RED BANK, Stann Creek District, Sun. Oct. 18, 2020– On Sunday, October 18, an ugly confrontation took place between supporters of the two major political parties in the village of Red Bank in the Stann Creek District, during which machetes were drawn and shots were fired.

All this reportedly took place after party supporters of the UDP allegedly brandished machetes in a threatening manner at PUP supporters, whom they blamed for removing a flag from one of their vehicles.

COVID-19 protocols regarding the wearing of face masks and physical distancing were abandoned in the ensuing melee, and police, through the use of video captured on a cell phone, confirmed that 12 persons were identified as being in breach of quarantine regulations.  The group includes three UDP supporters and nine PUP affiliates.

The twelve persons arrested are Kirk Talbot, Caroline Foreman, and Albert Moody; and members of the Cal family who are relatives of the PUP village chairman, Antonio Cal: Reino Cal, Phillip Cal, Edgar Cal, Valentine Cal, Sidro Cal, Magarito Cal, Justino Cal and Candaliana Cal.

They were all arrested for not wearing a face mask and for failing to maintain a social distance.