Yesterday Government settled with the family of Yolanda Valencia. She was the victim of a fatal traffic accident involving Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura. Government settled for $70 thousand dollars. But, by doing that, is Government admitting liability, and by extension Segura's guilt? We asked the man who is still Deputy Segura's boss, Police commissioner Allen Whylie:...
Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police
"Well I don't think it's a matter of the deputy settling with the family. The matter was settled by the government of Belize. The government of Belize was being sued and I guess in their wisdom of the legal persons, a settlement was arrived at."
Emanuel Pech
"Many have disputed that this is in turn somewhat of a guilty statement on the part of the government that we were at fault."
Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police
"No, I didn't think it's anything of that nature. You have to understand that civil cases, the level of evidence required is of a lesser nature than in a criminal matter. I guess based on the suit, as well as the legal review, they decided to settle and they have that right to settle."
Emanuel Pech
"In your personal opinion believe that Mr. Segura should take it a step further and resign?"
Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police
"I have no personal opinion in respect to that matter. That's a matter for Mr. Segura to decide solely."
Emanuel Pech
"In the meantime he remains a member of the Police Department? What's the status there?"
Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police
"Yes, he is still the substantive Deputy Commissioner of Police. He remains on interdiction since the incident has occurred, but he is still a member of the Belize Police Department."
Segura has been on interdiction and on half pay since his criminal arraignment. He will maintain this status until the conclusion of the criminal case against him. Following that he will face a disciplinary hearing. But that will have to wait until his criminal case concludes.
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