And while the MCC money is on pause, so is Commissioner Chester Williams's transition to CEO in the Ministry of Transport.
In an unprecedented move, the Commissioner is being allowed two, maybe three months to transition in what's being called an incremental transfer of power. We should note that such a transfer is not even allowed to Ministers or outgoing Prime Ministers, and has not previously been afforded to a commissioner.
The Minister of Home Affairs told us yesterday that the timeline is dictated by the Prime Minister's office. And, today, he made it clear that "Chesty-Besty" holds wide sway with him:
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Yes, it is, there has to be a transition period. Now, whether if it's going to be one month or two months, we are still trying to work that out. And again I want to put on record my deep appreciation to Commissioner Williams for the extraordinary work that he did. And I mean that sincerely."
"Sometimes you know, people just say things to say, but he has done an extraordinary job in policing. I think he's been the most successful commissioner of police that we've had, certainly in modern history. And, and, but it's time to move on. And we need to be able to look at the issue of transport."
"The Ministry of Transport needs some serious attention on how we can modernize that department."
Reporter
"Do you think he could handle the indigenous portfolio?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well I'm sure he will, I mean, he, he, he has spent a lot of time in the Toledo district. Not only as a young police officer, but even as commissioner, you know, whenever there are issues. So I do think that if you could handle the police I I think you could handle indigenous affairs."
Reporter
"What about political ambitions, if there's redistricting, political ambitions. Is there a place for him in the party and Stann Creek West, if it split up?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, I would not put it at any area. But we always have a place for good people. I think that Chester Williams is a good person, a good Belizean and I think that he could also do good in public service, He's been doing public service all his life. So it'd be an easy transition should that happen. And if he were to decide that's what he wants to do. But at the end of the day, it's the people would decide that."
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