Women police officers meet in Belmopan

The Second Annual Conference for Women Police Officers opened today at the George Price Centre in Belmopan. Issues being discussed at the two-day session include domestic violence, women’s health, ethics, public relations, and dress code. Guest Speaker for the event was former Governor General Dame Minita Gordon. She observed that in addition to all their duties in the home, Belize’s female officers also play multiple roles on the job.

Dame Minita Gordon, former Governor General
?Women police constables act as social workers, diplomats, law enforcement officers, while maintaining the community?s respect and confidence.?

?After being an educator for some thirty-five years and being a Belizean woman with continued active interest in women?s education, I am fully aware that a good education for women provides the highest quality in the development of any nation. For the more opportunities women are given to improve their education, the freer they are to become themselves, to contribute to society in areas of decision making policies.?

For Commissioner of Police Gerald Westby, gone are the days when competent women officers were confined to the lower ranks. He recalled one such officer who could, and should, have been promoted a few years ago.

Gerald Westby, Commissioner
?When I was a young constable, I can recall how everyone used to talk so much about W. Sergeant Hendry who was a very talented and tough police sergeant. She demonstrated equal professional qualities to match, and oftentimes even surpass those of her male counterparts. She was the first female sergeant to command the Benque police substation. As a young police officer then, I too felt that she was given an unfair deal in not being elevated to the rank of a senior officer. But today, we can safely say we have come a long, long way.?

Commissioner Westby says both the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police and the Association of Chiefs of Police of Central America are looking to form associations of women police officers and that Belize will join both groups. The conference of women officers continues on Thursday in Belmopan.