Mira Says Police Have Lost Public Trust

Newly appointed Minister of Home Affairs and Enterprise Oscar Mira acknowledged outright that the Belize Police Department no longer enjoys the trust of the Belizean people.

In a pre-recorded video statement, Mira said, “There are many things that we can do to ensure that we get back the trust of the Belizean people to the Belize Police Department.” He added that rebuilding confidence in law enforcement will be one of his top priorities as he takes on what he describes as a difficult but important assignment.

Mira is now the Minister of Home Affairs and Enterprise. This latest ministerial assignment comes days after the prime minister ‘adjusted’ his Cabinet. However, Minister Mira was not happy with the change and rejected the Prime Minister’s appointment.

Mira said he is approaching the ministry with determination and a sense of responsibility. “I know that this ministry is a challenging ministry. I never believe that it is going to be an easy road,” he said, noting that fixing long-standing issues will require sustained effort. He said that the job entrusted to him by the Prime Minister is “a way of service to our people here in Belize.”

He also outlined immediate tasks, including strengthening the forensic department, improving police infrastructure and building new police stations across the country. “A lot of work to do, but we are excited of all the different projects that we have,” Mira said. He added that the National Forensic Laboratory’s move to Auan is “very exciting” and part of the broader plan to improve investigative capacity.