ComPol Denies Blocking UDP Protest Permit

There’s been a lot of talk today about protests, permits, and police preparedness, and we went straight to the top for answers. ComPol Rosado, is pushing back against claims that the Belize Police Department denied the UDP’s application to protest in front of the National Assembly Building today. While discussing that issue, we also asked the commissioner another question many people have been wondering about, will police increase their presence at Wednesday’s planned protest, especially after what unfolded during last week’s demonstration outside BTL’s headquarters? The Commissioner addressed both concerns, and here’s what he had to say.

 

Dr. Richard Rosdao, Commissioner of Police

“First of all, the Police department do recognize the right of individuals or group to protest but they must do so within the context of the law. In terms of the one last week, I believe we have a level of escalation in terms of our police response and during the protest it did not reach the level that we needed to escalate. We do believe it reached at a manageable level that the uniform personnel could manage.”

 

Paul Lopez

“However, it seems as if you all were outnumbered and outmanned.”

 

Dr. Richard Rosado

“In terms of public order or public demonstration we have a protocol in place and for us to escalate certain things should have happened in order for us to escalate to the other stage.”

 

Reporter

“I know a permit to protest was rejected for today. But were you prepared for anything just in case.”

 

Dr. Richard Rosado

“Let me correct that. I was briefed that an application to protest was received on Friday afternoon. The application did not state the date. The commanding officer then informed the person who brought the application that a date needs to be stated. That individual then stated that he will consult with his party’s hierarchy. He then subsequently submitted an application for Wednesday. That application the approval was given. Otherwise it is totally untrue.”