Despite statistics that say crime is decreasing in
Belize, it continues to be a problem in San Pedro. On a positive note, more
policemen are patrolling the streets of the island. The challenge remains
though, of assigning tourism police to this destination to protect our main
source of income, tourism. For several years, at countless meetings, this issue
has arisen and the bottom line for the lack of tourism officers has always been
money for housing. Finally, in January of this year, Officer Wayne Cadle was
appointed as the island's tourism police officer. Already established as a
resident of San Pedro, housing was not a factor. At a San Pedro
Citizens Advisory Committee meeting in early June, Assistant Inspector of Police
Linden Flowers also reported housing costs appeared to be the "hang up" with two
additional Ambergris Caye tourism police officers promised by the Belize Tourism
Board. Three months later, we are still faced with no additional officers and on
September 1st, 2001, our only
tourism police officer resigned. Last week,
a concerned citizen approached our office with the report of a sexual assault
which occurred on a busy section of the beach at approximately ten o'clock in
the evening. This particular incident appeared exceptionally alarming because of
the time, location and age of the attacker. This is but one of many incidents of
this and other crimes taking place in the heart of this country's tourism
industry. A phone call was made to Mr. Kent Sylvestre, Tourism Police
Supervisor, addressing this and other related issues. He stated, "We are ready,
willing and able to be there," but explained the money budgeted for housing
exceeds the costs of rent in San Pedro. He informed they would like to rent a
three-bedroom unit to house the two tourism police and an office, but the
housing budget is only $500. He emphasized that due to the high cost of rental
property on Ambergris Caye, any amount over budget would need to be subsidized.
When asked if private citizens, the San Pedro Town Council or the Area
Representative could assist with alleviating the costs of housing, Mr. Sylvestre
replied that any help would be welcomed. Anyone wishing to offer their
assistance, who is aware of or can offer more affordable housing may contact Mr.
Sylvestre at 02-79970. Following up on the
process of financing, a call was made to the Ministry of Finance which led to an
interview with CEO Alan Usher of the Ministry of National Security. Mr. Usher
expressed no knowledge of the fact that there were NO tourism police on the
island, but said many positive changes are underway in this department.
Questioned why San Pedro received such an insignificant amount of support when
they provided a large contribution to the finances of the country, he explained
the allocation of funds for tourism police in the next budget would amount to
just under $650,000. Mr. Usher stated this increase should provide for added
security in all destinations. Furthermore, the ministry has made a decision to
incorporate tourism police training into the same training of the main police
force to establish a more well-rounded officer, capable of handling difficult
situations. Essentially, tourism police would be required to undertake courses
and complete a 22-month program similar to the Belize Police Force. The only
difference would be an emphasis on the tourism industry and their related
challenges. Mr. Usher further informed that Minister of National Security Jorge
Espat recently spoke with Mayor Alberto Nuñez of San Pedro and that a meeting is
scheduled to discuss the concerns of this island. Ending the conversation, he
assured that he would personally make the Commissioner of Police aware of the
fact there were currently no tourism police stationed on Ambergris
Caye. Anyone wishing to express their
concerns regarding our community's crime or security issues should contact local
government representatives prior to this meeting with the minister. Feel free to
call the San Pedro Town Council at 2198 or Area Representative Patty Arceo at
2903.
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