Chebat Pledges Partnership With Security Forces as He Takes On National Security
Michel “Micho” Chebat says he will approach his new portfolios as a partner to the men and women who serve in Belize’s security forces.
Chebat is now Minister of National Security, Energy and Ports.
“I am deeply honored to accept the responsibility entrusted to me as Minister of National Security, Energy and Ports.”
Chebat singled out the Belize Defence Force, the Belize Police Department, the Coast Guard and border and security personnel. He said the Ministry will work with them as a partner, and listed what that means: listening to those on the front lines, supporting their professional development, making sure they have the tools and resources they need, recognizing the sacrifices they and their families make.
He said the work reaches beyond Belize’s borders. He named transnational crime, maritime security, trafficking, cyber threats, disaster preparedness and energy security as challenges that require strong cooperation with neighbors and trusted international partners.
He said he will look to strengthen relationships with regional counterparts in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as long-standing security and development partners.
“Cooperation, intelligence sharing, training and mutual respect will remain essential to keeping Belize and our wider region safe.”
On ports and energy, Chebat said both are important to national security and the economy. He plans to work with professionals, regulators, private-sector stakeholders and communities to make sure they are “secure, efficient, resilient” and ready to support long-term development.
He described his approach as one of “partnership, professionalism, accountability and service,” and said he will build on work already under way.
Chebat said that in the coming days he will meet leadership and personnel across the portfolios and review key priorities. He said he will share more as that process advances.