Belmopan Residents Wigh in on 13th Amendment Bill

The second public consultation on the controversial Thirteenth Amendment Bill was held in Belmopan, where a few citizens gathered at the University of Belize’s Conference Center to share their thoughts. It’s a bill aimed at tackling Belize’s mounting problem with gang-related crimes, the Briceño administration maintains that the Thirteenth Amendment is a key to tackling its head-on. But public opinion is mixed. Some Belizeans say it’s time to use every tool available to stop the bloodshed and save lives. But others are sounding the alarm, worried that the bill gives police too much unchecked power, especially when it comes to searching, seizing, and arresting without a warrant. News Five’s Britney Gordon was present to hear what citizens have to say.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

It was a low turnout today at the University of Belize Conference Center, where the government was hosting the second public consultation to discuss the widely debated Thirteenth Amendment Bill. It’s a chance for members of the public to come forward and raise their questions and concerns before the bill makes its way into the Constitution. Despite the lack of attendees at both consultations, Henry Charles Usher, Chairman of the People’s United Party, was optimistic that they would be a success.

 

Henry Charles Usher, Chairman, People’s United Party

 “I think it’s important that we hear the public’s views. As I mentioned this morning and the leader of the opposition mentioned, this is not the only way in which the public can submit their recommendations or their criticisms questions on this particular bill, they can do so in person at these public consultations in writing to the National Assembly or by email also to the National Assembly. So maybe some persons would prefer to do it that way.”

 

The recent presentation clarified a key point about the proposed amendment. Officials say it won’t give police the power to arrest without reasonable suspicion. In fact, anyone detained would still have the right to a tribunal review to determine if they should remain in custody. But not everyone’s sold on the idea. Glen Myvette, a concerned citizen, says the language is still too vague, and that ambiguity, has him worried.

 

Glen Myvette, Belmopan Resident

“We have a police department that is full of hubris and very petty. Reasonable suspicion today may be depending on where you live, the color of your skin, the clothes you’re wearing. Just a few examples.”

 

Reporter

“Why did you decide to come to the consultation and share your concerns?”

 

Glen Myvette

“Because I’m Belizean by birth and I’m a very concerned citizen, and I know this will impact those who are less marginalized.”

 

The tribunal would consists of representatives selected by the Chief Justice and the Governor General, who will hear the police department’s claims of reasonable suspicion for an arrest. Usher says that this is not a new piece of legislation.

 

Henry Charles Usher

“Well, I think it’s important. Yes. And that question was raised in terms of what does reasonable suspicion mean? I think the representative from the Attorney General’s Ministry Council Sheppard explained that reasonable suspicion is a legal term, it is something that has been fleshed out in a number of cases. So you can look at case law, you can also look at different legislations around the world that really speak on the matter of reasonable suspicion. So I think it’s something that I like. One of the last suggestions from an attorney was that we put in the bill itself, the criteria that defines reason suspicion. It’s something that certainly we can look at, but there is a body of law out there that speaks on this particular matter.”

 

Another resident voiced her concerns with the bill. She explains that while she does not oppose the use of States of Emergency, she does not see why it must be written into the constitution.

 

Voice of: Belmopan Resident

“I understand the reason for the SOE. I  am not entirely comfortable with how it operates, but I understand it. I understand the reason for it, what I still have not. What I still don’t fully understand is why we need to change the Constitution. I think that’s a bridge too far.”

 

Following the consultation, several attendees stated that their research into the bill will continue. Usher explains that the government will be compiling all suggestions and concerns for review before the matter is decided.

 

Henry Charles Usher

“Well I think that  there have been very good suggestions in terms of maybe supporting parts of the bill, but also amending other parts of the bill. We heard from persons from coming from a human rights perspective. We heard from persons speaking from their legal training being attorneys at law or having training in other fields. I think what is important is that we put all of these recommendations and suggestions together and we take it back to the House Committee. And of course when the bill is brought up for second reading, our report will be submitted to the House of Representatives. Before that second reading and that debate is done.”

 

At this time, the government has no concrete plans for another consultation; however, further suggestions can be emailed to the government for review. Britney Gordon for News Five.