Opposition Senator critical of budget

Lisa Shoman

Senator Lisa Shoman joined the choir in denouncing the budget and the cuts. But she felt security is the main issue close to the hearts of most Belizeans. According to Shoman, the Police Department is one part of the Ministry of National Security that has been a victim of budget cuts.

Lisa Shoman, Senator

“No amount of spending elsewhere will put us on the road to recovery unless we find a way to immediately address this gaping, bleeding moon. Madam President, try to pursue happiness in the face of fear. Even if you have a pot full of split peas and pigtail at home it means nothing if your family is not safe. Speaking of bleeding holes, Madam President, I may not repeat the well known fact that the Police Training School budget is going to be hacked or slashed, take you pick, by one point four million dollars at a time when we know that we need more police officers who receive better training, who receive ongoing training. And its seems, Madam President, clear that this year the budget for the training of police constables hacked down by more than half. Is this how, Madam President, the Prime Minister intends to “combat crime and maintain law and order by providing resources for another intake of new police recruits” ? That is with respect, holerhetoric if the money is not put where your mouth is. “The least of the crime fighting tools” as my friend Senator Webster said. The police is the least of the crime fighting tools. Madam President, I really really really don’t advise that my friend and colleague Senator Webster tells his neighbours that the next time that they need to call the police that they are least of the crime fight tools. That, Madam President, is a slap in the face.”

And the close of the debate about four this evening the vote was seven in favour of the budget and five against. The three PUP senators along with Godwin Hulse and Paul Periott voted against the 2010/2011 budget.