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Police Minister Says Resources Not To Be Misused
posted (May 29, 2017)
And while we had the opportunity today, we asked Minister of State Aragon about the allegation that Defense Minister John Saldivar used coast guard vessels to ferry around his sports teams. It's a report which has the US Embassy - which donated the vessels - quite unhappy. And while Aragon told us that he knows nothing of the allegation - since Defense is the sister Ministry to Home Affairs - we asked him if such personal use of police resources would be appropriate.

Jules Vasquez, 7News
"You are a minister in charge of a large array of resources. Is this something that's off limits or are you able to phone the police department in Orange Walk for example and say "eh I have some supporters who needs so and so, I need them move around, unu bring the big bus.""

Hon. Elodio Aragon, Min. Of State - Home Affairs
"Jules you know within the police department, yes it's a huge department, but at the end of the day every commander is responsible and we at the ministry level will definitely have to look into situations if there is abuse. Because at the end of the day, commanders are responsible for their personnel and they are responsible for all the equipment under their command, all the use of human resources and otherwise, in terms of fuel, in term of how these vehicles are maintained etc. So definitely, under the Belize Police Department and under my watch we will ensure that such abuses do not hamper the police department."

Jules Vasquez, 7News
"It should not happen?"

Hon. Elodio Aragon, Min. Of State - Home Affairs
"Of course it should not happen."

The US Embassy told the Reporter newspaper quote, "The U.S. government has provided…boats, to the Belize Coast Guard. The primary purpose of these vessels is to deter and interdict criminal activity, particularly in support of counter-narcotics efforts."

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