RIGHTS VS FREEDOMS. We have the right to some freedoms, but not to others. Especially not the freedom to infringe on the rights of fellow citizens. When a gang war erupts, Belize police call for State of Emergency (SOE) that suspends freedoms. They conduct warrantless searches, take known gang members into custody and limit movement. But that has become controversial, leading to difficult court cases that lack enough guidelines to follow.
Belize’s 13th amendment seeks to provide those guidelines. Specifically, it establishes a National Security Council to decide how to apply and enforce those guidelines. And a Gun and Gang Court to prosecute offenders according to the guidelines.
Words on paper need boots on the ground
But drawing up guidelines only begins to solve the problem. We must stay vigilant that gangs don’t abuse the rights of others when they have no SOE. And that the police and GOB don’t abuse their authority when they do have an SOE. Because words on paper—whether the Constitution or the lawbooks—won’t stop the battle between the two. They will only set the boundaries of what either side can do.
Our concerns about both public safety and public freedom will remain after the vote. The issue will then move from the language of the law to the application and enforcement of the law. And to the behavior of the illegal gangs and the behavior of legal authorities. We must watch both closely so that criminals are brought to justice and the authorities maintain justice. In that way, people will have the maximum freedom within the bounds of the law.
The Constitution affirms this: “Freedom is founded upon respect for moral and spiritual values and upon the rule of law.” And we value the freedom to differ and the right to be respected despite our differences, within the law. Only in that way can we freely exercise our rights of religion, expression, movement and association. And believe that God will show which ways will lead to the most liberty and justice for all.
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