Recent Double Murder Sparks Julius Espat’s Call for Change

Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat is speaking bluntly tonight on Belize’s spiraling crime situation. Espat warns the country is heading down a dangerous road, one that mirrors the security crises seen across Latin America. His concern comes in the wake of a shocking double homicide on the Hummingbird Highway, where two of his constituents, Raynard Garbutt and Robert Crawford, lost their lives. Espat is calling for urgent action, consultations, tougher penalties, and smarter regulations to stem the violence. Still, he’s hopeful. With new leadership at the Ministry of Home Affairs and an experienced CEO at the helm, Espat believes the government is working on proposals to tackle the crisis and secure the funding needed to make it happen.

 

Julius Espat, Area Representative, Cayo South

“We are going in a direction that is dangerous. Nobody wants their loved ones to be killed in that manner. Sadly we are going in the direction of Latin America where you have to have armed guards for everyone. It is a reflection of our society and we have to address it as best as we can, consultation, sitting down with our people and looking at the best way to do it. More penalties, there are so many options available. I am not an expert on that but it hurts my heart. The families of these young men that died are from Cayo South, Roaring Creek specifically and I know they re grieving. If it would be your child I know you would be grieving too. it is sad and the government has decided, through the new minister and now the have a new CEO, that are experienced in that type of work and hopefully they can bring proposals to Cabinet and Cabinet can assist them with any financing that is necessary. But, when you put regulations and the people are not aware, they react negatively because of the lack of information.”