Southside Gets $37M for Poverty Alleviation

During his Independence address on Monday, the Prime Minister touched on various issues, but few as important as citizen security crime. Where that critical component is concerned, the news is that Government will now start to benefit from the disbursement of the long anticipated thirty million dollar CABEI loan. That will see the BDF getting hold of more assets to assist in border patrols. The Coast Guard will get two new, modern vessels to assist in maritime protection and illegal drug and fishing interdiction. And at a more local, street level, CABEI’s assistance to Police in terms of a forensics facility and resources is expected to combine with the Southside Alleviation Project to work wonders.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“The improvement in forensic capability that is part of the deal should, together with improved policing, lead to a better crime solving and conviction rate. The community outreach of the police especially on Southside Belize City, will combine with a second surge in hope and improved living and job conditions that the commencement now of Southside Poverty Alleviation Project Phase 2 represents. Under the programme, a total of 37 million dollars is being spent on the Southside Constituencies. The money funds improved streets and drains; land reclamation and landfill; construction of new homes and home improvement; education, training and social development. This dramatic GOB infusion of money and resources, together with the revised Southside strategy of the police high command, should contribute to the reversal of the alarming spike in the murder rate, especially in Belize City, that this year brought.”