Opposition Leader calls for Commission of inquiry into Human Smuggling Ring
Two weeks ago a human smuggling ring was exposed when it was revealed that charters from Haiti had been landing at the Philip Goldson International Airport with Chinese nationals. The investigations showed that the three flights on September eighteen, nineteen and October third brought thirty-three Chinese nationals who were whisked away from the airport to make their way across Mexico en route to the USA. So far six immigration officers have been arraigned in court but it is widely believed that there is more than meets the eye in the illegal smuggling of the Chinese nationals. Prime Minister Dean Barrow told News Five last Friday that a Chinese businessman was involved and it “it doesn’t go beyond that”. Today, the leader of the Opposition John Briceño called for a Commission of Inquiry “to inquire into the use of illegal visas to travel to Belize and the facilitation of persons travelling with these visas.” The PUP says the Commission should have appropriately framed terms of references to ensure that a comprehensive inquiry can be undertaken, to seek to find out how the system was undermined, to identify those responsible, and to make recommendations for improvement. And lastly that the Belizean people require that all those who abuse the system should be brought to account.
Screw the damn Commission of Inquiry. Get some external source to do it, like the USA or UK.
Cont’d… this is an issue that’s bigger than just Belize. Human Trafficking (esp with planes full of people) is a MAJOR international problem. I don’t think Belize alone has the means to deal with this issue. Since our leaders are so incompetent and let these embarrassing situations occur, I think it is time to seek outside help. Believe me, once the international community hears about our permeable borders, it will be a far greater issue than we are prepared to deal with. We can’t even handle a the crime situation in Belize City, which is not even 100,000 people. When we start getting terrorists and guerilla forces you will see. You might say I am jumping the gun, but look how easy it is already to get planes full of people at the MAJOR airport. Look how easy it is for millions of dollars in drugs to pass through our borders. The next step, the rich and powerful from countries like Nicaragua and Colombia will buy their way into the country, set up camp, and before you know it, we will be Mexico, where the gangs, and not the police/government rule areas of the country. It will be even worse in Belize because as we are small, there is not as much international spotlight. Food for thought.
Cont’d… As for this blame game about “PUP started this” and “This is not a new issue.” Everyone knows that. None of this dialogue is constructive. We know it is an older issue, but we are seeing the worst of it unfold before our eyes, so the point is, my friends: WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING NOW! Let that be what we talk about. Since John Briceno calls for action to be taken in this issue, I stand behind him, as I would Dean Barrow, or any other minister who is Red, Blue, Yellow, Polka dot or Stripe. I have my reservations about the PM, but if he engages the people about solutions more, then he will have a greater legacy than just trying to get Ashcroft out of the country, and I will personally have more faith in him than i do now.
AND WHAT WILL BECOME OF IT????????
nothing…………………………
WE DO NEED A COMMISSION GET RID OF THESE STUPID VIOLENT CRIMES……..
that’s what we REALLY REALLY NEED!!!!!!!!!!
come on jonny you need to press for more than that start with the pm they need to account for this hold them on this issue no make it fade away like every thing else and by the way news 5 what is happening with the investigation of the pm best friend getting shot why is there no news of this could it be because they do not want any information to get out maybe he was involved in illigal activity and thats why he got shot so where is this investigation going find out channel 5 lets get the story.
Be Aware….very Aware of the PUP …double Blind!
I agree. That situation demands a thorough investigation. Let’s not let this go so easy. Don’t b satisfied with these small people that were charged. They r not the only ones involved.
What baffles me is the immigration officers and police involved, but what about the AIRCONTROLLER THAT GAVE PERMISSION TO LAND. This was not one of those small airstrips, THIS IS THE ONLY INTERNATIONAL ONE IN BELIZE. hahaha. and I still haven’t heard his name mentioned. INVESTIGATIONS should start with him , then you WILL KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY, BECAUSE EVEYTHING SHOULD FALL INTO PLACE LIKE A PUZZLE.
As far as I’m consern this human trafficing is all rubbish. Someone want to go some where elce is their business. Gone are the days of true adventure when people travel and if they lived to tell of their experience, true or not, much of the stories were romantic and exciting. Men use to stow away on ships as adventure. We saw movies about Hoo–Boo that did nothing but went from town to town, city to cities hopping trains. Now everything is commercialized, and measured by how much money we can make from doing it. No wonder we are so stressed out. The human spirit that was designed by Almighty God to be free, and it is now harnest by stupid politicians, especially since the stupid 9/11. The indignity of having to take off one’s shoe and belt and whatever elce they chose take away from the traveling public in an attempt just to get from point A to point B is humiliating; something I’ll never get use to nor take for granted.
The vast majority of the public are law abiding human beings that deserve to be treated with respect and dignity instead we are put in the same catagory as the common criminals. What the hell did we/me had to to with 9/11?. A few people in the world are treating the rest of the world like their children. When will we stand up and say enough is enough? Instead of making the world a better place its becoming nothing but a big prison by those who are responsible for making wars. And like we are reminded in the Bible: The wicked hear foot steps when no man persuet. After they have created their enemies for their own benefit, they now demand that the rest of us become their police/watchman. They are successful because they see a world fill with passive idiots that allow themselves to be brain washed and hardly have enough sense to get out of the rain.
Bravo manford…… excellent observation!!!
WHY DOESNT THE OPPOSITION CALLS FOR A COMISSION OF INQUIRY FOR THE DRUG PLANE THAT LANDED IN SARTENEJA?????
WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT?? PROTECTING UNCLE SAMS INTEREST OR THE MENTAL HEALTH OF OUR CHILDREN???? WHEN THAT DRUG START FLOWING INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD CRACK HOUSES AND SCHOOLS…..
So why nothing else has been revealed about the CHINESE BUSINESSMAN implicated in this smuggling ring? Could it be it’s been hushed because he is a prominent UDP??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
I agree fully Skywalker–fatima–roska—Manford -Earl Gray -Edith _Sasha-rod-Believe it
OK—BELIZE LET US PRAY FOR THE BEST KIND OF LIFE POSSIBLE>>>LOVE