Career

In 2005, Broaster worked as an Assistant Superintendent and was assigned to lead the Patrol Branch as Deputy Commander. In September 2006, he was promoted to Superintendent. After the 2008 election, Broaster had a disagreement with Chester Williams, a fellow officer he had previously worked with, such as in 2007 when they responded to Belize's first bomb threat on an outgoing flight. Media coverage of their relationship worsened the situation by highlighting that Williams was said to support the People's United Party and had lost favor after Minister of Home Affairs Ralph Fonseca fell from power. Broaster, who was associated with the United Democratic Party, was believed to be favored by the new government. Broaster claimed Williams threatened his life and falsely accused him of murdering a man who was later found to be alive. In 2012, Broaster faced more political controversy when a document he wrote about police department matters, called "The Broaster Report," became public.

Broaster is known for his efforts to reduce gang violence. In 1995, he helped arrange the Bird's Isle gang truce involving George McKenzie. He leads the Conscious Youth Development Program, an initiative to help at-risk youth avoid crime. In this role, he arranged another gang truce in 2010 among Belize City gang leaders from Kraal Road, George Street, South Side Gangsters, Supaul Street, and Martins. In 2011, he represented Belize at the CARICOM meeting in Trinidad and Tobago about youth gangs and violence. Under his leadership, the CYDP youth summer camps added life skills training and anger management courses through a partnership with Restore Belize.

Personal life

Broaster is one of the first people to start the Belizean Poets Society and serves as its treasurer. In 2007, he published a book of short stories called "All About Lawful Affairs!" that deals with a difficult topic: when one person takes advantage of another in a romantic relationship.

Works

• Broaster, Edward Robert (2003). Belizean Poems from a Grass Root Perspective. Brasta Productions. OCLC 63130972.
• Broaster, Edward Robert (2004). Belizean Poems of Exciting Tales. Brasta Productions. OCLC 257363847.
• Broaster, Edward Robert (2007). All About Lawful Affairs! Brasta Productions. OCLC 435967869.