It’s one of the most talked-about pieces of legislation in recent memory and it’s stirring up strong opinions across the country. The Thirteenth Amendment Bill, introduced by the Briceño administration, promises tougher crime-fighting tools, including warrantless searches in so-called ‘special zones,’ a dedicated gun and gang court, and retroactive approval of past states of emergency. The government says it’s about restoring order in Belize’s most vulnerable communities. But not everyone’s convinced. While the Belize Police Department backs the bill, critics warn it could open the door to abuse of power and erode constitutional rights. On Wednesday, we took you to a public consultation in Belize City. Today, we hit the streets of Belmopan to hear what residents in the capital think about this controversial proposal. Here’s that report.
Reporter
“Do you know what the thirteenth amendment is?”
Belmopan Resident
“Yes I think that it’s the government trying to make right some of their wrongs. I strongly believe that it infringes on the rights of the more the citizens who really need more and may not have someone to defend them at that point in time. But really and truly, I believe that they should find some way to better police and to and to take care of crime instead of trying to just grab anyone and punish them for something that they may or may not necessarily have done.”
Britney Gordon
“What is your immediate reaction to it then? Do you agree with it? Support it?”
Belmopan Resident
“ I think the government is trying to do what they think is best to keep us safe, but that’s about it.”
Britney Gordon
“Do you think that they’re doing enough to get the information out so that people understand what it is?”
Belmopan Resident
“Well, based on my current amount of knowledge, I would say they could possibly do more.”
Philip Willoughby
“The social programs that ought to be promulgated by the government should be done so as not to have the amendments proceed the way they are that will present a change to our constitution the way it is written at this time. Save and accept that they can provide us with a better piece of amendment that may not impede on the rights, the or fundamental rights and freedom. As citizens of this country or foreigners I don’t foresee us supporting it the way it.”
Belmopan Resident
“Honestly, I feel like that’s very unfair. I know in other countries like the US they have, there’s an absolute requirement of that warrant and I feel like it is very unfair to like, just have your house searched without a warrant. No. Nothing like that and just have your house raided for whatever reason. Just because they suspect and it’s I feel like it’s very unfair, especially if you can’t challenge it.”
Belmopan Resident
“Based pan what I di hear that the law can just ketch you and lock you up and do without a fair chance at justice. Dat no right. You need to get proven that you’re guilty or not. Because I deh right yah and figure if somebody tell you something bad about me, and they go report me and ney just go kerr you, lock you up for no reason and you not guilty. I mean that da wa waste ah time.”
Philip Willoughby
“Any law that erodes the rule of justice is no law at all.”