Nine Vehicles Donated to Border Patrol Efforts

This morning, the United States Embassy in Belmopan handed over nine Isuzu pickup trucks to various government agencies for border patrol and safety. Ambassador Michelle Kwan presented the vehicles, which were received by Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa and several other CEOs. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the story.

 

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Earlier today, the United States Embassy made a significant donation of nine vehicles to various agencies, including the Belize Police Department, the Immigration Department, and the Customs and Excise Department. This generous contribution aims to bolster Belize’s border security in the ongoing battle against transnational crime. With the proliferation of weapons, drugs, and human trafficking still posing serious challenges along Belize’s porous borders, these new vehicles are a much-needed boost to the country’s efforts.

 

Michelle Kwan, US Ambassador

“In conversations in the past two years since I’ve been here, with government officials, about how the United States can best help Belize meet its security challenges, the subject of mobility often comes up.  I’ve heard often that despite Belize’s relatively small size, its unique geography presents real challenges for law enforcement, especially in securing Belize’s border.  That is why I am so gratified, and I know it was years in the making, to hand over these nine vehicles today, to enhance the capacity of four agencies that play such a critical role… in border security.”

 

The fleet of vehicles, presented by Ambassador Michelle Kwan, highlights the strong partnership between Belize and the United States in tackling this ongoing issue. Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa was there to receive the donation, underscoring the importance of this collaboration.

 

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“Today, we formally receive nine vehicles, tangible symbols of collaboration and shared commitment to a safer, more secure future for the Belizean citizens.  On behalf of our government, I extend deepest gratitude to the US government and INL for their generous support and steadfast dedication in supporting us to strengthen our nation’s capacity to protect our borders and our communities.  These vehicles are more than just resources, they represent trust, cooperation and mutual respect.  They are tools that will enable our security forces, the police, customs, and immigration departments to respond swiftly to threats.”

 

The Ministry of Immigration is at the forefront of Belize’s national security efforts. Beyond maintaining a permanent presence at the border, it is also pushing for social and economic progress. Achieving this means effectively tackling the threats at Belize’s borders.

 

Tanya Santos, CEO, Ministry of Immigration

“To achieve economic and social progress and development, and to protect people’s rights and fundamental freedoms, it is foundational to people’s access to public services, curbing corruption, restraining the abuse of power and to re-establish the social contract between people and the state.  The rule of law and development are strongly interlinked.  It is powerful, but it is fragile and we have the collective duty to protect it.  It is therefore essential to tackle the border security threats of illegal movement of people, drugs, weapons and contraband which pose significant threats to economic prosperity, national security, sustainable development and the rule of law.”

 

Transnational organized crime poses a serious threat to national security by funding terrorist activities and destabilizing governments. These crimes often include drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling, leading to violence and putting citizens’ lives at risk. By cracking down on these offenses, law enforcement officers play a crucial role in protecting their communities, upholding the law, and making the world a safer, more stable place.

 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Transnational organized crime remains a very active issue that we as law enforcement agencies must address and while we have the three agencies represented here, each having different roles and responsibilities, certainly at some point our duties and functions intertwine and so the need for us to work together always presents itself.  And so, this donation that we are getting today it certainly is going to help to reduce the threat that our country faces from transnational organized criminals.”

 

Isani Cayetano for News Five.