straight out of Inception, Williams is seen here at the unveiling this morning, proudly looking at a painting of himself standing beside a painting…of himself. A visual echo so large that it would shatter even a hall of mirrors.
We got Williams' initial reaction.
Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport
"I must say I'm completely blown away and I must say thanks to big brother Everal Wade, as I'm told he is the mastermind behind this and of course thanks to the artist Mr Sanker, he's the one who actually did the work in doing the painting and he did such a fantastic job just as Raquel and her team did with the painting that was at the police parade square and so I am extremely grateful for the initiative by the two gentlemen and again as has been said by Mr Sanker, it's a powerful message behind the painting. I was shocked when he called me and said they wanted to come by today to hand over the painting to me, I didn't expect it to be this, I thought it was just going to be a hand painting that I would be able to take home or whatever but the size is indeed a statement."
Apart from the mural, the painting also features the Belize and the Police Department's flags. It also includes red and blue - which according to Sanker represents the fact that Williams has served under both governments.
And for the artist, he says that he felt compelled to do the painting after Williams was disrespected.
Alex Sanker, Artist
"We as a society, we need to start standing up for what's right. And like I always said, facts doesn't care about your personal feelings, facts is facts and the fact is what they did to the portrait, it's a disgrace, in reality. I think defacing a painting - listen, the reality is that artists, we're a small community but I'm not knocking no other artists but I'm the only one that's fighting because we have to leave this visual art when we pass on to the other life, whenever that is, that the younger artists coming up, have to leave some kind of legacy where we could make changes that stuff like this doesn't happen again because - and I'm saying this with all sincerity, if I had did that portrait with Mr Chester on the grounds, they would have not done that because they know what I stand for and they know that was not going to slide."
"And like I told him just now, they can't paint over this one so at the end of the day, I want to record that history."
So now where does a painting of this scale go? Well, if you're ever invited to Williams' home, you may get to see it for yourself.
Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport
"I'll certainly put it on my wall at home. I have to try to create a wall of fame at home where I can put all my police credentials and a very important painting like this so certainly it will be at home."
"It's good to know that you have people who see you and appreciate the work that you do for the country. I served the Belizean people for 34 years, given all my youth to this country and I have no difficulty doing that that over and over if I had the chance to. Public service for me is very important, not many people would like to do that and so those of us who choose to be engaged in a public service, I think that we should be honored for doing so."
The painting isn't quite finished as yet though, and Sanker has asked Williams to help personalize it. Williams told us that the only thing he wants to add is the length of his tenure as commissioner.
