Minister of National Security Carlos Perdomo and the charge d’
affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan J.J. Diffily this morning signed an
agreement which will turn over more than a million dollars to Belize for crime
fighting. It is part of the Merida Initiative which is aimed at confronting
gangs and drugs in this region. Perdomo says the money will be used to modernize
the Police Department and other security agencies.
Hon. Carlos Perdomo, Minister of National Security
“We can do very well in the next few years to help modernize the police
force. Of course as you heard, the first set of programs we will get involved
with is the enhancement of the fingerprint exchange between Central American
countries and the United States. We will also be looking at improving the police
equipment and mobility and perhaps in the future look at enhancing the forensic
capabilities in our lab. We also of course are looking at improving prison management
and not only in the management area but also in trying to develop skills programs
and other rehabilitative programs for our people at Kolbe.”
J.J. Diffily, Charge D’ Affairs – U.S. Embassy
“I applaud the Belize government for committing to the initiative
and hopefully we continue to work together to protect and strengthen security
within the region to more effectively counter threats to our shared democratic
way of life. Success in this fight against national and transnational crime
requires a strong commitment from all countries in this hemisphere. The security
challenge requires far more than a domestic focus. Friends and allies in the
hemisphere must look towards enhanced cooperation and mutual support in law
enforcement in order to reduce crime and to promote not only regional security
but also preserve domestic security as well.”
Under the initiative, Belize will get US$1.5 million in direct assistance
and another US$500,000 through the regional assistance program.
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