Opposition Leader: “Rosado Must Go, and He Must Go Now!”
Opposition Leader Tracy Panton is calling for the immediate removal of Commissioner of Police Dr Richard Rosado. She argues that his leadership has failed to build public confidence in the Belize Police Department amid growing concerns about crime and policing.
“The UDP calls for the immediate removal of the current police commissioner, Dr Richard Rosado, as a first step to bolstering the public trust and confidence in effective policing,” Panton said. “Dr Richard Rosado must go, and he must go now.”
Panton outlined several concerns with Rosado’s leadership, including his alleged failure to build institutional morale, allegations of conflicts of interest involving his office and the political directorate, and the department’s handling of detentions she described as seemingly illegal and unconstitutional.
She also accused the Commissioner of being unwilling to hold rogue officers accountable and said he has been unable to earn the trust and respect of marginalised communities.
Panton said the UDP also wants clear standards for prompt and impartial investigations into alleged corruption within the Police Department.
“Proven misconduct must lead to disciplinary action,” she said. She also called for criminal prosecution in cases where misconduct warrants it.
Panton said the UDP wants greater transparency in police operations, including regular public reports on investigations, arrests and evidence gathered for successful prosecutions. She said accountability must become the norm within the department, rather than simply a slogan.