Acting Prime Minister Faber: “Whylie’s Remarks Were Unfortunate”

Patrick Faber

Allen Whylie’s pointed remarks toward the media and his so-called political detractors during a final public address on Wednesday, was the proverbial parting shot heard across the country.  The outgoing Commissioner of Police took full advantage of his time on the podium during Chester Williams’ installation to set the record straight on a number of issues, such as his perceived weakness as former head of the Belize Police Department.  But was the extended bluster which played out in front of an audience of high-ranking government officials, including Minister of National Security John Saldivar and Governor General Sir Colville Young, done in poor taste?  Many believe that Whylie’s tirade, despite his honesty, overshadowed the inauguration of newly-appointed ComPol Chester Williams.  Earlier today, Acting Prime Minister Patrick Faber told the media that the incident was regrettable.

Patrick Faber, Acting Prime Minister

“We certainly feel that it was unfortunate.  We feel that the transition could have and in fact is going smoothly, except for those remarks.  It could have been a more joyous occasion, it ought to have been.  But naturally when circumstances like that happen sometimes feelings are in the midst of it and the former commissioner, I think, was just being honest about how he felt.  The criticism, whether those criticisms were valid or not, I am not going to get into that.  I’ll just say that we really do wish him well as he departs the top job and we certainly look forward to the new commissioner having a bigger impact on the situation of crime, especially as it relates to Belize City here.”