New plan launched to tackle crime

It’s been almost three weeks since we last reported a murder on this newscast … but that does little to erase the fact that there have been seventy-five homicides, since the beginning of the year. It’s plain to see that Belize has a crime problem, one that the government has been trying unsuccessfully to solve for quite some time. It’s a complex issue and this morning the Barrow administration unveiled not one, but two plans which they hope will result in success. Kendra Griffith reports.

Carlos Perdomo, Min. of National Security
“We are in a time of profound changes and phenomenal challenges that require creative thinking and a new direction.”

Michael Young, Chairman, Crime Control Council
“We cannot cede our country to crime and criminals.”

This morning the Ministry of National Security and the Crime Control Council both released plans to tackle the problem of crime in Belize.

Carlos Perdomo
“This National Security Strategy sets out fifteen years of national security vision for a safe and secure Belize at peace with itself and our neighbours. This national security strategy also identifies eleven national security goals that aim to reduce the exposure of Belize to the primary national security threats.”

Actions under the eleven goals include formation of a Gang Violence Prevention Unit, establishment of a witness protection programme, a national housing scheme, and the introduction of a national school feeding programme in primary schools. Perdomo says his ministry has already begun to develop implementation plans for the goals and the costs it will take to achieve them.

And while the National Security Strategy is all encompassing and for the long haul, the Crime Control Council’s Comprehensive National Plan is jumping right into the thick of things with some familiar strategies. Michael Young is the Council’s Chairman.

Michael Young
“First, in the initial phase is Operation Guns, which consists of a programme to immediately attack gun possession and use. It provides for an amnesty period of one month, which begins today, first of October, during which there will be a drive for the delivery of firearms, ammunition and explosives. The amnesty for clarity does not extend to explosives. The Crime Stoppers solicitation programme for information leading to seizure and information of guns will be beefed up during this period. At the end of the amnesty period there will be in increased crackdown, ammunition and explosives and a designated court for guns and ammunition offences.”

But unlike previous programmes, Young says his won’t give rewards to lawbreakers.

Michael Young
“This was very extensively debated by both the Crime Control Council and Crime Stoppers Belize and the concluding view was that we are not going to reward anybody for possessing any gun or ammunition unlawfully. As a matter of fact, the message is the complete opposite “stop this or else.”

Medium and long term goals for the C.C.C. include strengthening areas such as the family unit, the police department, crime detection and prevention, and the justice system. Both plans, however, call for the cooperation of other agencies, ministries and the community.

Michael Young
“Organized crime demonstrates that some of the biggest criminals in the world are some of the wealthiest people in the world. The natural extension of all of this is that crime is therefore a community problem. The fight against crime must include, as a major pillar, addressing the underlying causes of crime.”

Carlos Perdomo
“No one of these goals can be achieved by any single ministry, any single department, N.G.O. or private sector in isolation. These national security goals require the public and private sector to work in unison and to sow cooperation instead of separation.”

Kendra Griffith reporting for News Five.

The Crime Control Council will also implement a mandatory social security registration and ID programme. To fund its projects C.C.C. will be soliciting donations and has opened an account at Scotia Bank. The number is 9136785 for those who would like to contribute. Comments can be sent to crimecontrolbelize@yahoo.com.

But not so quickly, says the P.U.P. The Opposition was quick to react today to the announcement of the National Comprehensive Plan and rails that its representative to the Crime Control Council was not invited to participate in the final drafting or launch of the plan. The P.U.P. also objects to the proposal for the establishment of a gun court saying it is concerned about the capacity of an already overcrowded and underfunded court system to manage the establishment of yet another court. Notwithstanding, says the P.U.P., it will continue to advocate for the implementation of more measures to seriously address crime and the preservation of law and order in Belize.