Opposition deputy leader addresses crime situation

Francis Fonseca

The Opposition did not hold back its criticism of the sophomore year of the U.D.P. government.   Former Minister of Education Francis Fonseca spoke on the crime wave that has been sweeping across the country.  He reiterated that the opposition has offered on numerous occasions to work with the government to eradicate urban terrorism. Fonseca again offered the opposition’s support, but this time he demanded that the Ministry of National Security present a plan of action to improve the lawlessness on the streets within ninety days.

Francis Fonseca, Deputy Party Leader, PUP

“Life in Belize grows increasingly dangerous. People who once feared having a gun in their homes now believe they need one. Alarm systems are big business but offer limited comfort only to those who can afford them. Entire communities are being held hostage by criminal gangs while individuals are being targeted in their homes, at ATM machines, beauty salons, and even their workplaces. Neighborhood Grocers are a favorite target of the criminals. The intimidation and execution of potential witnesses in criminal trials has become far too commonplace. The Government and the Ministry of National Security, in particular, must lead this effort, build consensus on the way forward, and inspire confidence in the process. This, they have thus far failed to do.  As the Leader of the Opposition has consistently stated, the PUP is committed to a meaningful and serious collaboration with the Government and all other stakeholders on this issue.”

“We have over the last two years offered meaningful proposals to the relevant authorities, which we believe can assist in the fight against crime and violence. The Leader of the Opposition, speaking in the National Assembly more than one year ago, laid out the framework for a ten point plan to combat crime. We have called on the government to fully engage the Belizean people on the findings of the Crooks Report. We have urged the Government to seek immediate technical assistance from the relevant British Agencies to address the new threat of urban terrorism by way of grenade attacks. And perhaps most important, we have called on the Government to share with the Belizean people our nations plan to win this war on crime, drugs, gangs, and violence. I called on the Prime Minister and his Cabinet to direct the Minister of National Security to prepare and present within ninety days a plan to combat this growing threat to our society and economy. To date there has been no response. Further, given the urgency of the current crisis, we call on the Government to give serious consideration to the following recommendations: doubling the Police Recruit Intake for 2010, doubling the number of boots on the ground or as they say officers on patrol in Belize City, re-opening of all Police Booths and sub-stations that have been closed over the last two years, re-activating and adequately resourcing the Community Policing and Neighborhood watch programs.”