Yesterday you heard the president of the National Garifuna Council urging the political leader of Belmopan, area rep Oscar Mira and Pablo Cawich to apologize for statements declaring that murder victim Zamar Alvarez was an outsider, and not from Belmopan.
Well, the former Ombudsman, Gilbert Swazo has written to the National Garifuna Council expressing, quote, "deep concern…(about the) public remarks made by officials in response to this incident." He writes, quote, "the public reaction from the Mayor of Belmopan and the Area Representative appeared to distance themselves from the deceased. The two individuals killed were Garifuna, Black residents of Belmopan." He warns,"Any language that appears to externalize responsibility or stigmatize communities risks deepening social division and eroding public trust in institutions charged with safeguarding all residents equally."
He urges the National Branch of the National Garifuna Council to consider: "Calling upon Mira and Cawich to the relevant public officials to clarify, withdraw, and, if appropriate, publicly apologize for any statements that may be perceived as discriminatory or prejudicial."
He concludes, "it is neither appropriate nor lawful for any citizen to be implicitly characterized in a manner that diminishes their dignity or belonging." ENDS...
