Can Oscar Mira Handle Belize’s Toughest Ministry?

Oscar Mira’s big move is stirring up plenty of talk. He’s left National Defense and Border Security to take on Home Affairs, a ministry many consider one of the toughest jobs in government. Why? Because the goal is to combat crime and keep Belizeans safe. So, is this a bold strategic play or political suicide? Can Mira handle the pressure that comes with overseeing law enforcement at home? Critics say he’s not ready. Supporters say he’s got something to prove. Today in Belmopan, we asked him if he’s up for the challenge.

 

Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs

“Let me say this, I work at the pleasure of the prime minister. As a member of Cabinet, I was invited by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister called me for a meeting to consider the Ministry of Home Affairs. I saw the bigger picture as a member of Cabinet and the People’s United Party, it is my duty to ensure that I do the job that has been tasked to me. I will not run away from any responsibility. I think the prime minister’s job is difficult and serious and he was trying to find a balance in Cabinet. Asking me to be his Minister of Home Affairs is one of the things he did.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Many would say that taking up this post as the Minister of Home Affairs is political suicide. But, on the other hand some would argue Minister Mira has something to prove that he can get the job done.”

 

Oscar Mira

“I come to the Ministry of Home Affairs with an open mind. I don’t know everything. I come to the ministry with the intention of working with the police department and all the other departments that fall under Home Affairs and Enterprise, ensuring that if the crime come down we good, if it goes down we are bad. We have to ensure we have things in place to bring crime down to a manageable level.”