Taiwan businessman donates cycles to police

If it sometimes seems that the Police Department receives more charitable donations than the Salvation Army, Red Cross and Children’s Home combined, it’s because it’s probably true. This morning Eastern Division headquarters on Queen Street was the venue for yet another handout…and while motorcycles do not have the same status as double cab pickups, the new gift will be put to good use.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

Keys for 10 motorcycles were today handed over to Minister of National Security, Jorge Espat. The donation is a gift from a Taiwanese businessman Rick Chee to the Belize Police Department. In accepting the motorcycles, Espat says the gift will play an invaluable part in helping to respond quickly to fight crime while strengthening the relationship between the police and the community.

Jorge Espat, Minister of National Security

“Maintaining safe streets, rebuilding neighbourhoods and promoting opportunities for ordinary and vulnerable people acquire a dedicated and growing community involvement and partnership. This partnership embraces accessibility, interaction and trust.”

“The gift will help to lower the crime rate, to make people more safer and more secure, to enhance the credibility of the Belize Police Department. We invite our diverse communities to work with us to build a modern Police Department, so together we can shut down the crack houses, incarcerate the drug dealers and users take back the streets and our neighbourhoods, prevent crime and live in peace once again.”

It is not the first time that the Taiwanese and Chinese business communities have assisted the Police Department. Previous donations include, vehicles, bicycles and other equipment.

Jacqueline Woods for News Five.

Chee owns businesses on the Western and Northern highways. The 10 KYMCO motorcycles are valued at over $40,000.