Grief and Tension Grip Rival Communities After Double Murder

So, what’s the mood like on the ground in these rival communities after the tragic loss of two innocent lives? Tensions are high, emotions are raw, and grief is being felt across the board. But is the situation so intense that even the Leadership Intervention Unit, the team tasked with calming these conflicts, can’t step in? We put that question to Acting L.I.U. Director Andrew Dawson. His response? Everyone is grieving, and there’s a shared understanding that a line has been crossed, one that should never have been crossed. It’s a sobering moment for all involved.

 

Andrew Dawson, Acting Director, Leadership Intervention Unit

“I believe the mood is across the board. Everyone is grieving and sad. Ms. Jones was a well-loved person. I don’t think anyone is happy. I must say they are in the mood for grieving. I don’t think they will continue with the acts of violence, especially in innocent people. I believe we do understand there is certain instance we can stop the incident from occurring, but LIU continues its part as the police department continues for convictions and arrest. LIU maintains a presence and try to ensure these individuals are constantly engaged so we can create dialogue and seek peace.”

 

Paul Lopez

“We know in these streets there is a line you don’t cross, you don’t touch mothers, and helpless individuals. Are we are at a point of no return, where not even the LIU could intervene?”

 

Andrew Dawson

“I don’t think we are at a point of no return. I believe that if that was the case we would have been living in a very sad Belize. We are not happy btu we are not as sad as yet. I believe these guys understand there is boundaries, lines and these persons in these communities are as upset as we are. You don’t touch mothers, you don’t touch innocent people. That is a crime against humanity. We understand that is a line. It has been crosse din the past before. And I believe those individuals have no intention of continuing that type of engagement within these streets.”