21st February, 1970

Mr. Albert Staines, Esq.,
Director of Public Prosecution,
Regent Street,
Belize City.

Dear Director,

Long and many are the violations of our laws by almost every newspaper in the country. Each infraction of the law that has gone unnoticed has encouraged bolder and bolder steps until what is a very serious breach of our Criminal Code now emerges on the front page of Amandala No. 17 of the 20th February, 1970, entitled “Games Old People Play.” (Copy enclosed.)

In respect of this article I would wish to draw your attention to the offence of Seditious Libel, section 244 of the Code and Seditious Conspiracy, section 245 and the definitions relating thereto.

I feel that as officers of the Court we would be guilty of grave neglect of our duty for its protection and preservation, if we allow so important an institution to come to disrepute at the hands of any publisher.

Yours faithfully,
(V. H. COURTENAY)
Attorney General