Brian Chiac is Remanded for Attempted Murder of His Estranged Partner

A shocking case of domestic violence has rocked the Belize Coast Guard. Tonight, a Big Falls native, Coast Guard officer Brian Chiac, is behind bars after being accused of trying to kill his estranged common-law wife. The violent incident reportedly unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning on Gibnut Street in Belize City, leaving Jessica Pou hospitalized with multiple stab wounds. Chiac was arraigned today on charges of Attempted Murder, Use of Deadly Means of Harm, and Wounding, and he’s been denied bail. He’ll remain at the Belize Central Prison until January twelfth, 2026, while Pou seeks protection through the Family Court. We spoke with Rear Admiral Elton Bennett to find out how the Coast Guard is responding to this disturbing development.

 

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“First of all, allow me to say how disappointed I am and how embarrassed I am as a member of the Coast Guard would get caught up into something like that. This is certainly what, not what the Coast Guard stands for. This is certainly not conduct that we condone. We frown upon men who takes advantage of women. And in this particular case, even though, listen, I know I’m innocent until proven guilty, but the circumstances surrounding the case, at least that I have seen, puts the Coast Guard in a very bad position. And I’m very disappointed that man wears a Coast Guard uniform and that man is a member of this organization. I will put that out there with no regrets and no remorse. And I do hope that the case unfolds and that the those involved with adjudicating the case makes absolutely no consideration for him being a member of the Coast Guard and that the extent of the law would unfold and takes its course against this individual for being involved with such disgusting behavior. So as it relates to what the Coast Guard is required to do, whenever one of our members are charged, we are required to ensure that there is a discipline administrative process that takes place, parallel to the criminal case. So in this case, he will be dealt with administratively as well. And the bearing of the criminal court itself could not shape what the internal administrative process would take. But we will ensure that with the information that is out there, that he is dealt with administratively in regards to the charges brought against him.”