Outgoing commissioner assesses his tenure

The occasion was a Christmas donation to the wife and family of slain police officer Uwin Armstrong. But with the past, present and perhaps future of the Police Department represented this afternoon at the Caribbean Shores station, it was an ideal opportunity to reflect on the state of Belizean law enforcement. First up was outgoing Commissioner Carmen Zetina, who told News 5’s Patrick Jones that he believes the department is better off today than when he took over in May 2002.

Carmen Zetina, Commissioner of Police
?Well it was very challenging at the beginning. As you know, we were practically going through a crisis at the time when I was taking over. I think by my appointment at that time I made a difference. As I said in the press conference, it would have taken me a few months to be on the hot seat and to make a change. As you can see there has been a great change both in the matter of the commission of crime in Belize and the development of the department.?

Patrick Jones
?Do you believe that you have accomplished anything? Do you feel that you are leaving, having accomplished something??

Carmen Zetina
?Patrick, I can tell you that I have been around as you know, I had been commander in Cayo for the whole Cayo Formation and have been in Stann Creek and I have never failed. I have been here in Belize City at eastern division twice. And I didn?t fail. And I don?t think I have failed as Commissioner of police because I think, and I am sure and the people definitely will support me in that, that I made a difference when I was appointed. Especially the things we were going through, experiencing at the time.?

?Never before have I seen that a Commissioner is going contented. As you know, I am very contented of going not because I will be reassigned to another post but because I think I have achieved what I wanted in life. As you know this year I was decorated by being awarded the meritorious service medal. And also was appointed senior justice of the peace. So I think I have achieved what I wanted and it time now that I should go ahead and hand over the baton to somebody who is worthy of it.?

Zetina demits office at the end of April to take up a contractual appointment as the new Director of Immigration.