We note that Guatemala could also be provoking trouble on the Sarstoon because of crime issues there. Reports in today's Prensa Libre say the government is considering implementing a State of Emergency in the province of Zacapa.
Belize did that 11 days ago for parts of Belize City's Southside, rural Belize District, and the Cayo District.
This comes after the Court of Appeal upheld a High Court judgment saying previous States of Emergency did not meet the legal threshold for public emergencies. It also upheld damages awarded to persons detained under that SOE.
So, is the government now exposing the state to more liability by going back to an SOE? We asked the PM:
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"It took us some time before we declared an SOE, and we knew we had to be very careful and to look at the ruling from the courts to ensure that we do not go against the Constitution. So this time around, Minister Chebat, along with the CEO and the Commissioner, were very careful and targeted in how they declared this, because it seems that under the law you can't just throw a blanket, but you have to go into specific areas to make the case. I believe that they made that case, and that's why I agreed for us to declare an SOE. And we're trying our best to keep these people from killing one another, but it's difficult to stop them from killing one another as much as we try-as the police move from a corner, they come at the corner and things happen. What's important is that we have to keep our citizens secure and safe, and I believe we are accomplishing that as best as we possibly can."
"And for us, we just want to use the short period just for things to calm down, to cool down, to start to implement other strategies on how we're going to be able to fight crime on the streets of our communities."
Reporter:
"Do you think the government is opening up itself to a liability considering the previous judgment?"
John Briceno:
"Well, the possibility always exists, but we're trying to be as careful as we can, but at the same time we have to do something. If we do nothing, we are criticized; if we do nothing, we are criticized-so you know what, better we do something that we believe is the right thing."
We note that when he was in opposition in 2018, the Prime Minister said, quote: "Locking up gang members will not do anything to address the poverty and inequality on the Southside of Belize City."
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