BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Apr. 16, 2020– On March 20, a State of Emergency for Belize City was declared in response to a spike of brutal gun violence that was a launched by criminals between Friday, March 13, and Tuesday March 17, in which 7 people were brutally killed, including 2 little children, each 5 years old, who were sleeping at their homes with their mothers.

Kia Herbert, 5, was reportedly shot about 7 times in her chest, back, and abdomen, while Dominique Rhamdas, 5, was shot in his chest, back and abdomen about 5 times.

The Government, in response to public outcry, then declared a State of Emergency on March 18, in which about 140 known gang members and criminals were rounded up and remanded for an initial one month stay in jail, including the Easter holidays.

Reports to us are that some of the men have already been released, since the remand comes to an end tomorrow, April 17.

Today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams went to the prison and asked the remanded inmates if they wanted to stay in jail, or want to go home. The men shouted that they want to go home. He told them that he would have a meeting with the Governor General, who could authorize the release.

When released, the men will join the country in observing a countrywide curfew and State of Emergency.

So far, since the gang members and criminals were in jail, there was a marked reduction of crime and almost zero shooting.

Compol Williams told the gang bangers and criminals that if they want to live in peace and harmony in the communities, they must adjust to the rules of the law-abiding society, because police will go after them night and day.

Feature photo: Reputed gang members being rounded up