ComPol Rosado Reinstated; Panton Slams Move as ‘Mockery of Justice’

There’s a major update tonight in the Joseph Budna case. Assistant Commissioner of Police Suzette Anderson, who led the investigation, has handed over her findings to Prime Minister John Briceño. Cabinet later confirmed the submission in a press release, but here’s the key takeaway: the investigation found no evidence linking Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado to the case. With that, Cabinet has asked Dr. Rosado to end his leave and return to duty immediately. So, after twenty-three days, just about half of the forty-five-day leave he was placed on, ComPol Rosado is back at the helm of the Belize Police Department. And that means Bart Jones returns to his role as Deputy Commissioner. As for the investigation into Budna’s abduction, Cabinet has now recommended that an independent investigation be conducted in relation to the incident. Cabinet emphasized that none of the officers involved in this inquiry will be speaking to the media or making public statements. The aim is to protect the integrity of the investigation, especially if the matter ends up in court. As we have reported, Joseph Budna is suing Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre, Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa and Police Commissioner Doctor Richard Rosado.  Opposition Leader Tracy Panton is sharing her take on the Cabinet release tonight. She calls it a “sham” and a “direct insult” to the Belizean people. Panton says the call for an independent investigation is belated. As for the directive barring officers from making public statements on the investigation, Panton argues that it reeks of a state sanctioned abduction and an attempt at suppressing the full contents of the report from the public. She strongly opposes the decision to reinstate ComPol Rosado, calling it ‘egregious’ since an independent investigation is still pending. Panton says the move undermines the credibility of the process and makes a mockery of justice.