7 News Belize

Are Rep Martinez Says "SSG In The House"
posted (September 7, 2011)
We tracked Martinez down at the ITVET building in Belize City where yet another round of mediation talks were being held between government and the gangs.

As the area representative for Port Loyola - which is the home base for the SSG - we asked him about the press release from that gang yesterday.

They claim that they were left out of the Truce Talks and called on the Prime Minister, the Area Representative and others to meet with them at the Yabra Community Policing Building on Caesar Ridge Road.

Well, today Martinez told us he doesn't know which SSG that release came from - but he knows there was one in today's meeting.

Minister Anthony "Boots" Martinez - Area Rep., Port Loyola
"Well I met with some members of the so - called SSG, but those people whom I met with are not gang bangers as far as I know. They have been regular workers and contractors. I don't know them to be gang bangers, so maybe if they - and they are telling me that they aren't gang bangers. So I don't know who the head of SSG is now."

Jules Vasquez
"You mean since the demise of Andre Trapp?"

Minister Anthony "Boots" Martinez
"Yes, I do not know who is the head SSG. We have no problem; we have some members SSG in there right now. And so I think they've come to the table, and we'll have a discussion."

And indeed, since the courthouse slaying of former SSG Don, Andre Trapp, our experience has been that there has been factionalization within the ranks of SSG and at any given time, it has been unclear who's leading.

But when we today contacted the same SSG faction that issued yesterday's release, they said that they had representation at today's meeting.

And what was the outcome of today's meeting? Well the prime minister did not attend, but Government was represented by Minister Michael Finnegan and Boots Martinez. We are told it was cordial and productive; government agreed to a work programme and all sides agreed to hold an alcohol free family day for gangs and their families...

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize