On Thursday December 1, the Ministry of Home Affairs will receive 26 new Isuzu D-Max pickup trucks valued at 1.6 million dollars. The donation comes through the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI).
On Wednesday the Guardian spoke to U.S. Ambassador, H.E. Carlos Moreno who explained that over the past 8 years the U.S. through CARSI has donated over 30 million dollars worth of equipment to various law enforcement arms in Belize. He said that these donations are very important as they help to forge a closer partnership between Belize and the U.S. and that one of their main priorities is citizen security. He noted that when the State Department is looking at contributing to Belize they keep in mind proposals that fit the overarching goals of the U.S. which looks at prosperity and economic development programs as well as programs to divert youth from crime as well as promote entrepreneurship and leadership skill and to help to promote good governance.
The vehicles will be handed over to Hon. Elodio Aragon at the ITVET compound on Freetown Road in Belize City. They are equipped with police logos, lights, sirens, digital video recording and tracking systems. In a release from the Ministry of Home affairs it states that, “the Government and people of Belize are grateful for this donation valued at over BZ$1.6 million as it will enhance the department’s crime fighting efforts and will go a long way in making Belize a safer place.
These vehicles become a most welcome addition to the BPD’s fleet and will be utilized for law enforcement purposes in compliance with the Bilateral Implementing Agreements for the vehicles between both governments”.
