Email

Print

He told us that police investigation indicates that this theory of a political assassination is the furthest thing from the truth. Here's how he put it:

Hon. Elodio Aragon, Minister of State - Home Affairs
"I am just calling to first of all give my condolences to his family. The loss of their loved one and also to reassure the public out there in regards to this incident and of course all the other shooting incidents that have resulted in murders as such."

"We have been looking at all these situations, all these murders that have been taking place. I know for this week we have had 3 murders thus far in Belize City and I want to reassure the public that the police is looking in the situation. We know what is triggering these things and we are working on it. I know that the first 2 murders we had, for instance, we know they are drug related. This third murder we had this week in terms of the Albert Cattouse is still under investigation. I think we have an idea of what has transpired, but you know there is a lot of work that has to be done and I won't be going into details in that regard. But I just want to reassure the public that we as the police department, directives have been given that will look at mounting additional patrols to look at how we can curb this situation. But definitely it is a concern to us. Like I've always said public one murder is one murder too much."

Daniel Ortiz, reporter
"Members of the Albert Cattouse family and fellow activists from within the grassroots community, they have the strong suspicion that he was killed due to his outspoken behavior as an activist. At this current moment his form of activism was focused against your government and the suggestion is that it may be some sort of fanatical supporter of your government that committed this crime."

Hon. Elodio Aragon
"None at all. That is an outrageous allegation and I want you all to know from the police side of things we are looking at it. We have certain information in regards to what transpired out there, but that investigation is still ongoing and it had nothing to do with who Mr. Albert Cattouse is."

The Belize progressive party released a statement which says, quote, "The BPP is saddened, once again, by yet another senseless murder.... Mr. Cattouse was a true born Belizean who unflinchingly stood up for what he believed, which distinguished him as being one of the few activists who did so without fear. This is a national tragedy and anyone with information concerning this most unfortunate incident is encouraged to do the right thing, in the hope of bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice." End quote.

The BPP was joined by Moses Sulph's organization, known as Belize leaders for Social Justice. Their statements says, quote, "Belize Leaders for Social Justice condemns the despicable and cowardly murder of Mr. Albert Cattouse A human Rights Defender and Local Activist... Belize Leaders for Social Justice is offering a $5000 Reward to information leading to the Arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of this Cowardly Act." End quote.