Belize Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Elton Bennett has publicly expressed his disappointment and embarrassment following the arrest and charging of one of his officers, Brian Chiac, with attempted murder and other serious offenses. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning on Gibnut Street in Belize City, where an argument between Chiac and his common-law wife, Jessica Pou, turned violent. Pou was reportedly stabbed multiple times and threatened with death before being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
Admiral Bennett, speaking to News Five, emphasized that such behavior is contrary to the values upheld by the Coast Guard. ‘This is certainly not what the Coast Guard stands for. We frown upon men who take advantage of women,’ he stated. Bennett assured the public that the law would take its full course without any special consideration for Chiac’s position within the Coast Guard. He also confirmed that Chiac would face an internal disciplinary process separate from the criminal trial. ‘Because he was charged, he needs to be placed on interdiction. We have already initiated that process to request his interdiction from duty. We will not wait for the criminal case to be completed,’ Bennett explained.
While acknowledging that this was not the first report involving Chiac, Bennett stressed that such incidents are ‘not normal’ within the Coast Guard. ‘For the most part, our men are good role models, good citizens, and good husbands and fathers. So this is very unusual for a member of the Coast Guard to be caught up in a situation like this,’ he added. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns over domestic violence and the conduct of public officials.