THE CASE OF A CHINESE GROCER THAT IS ACCUSED OF NOT FOLLOWING COVID-19 REGULATIONS
Police say Chinese businessman was not abiding by SOE regulations for Social distancing- no markings in store- Zhao says not so- he pleaded not guilty and is out on bail!
by: Anita Nembhard-Flowers
Belize City, Weds. Feb. 17, 2021
Tonight a Chinese businessman is out on self bail granted to him this afternoon at around 12 for two SOE violation police claim they caught him doing.
52-year-old William Guo Lian Zhao, a resident of #29 Raccoon Street, Belize City was arraigned before Magistrate Khadeen Palmer in Court #6 where he was read two SOE offenses.
In court Zhao who was unrepresented was read two charges, two counts of failure to abide by social distance relations. ( unrepresented means he did not have a attorney to represent him )
Accoridng to police, on January 23, 2021, Zhao being the owner of Guo Lian shop located at #29 Raccoon Street, Belize City, he fail to abide by the social distance when he failed to place distance markers inside and outside of his establishment
The police are further alleging that Zhao being the owner of Guo Lian Shop failed to employ a Justice of the Peace.
In court, Zhao who spoke no English was provided with a translator.
He tried to explain via his cellphone that he is not in violation of the offenses but because it was just his arraignment day and since he pleaded not guilty to both charges, Magistrate Palmer explained to him that at his trial he can explained.
Zhao was granted self bail in the sum of $1,000 plus one surety of the same which he met and is due back in court on April 19, 2021.