PM Under Fire for Delayed, Weak Response

Tracy Taegar-Panton is questioning why John Briceño had to demand a report from his own police chief and minister, and why that report was, in her words, ‘grossly lacking.’ She’s also asking why the PM hasn’t addressed the nation, and claims that he left the country right after issuing a press release. For the U.D.P., this is more than a police matter, they’re calling it a serious national security threat.

 

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“Why did the PM receive the report he had to demand from both the minister and ComPol? The jury is out on that for me, and what did the report actually say? According to the PM, it was lacking; and my reports say it was grossly lacking. When does the PM intend to address this nation on this matter? Reliable reports have shared with me that he left the country today, immediately after issuing his press release. We, sir, we the Belizean people need more than a press release. This case must be viewed as a serious national security threat. Why was the PM not briefed immediately by the Director of National Security? By eight a.m., each day, Special Branch produces a written brief covering politics, especially the opposition politics and opposition activities. It covers serious crime, cross border incidents, particularly with Guatemala and other matters. The brief goes directly to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, the Minister of Defense, the Director of National Security and the Commissioner of Police. At week’s end and at month’s end, analytical reports are produced from these daily briefings. For your information, both the BDF and the coastguard have their own intelligence units that also report to the Director of National Security. The Commissioner of Police, or in his absence the Deputy Commissioner, must give at nine a.m., a verbal briefing, not a written one, a verbal briefing to both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries. And the Prime Minister must be informed immediately if any serious incidents happened the day before.”