Taiwan boosts police communication

Belize has received one hundred thousand dollars from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in a formal cooperation agreement on police development, including the exchange of personnel visiting for study and training programs, sharing of information in the area of law enforcement, cooperation in combating transnational crimes and the implementation of other areas of cooperation. The funds were received by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, Wilfred Elrington, from Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, Charles Liu, for supporting the Communication Pilot Project of the Belize Police Department to upgrade the existing communication system. The signing ceremony took place at the Raccoon Street Police Station in Belize City earlier today with remarks from Elrington’s junior Elodio Aragon, Ambassador Liu and Acting Commissioner of Police Noel Leal.

Elodio Aragon Jr., Minister of State, Home Affairs

Elodio Aragon Jr.

“If we are to improve upon our services; if we are to improve upon the kind of policing that this country deserves, then we must move steadily toward the future in incorporating technologies that ensure that we deliver these services to the general public. And police communication is one of the most important parts of policing: you can be on the ground, but being able to relay that information to the Police Department in terms of the 911 center, is of critical importance to being able to provide that service. And I do and the Department appreciate very much the donation from the Taiwanese government, because this will go along [with] and complement the other technologies we are incorporating within the Belize Police Department.”

Charles Liu, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize

Charles Liu

“The Government of Belize and the Government of Taiwan understand the importance of enhancing police capabilities and preventing transnational crimes; and wish to strengthen cooperation between the law enforcement authorities of Belize and Taiwan. Therefore we have agreed to sign this agreement. In the future, Taiwan and Belize will seek cooperation in training programs and sharing of information in the areas of law enforcement and crime prevention.”

Noel Leal

Noel Leal, Acting Commissioner of Police

“We will be making the best use of this equipment and as you rightly point out, some people used to say that a policeman on the street, without radio or communication is just a policeman; but a policeman on the street with communication is a more effective and efficient police officer. And indeed, communication is what is enabling us to be able to work better, to work smarter, especially when we are having real-time intelligence or real-time operation. So I want to thank the Ambassador heartily on behalf of Commissioner Allen Whylie who is not able to be here today; and also on behalf of all the rank and file of the Police Department for this gracious assistance with this Communication Pilot Project.”