By Belize Live News Staff: Amid public outrage over the recent murder of Evadnie Jones and her son Luke, UDP Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow has voiced support for the Government’s 13th Amendment Bill, calling it a necessary step to combat what he describes as “domestic terrorism” in Belize.
While acknowledging the proposed legislation isn’t flawless, Barrow said the urgency of the nation’s crime crisis demands action. “The 13th Amendment may not be perfect legislation. I encourage the government to consider the suggestions of different stakeholders to make the legislation as good as practical,” he said. “However, the time has come to put measures in place to neutralise domestic terrorism.”
The proposed amendment would allow the Governor General to declare “special areas” where constitutional protections could be suspended to counter serious security threats. It also includes the creation of a new Gun and Gang Court and retroactive clauses to validate past emergency measures.
Barrow said Belize needs to prioritize the lives of innocent citizens over gang leaders who continue to commit violent crimes without consequences. “We cannot continue to live in a Belize where murder is the easiest crime to get away with,” he said. “We know who the gang leaders are, yet we allow them to act with impunity.”
In a striking remark, Barrow added, “I do not encourage the breach of anyone’s civil rights; however, we are in dire need of Bukele-esque policies that will put the civil rights of innocent mothers and law-abiding citizens before that of heartless murderers.”
His stance stands in contrast to human rights groups and attorneys who have warned that the bill could severely erode civil liberties. Public consultation on the amendment will be held on July 16th at Swift Hall in Belize City.
