LATELY, the Jane Usher Boulevard area has been one of the areas in the city torn by gang violence. There's no easy fix to gang feuding - but there are common-sense community solutions which are simple enough to implement.
According to southside commander Howell Gillett, a big factor for the crime in that the area is the overgrown lots which can harbour criminals or serve as stash spots for guns and drugs.
Today he enlisted the help of some prison inmates to embark on a major clean-up. Thanks to them the grass is a lot greener and shorter.
Sr. Supt.Howell Gillett, Commander Southside
"In recent days we have had a number of shooting incidents in this area and we came out and did an assessment. That assessment showed that among other things the bushy overgrown lots were a problem. We had to do something and who better to call on that one of our greatest stakeholders the Belize Central Prison."
"We are very pleased with the work done today. I am sure that this area of region one is much safer. We have cleaned two lots on Tamarind Street and then we have cleaned almost the entire Jane Usher Blvd. We could not do it without the support of the Kolbe Foundation and these inmates. We are very pleased for this. It will not only lower crime but it will lower the fear of crime because a number of women in this area use this walkway to do some kind of physical activity early in the mornings and they have been complaining and if residents have a genuine complaint we the police must act accordingly."
Sahar Vasquez
"Sir what about the upkeep? Will it be something that will be properly maintained so that does not grow back?"
Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett, Commander Southside
"Well, we are hopeful that the appropriate agencies will get involved to assist us but if that doesn't happen then, of course, we will have to do our part in keeping crime and a manageable level."
A total of ten inmates took part in today's clean up - and when they were done they went to the mile four Police checkpoint to clear that area.
Email
Print