Orange Walk police have detained five persons they believe were involved in the early morning fire on Election Day that destroyed a multi purpose building that was used by the People’s United Party Women’s Group. Police suspect arson but have yet to determined why the structure was burned. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Crispin Jefferies they have no evidence yet to confirm that it was politically motivated. The United Democratic Party has since adamantly denied any involvement.
According to the police beside the blaze in the north there were no other major incidents reported. In fact things did not get very busy until after the elections but the police say they were able to maintain law and order. Meanwhile the police say to provide overall security they will continue to increase their presence especially in Belize City.
ACP Crispin Jeffries,
“The major challenge came after the election as spontaneous motorcades we had to be policing, we had to deploy added manpower to various sensitive locations so that person who lost or won were not taunted by others. This situation was kept under control and up to this every moment, the end result of the changing saw a number of persons prevented from entering certain official premises because of the fear that others may want to go in a create havoc. We did that across the country and it was all sporadic, it was done hush hush but that was dealt with and that extended from the north to Belize City and Belmopan.
Here in Belize City we will see the need to maintain the presence. We have increased the Anti-Drug Unit presence in the streets. At night time especially and we have increased the Special Patrol Unit in the streets but its all based on intelligence. So if you do not see it disrupting your normal neighborhood that is because there is no need for that increased presence in those areas.”
In related police news during Monday’s press conference Police Commissioner Gerald Westby also informed the media that their Press Officer G. Michael Reid is no longer employed with the department. Reid who had served three successive PUP police ministers was given his walking papers with the change of government. Westby publicly acknowledged Reid for the work he has done over the years especially in establishing the program, ‘Link Up.’ Police Officer Bart Jones is presently holding over as Press Officer.
