BELIZE CITY, Mon. Oct. 5, 2020– On Monday a disturbing report that described an alleged act of violence by UDP standard bearer for the Mesopotamia Division, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, 41, against his wife, Catherine Barrow, 27, made its way through the media.

On October 3, 2020, it was reported in a police SITREP, dated Sunday, October 4, 2020, that Shyne, who is the son of Prime Minister Dean Barrow and stepson of Kim Simplis Barrow, who recently stepped down as the Special Envoy for Women and Children, “kicked her [his wife] in the back, causing her to hit the wall, which led her to hurt her big toe.”

According to the SITREP, after Catherine Barrow’s statement to police was recorded, a “Medico Legal Form was issued, where the doctor classified her injuries as ‘harm’. Complainant requested a Protection Order and was referred to the Family Court. Matter dealt with by K. Reyes, WPC 1228.”

According to Head of the Nation Crimes Investigation Branch, (NCIB) ACP Joseph Myvett, Catherine Barrow’s filing was for a future reference report, which does not call for court action against her husband.

The leaking of the report into social media resulted in mass condemnation of the politician, and many took the opportunity to speak out against domestic violence.

Things took a peculiar turn, however, when a statement in which Catherine Barrow classified her earlier claims as exaggerated made the media rounds. The letter, dated October 5, 2020, and signed by Catherine Barrow, stated:

“My husband and I had an argument, as most married couples do. I withdraw my statement made in the report circulating, as it was exaggerated due to my hurt and anger. My husband and I have moved on to continue to build our life together. Please respect the privacy of my family.”

Prior to issuing the said statement, Barrow also went back to the police station to withdraw her complaint.

Initially, after the statement was retracted by Catherine Barrow, reports indicated that Shyne might still be detained and charged based on the findings presented on the Medico Legal form. However, as a result of his wife’s retraction of her statement, police can no longer do so.

Shortly after Catherine Barrow published her statement, Shyne Barrow shared it on his own personal Facebook account with a statement of his own, condemning domestic violence and referring to the incident as a verbal dispute:

“I unequivocally condemn domestic violence or any violence against women. My wife and I had an argument, as happens in all marriages. Ours was nothing more than a verbal dispute. A statement was given that does not reflect what actually happened. My wife has withdrawn that statement and we have put this private matter behind us. I ask that you continue to pray for our young family as we go forward,” Barrow stated.