On Wednesday, April 12, 2017, rival gangs in Belize City came together for the first time in history to march for peace. All of Belize’s gangs and gang leaders were joined by the Belize Polize in the march through the streets under the theme “Walk for peace, we are humans”.
The peaceful march was organized by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams and several gang leaders took time to speak to the media and recognize that Williams as been influential in the intervention for peace in the streets of Belize City. Williams has also been assisting the gang members to seek employment, education, job training and that some have even joined apprenticeship programs.
“Basically form an intervention we had the guys agree that they wanted to have a peace walk whereby they can all come together and show some sign that they want the madness in the streets to stop.” – ACP Chester Williams to 7News.
The group of about 60 males from at least 14 different gangs were escorted by the Police during the march. Gangs in the march included those from Majestic Alley, Pink Jungle, George Street, Conch Shell Bay, Banak Street, PIV, Bak a Lands, Sunset, Afghanistan, Kraal Road, Supal Street, Southside, Jane usher and from back a Faber’s Road, according to Williams.