The Prime Minister has returned to the country after two days in Guatemala. And while he wasn't available today for comment on the immigration scandal, he did have time to shoot some hoops and address a roatrian's luncheon. Speaking on a number of issues - PM Musa broadly addressed the issue of crime. While he's past offering the glib platitudes that used to pass for solutions - he did say that crime is like, "whoa!", everywhere:
Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister of Belize
The issue of crime and violence is undoubtedly the single most pressing concern in Belize today. It is incredible that crime and violence is even more of concern than Guatemala - that's saying a lot. Much has been said across the length and breadth of the nation about the root causes of crime and the measures that have been taken and the further measures that need to be taken to stem this raging tide that is sweeping our region and indeed our world. Crime and violent crimes in particular strike at the very heart of our society. It is a direct threat to our democracy, our national well-being and our way of life. It must be defeated and it must be confronted as a family issue, a neighborhood issue, a community issue, and a national security issue. Let's face it.
While in Guatemala the Prime Minister was the witness of honour for the signing of sister city relations between Belize City and Guatemala City - the capitals of both countries. While that passed beneath the radar of public opinion without detection or disquiet, one un-named ad hoc group arising out of the capital city has issued a hearty objection to the suddenly cozy arrangement. A group called the ad hoc committee on Belize/Guatemala issues complains that the capital city's residents weren't consulted on this. The release urges residents to express their concern about it at a town meeting tonight. For context we note that sister city relationships are mostly of symbolic value - at least in Belize City, which has got more sisters than a convent.