Council Concerned over HR Director Vehicle Firebombed
The torching of Human Resources Manager Sharlene Rudon’s vehicle continues to be investigated as a criminal matter. The Ford Escape SUV was scorched by a firebomb on Wednesday night while Rudon was asleep inside her home on 4th Street. The clear attempt at arson is believed to have been politically motivated, in the wake of the terminations. An update on the incident was provided by the deputy mayor, who says that it is a serious concern for the council.
Oscar Arnold
Oscar Arnold, Deputy Mayor, Belize City Council
“Her vehicle was firebombed. It was damaged, it wasn’t totally damaged but it really shook up Ms. Rudon. That happened on Wednesday night. The police are still investigating so as soon as they get us the information and the reports come out, then we’ll try to relay it to the media as well. But that, in a nutshell is what has happened and transpired so far.”
Isani Cayetano
“In this case, Ms. Rudon was simply carrying out the directives that were handed to her.”
Oscar Arnold
“She is the director of [Human Resources], yes. So she is the individual who would deal with all HR matters.”
Isani Cayetano
“Is it then of concern to you guys as a council, that perhaps an incident such as this can happen again, given the present climate of those who feel aggrieved having been terminated by the council?”
Oscar Arnold
“That statement right there Isani, obviously we are concerned about any actions that are perpetrated against city council and city council staff. There would have to be a lot of assumptions made to try to tie that singular event to the other events that transpired previously to that. It’s a coincidence, yes I would have to agree. For me to say that, “you know what, that is a direct result” I really can’t be responsible and say that at this point in time. We’ll wait for the investigations to come out, but it’s a situation that the mayor and the mayor’s office and the city council is taking with concern because, again, we view and we take highly the safety of all our staff. This attack took place on the eve of Mother’s Day. We know Ms. Rudon is a professional, she’s been working with the council for in excess of twenty years. She’s overseen several different transitions and never something like this has happened before.”
