Taiwan donates scooters to Police…

It wasn’t a hundred new Fords…but every little bit helps. And besides, these new police vehicles were free, courtesy of the Republic of China on Taiwan. During a brief ceremony at the Queen Street Station, Ambassador Charles Tsai this morning handed over an all terrain vehicle and two scooters to Minister of Home Affairs Ralph Fonseca. After taking the ATV for a quick spin around the compound, Fonseca told News 5 that the gift will enhance the work of the police department.

Ralph Fonseca, Minister of Home Affairs

?Well first of all again, it?s the republic of china on Taiwan reaching out to Belizeans as I said, showing that they are our friends and wanting to make a contribution to in this case police mobility. For us to get into areas that are very difficult, out at the Cayes for instance where you have lots of sand or up in the mountains and that sort of thing. But more importantly it?s the fact that we are being dully supported by Taiwan.?

Carmen Zetina, Police Commissioner

?Well one, as you know the ATV is going to San Pedro. It?s the appropriate thing for San Pedro. And the other two will be posted to community policing in Belize City.?

Patrick Jones

?How significant is this donation from the ROC??

Carmen Zetina, Police Commissioner

?Well it will just add to what we have and I know that it will give greater mobility to the community policing unit.?

The ATV is valued at five thousand dollars, while the two one hundred twenty-five cc scooters carry a price tag of four thousand dollars each. While all three vehicles will be assigned to the Community Policing Unit, Fonseca says that the rest of the department is the most mobile it’s been in a long time. According to the Minister, the fleet of one hundred cars and trucks bought in 2003 is holding up well and to date, only one of the vehicles has been smashed up beyond repair.