Julius Espat’s Crime-fighting Record Earns PM’s Praise

A stronger economy means little if Belizeans do not feel safe in their homes and communities. Prime Minister John Briceño says citizen security remains a central responsibility of his administration, arguing that lasting economic prosperity depends on public safety. He also credits Police Minister Julius Espat with driving improvements within the Belize Police Department since taking charge. Here is the Prime Minister’s assessment of the country’s security situation and the work still ahead.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Over the past two months, we have significantly improved the interdiction capability by acquiring fifteen vehicles for the Police Department, installing numerous surveillance cameras at strategic locations, and, most importantly, strengthening the morale of the men and women of the Police Department. We are proud to report that the conviction rate for the Police Department has climbed to a record eighty per cent. Since the start of this year, the Police Department has successfully seized one thousand, three hundred and seventy-two kilograms of cannabis and five hundred and eighty-two kilograms of cocaine along with seizures of methamphetamine, hashish, crack, and heroin. These statistics highlight our national security efforts and demonstrate the determination of our government to deter drug cartel activities from our nation and our resolve to protect our Belizean people from the impact of drugs, addiction, and the violence associated with drugs.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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