Belize Signs Regional Pact to Tackle Domestic Violence

Considering recent domestic violence cases, some ending in tragedy, Belize is stepping up its response. This week, senior officials from across the Caribbean gathered in Barbados to tackle the issue head-on. After two days of talks, countries signed a landmark agreement: the Regional Pact on Legislative and Policy Priorities for Domestic Violence. Belize is also reviewing its own Domestic Violence Act to strengthen protections at home. But questions remain. On Monday, reporters pressed Prime Minister Briceno about a public statement from the Special Envoy for Women and Children, calling out government for not doing enough.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“On a serious note. I think you know Rosanna a little bit, some of you. She’s a very independent-minded person, and she’s very passionate about the work that she does. And she always reminds me you don’t pay me so you can’t fire me, so if I see something wrong, I’m going to call it out. And, her concern has always been that in many instances, the police do not respond the way they should, they turn back these, especially these women, and there’s enough blame to go around for everyone,  and she was not blaming only the police and she even said without calling out Minister Garcia, which I don’t think would be fair to call her out, because she just took over the helm of that ministry. But saying that the ministry also of human development, also have a lot more to do. For instance, we have to ensure, and she has said she has provided a lot of training to police officers to sensitize them about the challenges that these women face during these times. And so, you know, when she said that’s what she’s going to do, I mean, maybe I shoulda mi call ah, mek you tell ah noh fi do it. But at the same time, I think it’s important also for us to be able to,  for the public to understand that we can accept blame and that we have said that we have to find ways how we can do more to, to, to protect these women, especially during these times when, they’re being, abused, by their by their partners.”