Police receive communication gear
Improving communication within the Belize Police Force was the focus of a handing over ceremony this afternoon at the Raccoon Street Police Station. News Five was there.
In accepting the gift of sixteen thousand dollars worth of communication equipment from the U.S. government, Police Commissioner Ornel Brooks, says the donation symbolizes not only the close working relationship Belize law enforcement enjoys with the United States, but that both countries are serious about fighting the war against crime, especially that of drug trafficking.
Ornel Brooks, Police Commissioner
“We believe and we are certain that if we are to be able to win the international struggle against crimes particularly the use and abuse of the trafficking of narcotic drugs, then there must be a unified effort between countries and among countries in order for us to succeed and spare the lives of all peoples against this terrible scourge. So we are very grateful for the equipment that they are handing over to us. I can assure you Mr. Ambassador, that they will be used in a most effective and efficient manner.”
According to Robert Fretz, the Deputy Chief of Missions, the donation is part of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement aid to Belize, that just this past year totaled two hundred and fifty thousand U.S. dollars in equipment and training given to the country.
Robert Fretz, Deputy Chief of Missions, U.S. Embassy
“I know that the equipment we will be handing over will be well used. I know that it will make Belize a more safer place for Belizeans, for with these radios, the police will be much better able to communicate with each other out on the streets, out on the roads and between the different police posts, so that they can respond to crime much more faster than they have been able in the past. And as the Commissioner has said, it is certainly a case of criminals beware.”
Ornel Brooks
“Let me say here to the criminals and to the people who are involved in wrong doings in particular the trafficking and the abuse of narcotics, we are coming and we will be able to talk to each other in a much more effective way. I want to guarantee the media and all people’s of Belize and the United States that our countries will remain committed in this fight to protect our beloved countries and are also extending a helping hand where we can. Belize will continue to play its part in the preserving of lives from this terrible, terrible, terrible scourge.”
The items include, twenty hand held radios, nine base stations and a number of antennas, batteries and chargers.
