A Toyota Tacoma pickup, a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), a Land Rover and two Carryalls were handed over to the San Pedro Police Department on Thursday, June 11th. The donation was made by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and Area Representative and Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr., in an effort to alleviate the department’s lack of vehicles and helping the fight against crime in San Pedro. The short ceremony, which started after 10AM saw the presence of His Worship Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Area Representative Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr., and Officer Commanding Coastal Executive Unit Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott, among other invited guests.
After protocol was established, the official welcome remarks were done by WPC Kadizha Jones. She welcomed the donation of the vehicles, and spoke of how efficient the Police will now be when it comes to assisting the public. Jones thanked all the community supporters and hopes that the flow of cooperation and support to the Police Department increases as they pledge to keep looking after the island.
After the welcome address, Mayor Daniel Guerrero gave his remarks as well. “Today we see the realization of a donation to the San Pedro Police Department. This shows the unity of the local community, the Police and the national government. This tri-partner relationship is essential for a community to move forward in a positive direction,” said Guerrero. He also commented on the previous spike in crime that hit the island earlier in the year. “Let me highlight that our island residents, were the victims of a spike in major crime in the early part of this year. This recent crime wave hit the island very closely because we saw innocent lives lost and an entire community devastated. While we have no control over these crimes, we do believe that we can put in place mechanisms to discourage these negative activities. We are very concerned when it comes to crime and with this donation we hope that the Police will continue improving,” stated Guerrero. Before wrapping up his speech, the Mayor announced that three more vehicles will be donated to the Police Department very soon, bringing the police fleet to a total of eight.
Before the vehicles were handed over, Manuel Heredia Jr. delivered a few words. “Today it is an honour to be present here to witness and to deliver this fleet of five vehicles to the San Pedro Police Department. We have our people at heart and we have to be dedicated to make sure that the services are provided to the community. I want to emphasize that whenever you work together with the private sector and with the stakeholders of the tourism industry, great things can be done. We see that type of unity today, along with central government efforts which I believe is something unprecedented for this island, whereby we all come together in times of need. I really hope this unity and strength will continue for the future,” said Heredia Jr.
After the official handing over ceremony, Assistant Superintendent of police Henry Jemmott was presented with the new San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) portfolio plaque. Jemmott delivered the vote of thanks stating that a fleet manager has been assigned to look after the proper maintenance of the new vehicles, and that daily reports will be directly submitted to him.
The San Pedro Police Formation thanks the Government of Belize, The Ministry of National Security, Honorable John Saldivar, The Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr., His Worship the Mayor Daniel Guerrero and his team of Councilors, Domique Sabido, Mr. Gricel Graniel from Matachica Resort & Spa and GAIA Riverlodge, Mahogany Bay Village, and to the entire San Pedro Community for their support every time the police is in need.
, a Land Rover and two Carryalls were handed over to the San Pedro Police Department on Thursday, June 11th.){kind=link}