The Caye Caulker Village Council (CCVC) has issued a firm statement condemning what it describes as a growing pattern of violence and abuse of authority by members of the local police department, particularly targeting the island’s youth. In its press release, the Council expressed solidarity with those who lack the voice or resources to defend themselves and demanded immediate action to address the situation.
According to the Council, the community has witnessed a cycle where young residents are assaulted, beaten, or mistreated by police officers, often without consequence. The Council said that each wave of violence seems to escalate and, in the most tragic instances, has resulted in the death of young men. A similar incident a decade ago, they noted, had already prompted widespread outrage and concern.
The Council urged residents and leaders not to respond to violence with violence but instead to pursue every peaceful and lawful avenue to address the problem. They stressed that officers who serve in Caye Caulker must be committed to de-escalation, accountability, and genuine community protection. “The presence of officers prone to violence and improper conduct cannot be allowed on Caye Caulker,” the release stated.
The Council made it clear that there is no justification for the use of excessive force, especially against unarmed citizens. “The punishment for crimes is loss of freedom, not brutality,” they stated.
The press release also addressed concerns over reports of officers acting unprofessionally, stating that some are behaving no differently than gang members or bullies.
“We must all acknowledge that those tasked to uphold the law are not the law. They are held to the same legal standard every other citizen is held to,” the statement read.
The statement comes after a police officer fatally stabbed Kevin de Paz during a brawl.