B.P.D. in Overdrive to Ensure Citizen Security on Carnival Weekend

At the start of our newscast this evening, we are just about ten hours away from the annual carnival J’ouvert which kicks off an extended weekend that is chock-full of festive activities for the entire family.  And while residents will converge on the Old Capital by the thousands, the Belize Police Department will be working overtime to ensure the safety of everyone, including revelers and spectators.  A comprehensive plan of action is in effect for law enforcement and officers will be deployed across the country, particularly in Belize City where there will be the annual Carnival Road March, as well as other events that will culminate on September tenth.  We begin our newscast tonight with a press briefing that was held earlier today to inform of the measures and patrols that are in effect for the entire holiday weekend.

Calbert Flowers

Sr. Supt. Calbert Flowers, Operations Office, B.P.D.

“The police department has been planning for some months now, leading up to the September celebrations which have already started.  This weekend approaching, we will be having some of the major events, particularly here in Belize City starting from tonight and leading into the carnival j’ouvert and culminating with the big carnival road march tomorrow afternoon.  The police department has been getting prepared and we believe that we are fully ready and capable to police these major events.  Belize City is one of our major concerns.  We believe that Belize City police are properly staffed and equipped to police these major functions.  However, notwithstanding that, we are bringing in additional support from the headquarters in Belmopan, as well as additional personnel from the different operational units within the police department from Belmopan City.  We have planned and we have various strategies in place to police this event, starting, of course, with the carnival j’ouvert, and we are asking the citizens of Belize, especially Belize City and those visiting, to cooperate with us and have some patience.  Be patient with us and cooperate with the police officers, we need your help, as well, to keep everyone safe.”