PM Briceño: ‘Chebat Is a Hands-On, No-Nonsense Leader’
Prime Minister John Briceño says Michel Chebat’s legal background, hands-on approach and strong personality made him a suitable choice to lead the Ministry of National Security, which oversees the Belize Police Department, the Belize Defence Force (BDF) and the Belize Coast Guard.
Briceño said he believes Chebat can bring positive changes to the Police Department and improve coordination between the police and the BDF.
“I think his background as an attorney can help him to be able to understand the laws when it comes to policing and also I believe that he is a no nonsense, hands on and a person with a strong personality,” Briceño said.
Chebat said his initial focus after his appointment was understanding the organisations under his command and identifying gaps in their operations.
He identified citizen security as his top priority, followed by border protection. Chebat cited recent incidents in the Sarstoon and the Guatemalan aircraft that flew over Belize as issues receiving attention.
Briceño said he asked Minister Julius Espat to oversee National Security, but Espat ultimately preferred to remain at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing.
“Minister Espat at the end of the day preferred to stay where he was. When I first asked him to take over to handle the ministry for the time being, he did it reluctantly,” Briceño said.
Briceño said he expects Chebat, Commissioner of Police Dr Richard Rosado and the ministry’s CEO to maintain a good working relationship.
“I expect all of them to be able to literally roll up their sleeves and get the job done,” he said.