The following story raises questions about trust and responsibility within the public service. A Belize City postal clerk is out on bail tonight after being charged with a rare and serious offense—opening a postal packet, allegedly in breach of his official duties. Forty-one-year-old Tyrone Davis, a resident of the Lake Independence area, was arraigned this morning before a Senior Magistrate. Davis, who was brought to court from prison, faced a single charge: opening a postal packet contrary to his duty as a post office employee. The charge stems from an incident that allegedly occurred between April twenty-eighth and May thirteenth of this year. According to the allegations, Davis opened a postal packet addressed to Mercy Cervantes, an act that, if proven, would be a clear violation of postal regulations and public trust. Davis, who appeared unrepresented, pleaded not guilty. The prosecution did not object to bail but requested conditions be attached. The Senior Magistrate granted bail in the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, plus one surety of the same amount. As part of his bail conditions, Davis must stay at least one hundred feet away from the complainant and avoid contact with any prosecution witnesses, many of whom are believed to be his colleagues at the Belize Post Office. The court also noted that his future employment status may depend on internal disciplinary proceedings. Davis was able to meet bail by midday. His next court appearance is scheduled for July fifteenth.
