A Six-Month State of Emergency? 

A bold move by Belize’s top cop is stirring up controversy. Commissioner of Police Doctor Richard Rosado is pushing for the current State of Emergency in Belize City to be extended for six months—a proposal that’s raising eyebrows and concerns. Critics argue that detaining individuals for such a long period without charge could violate basic human rights. But Rosado isn’t backing down. He says the priority is clear: restoring peace to the streets. The proposal has sparked a heated debate between public safety and civil liberties, with many now watching closely to see how the government responds.

 

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police

“While I am lobbying for it to be for six months, it would allow us, and the main reason for that was based on the threat assessment. And the assessment went from high to critical, and there was a need for us to do something drastically. Hence the reason I was trying to see if we can put a six months in the first instance. But in any case, our strategies have always been threefold. The prevention, the intervention and enforcement strategies. So we are doing all applicant to ensure that we return normalcy to the streets in Belize City.”

 

Reporter

“Sir, why was Roaring Creek chosen, because no shootings or murders happened in Roaring Creek.”

 

Dr. Richard Rosado

“Like I mentioned, whenever we do the – or recommended the S.O.E, it’s based on a threat assessment, and the threat assessment in those areas that are affected was at a critical level, hence the reason they were included.”

 

Reporter

“So, do you believe it won’t go as long as six months, maybe three months would suffice?”

 

Dr. Richard Rosado

“Like I said, our strategies on the ground is based on the context on the ground. We have a wide continuum of producing strategies available to us. Where on the continuum we place the police department depends on what’s on the ground.”

 

Marion Ali

“Have you faced any backlash from human rights attorneys for what they would claim to be violating people’s constitutional rights?”

 

Dr. Richard Rosado

 ”For the most part, the public has been supportive of the state of emergency and they have applauded the police for the effort that we are doing on the grounds.”