Bmp. City breaks ground for new police station
For years one of the adjectives used to describe life in Belmopan has been “safe”. But recently, incidents of violent crime have threatened to dispel that popular belief. With that in mind, today, the Belize Police Department and the Belmopan City Council broke ground for a substation that is expected to play a pivotal role in crime prevention. News 5’s Janelle Chanona reports.
(Pickaxes going into ground)
Emcee
“…and that marks the start of construction for the new police station for the city of Belmopan.”
Janelle Chanona, Reporting
In approximately six weeks, a wooden building will cover the holes made in the ground today. According to Police Commissioner Carmen Zetina, the new substation will enable Belmopan police to respond to crime in San Martin and surrounding areas easier.
Carmen Zetina, Commissioner of Police
“We have seen many crimes being committed in areas that we didn’t expect, for example P.G. But it’s not only unique to Belize, it’s a global problem now of criminality. So Belmopan has it’s just share and I think that having this substation will better able them to police it.”
“If we work together as a community, we have that concept of community policing, I think we can fight crime because you will notice that in any case when you look at percentage wise, it’s less than one percent of those criminals. And ninety-nine percent of us can defeat one percent or less than that.”
C.E.O. in the Ministry of Home Affairs Alan Usher also urged citizens to care about their community.
Alan Usher, C.E.O., Home Affairs
“The symbolism of this renewed partnership with the city is akin to tomorrow’s commemoration of the efforts of our forefathers, who few in number, bravely faced the attempts of a world superpower and won. Today the forces of crime and decadence do not outnumber the law-abiding citizens of this brave land. However, it may just seem so due to the outrages committed and the sensationalization of these crimes by unprofessional journalism. Nor are the criminals better trained or equipped than our security forces. Perhaps it is just a matter of indifference or complacency by some communities that create a perception for all that crime is out of control.”
According to Belmopan Mayor Anthony Chanona, the partnership between the council and the cops will also include a monthly donation of up to a thousand dollars, some of which will be used in the Officer of the Month program. WPC 101 Lena Cruz was the first to be honoured with the distinction. Today, the Belmopan City Council also handed over a vehicle for the police to use within city limits.
Anthony Chanona, Mayor, Belmopan
“Along with this package is the commitment that we are going to help with the fuel of this vehicle and the maintenance of this vehicle. So in a way ASP Broaster, what we are saying is that there should be no excuse when the residents call, with your inability to respond. All we ask in return sir is that you take care of this vehicle and if anything goes wrong at any time, let us know ahead of time that we can have it fixed. So I am proud on behalf of all my colleagues on the Belmopan City Council and indeed all taxpayers of Belmopan, the keys to this Audi. Use it for greater glory, justice for all.”
Reporting for News 5, I am Janelle Chanona.
The new substation is located on the San Martin Road in Belmopan just adjacent to the Isidoro Beaton Football Stadium.
