Last month we told you about a bulletproof vehicle belonging to Jose Vela, a key operator in the Corozal Free Zone. And with the recent shooting of another Free Zone figure, Nitin Buxani, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise, together with the investors and the Ministry of Border Defense and Security are on high alert and enhancing the security in the Free Zone. Courtney Menzies has this story.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise say they are enhancing the security in the Corozal Free Zone with the help of the zone investors, who have donated a brand new all terrain vehicle and a building to act as an HQ for BDF soldiers.
According to the Minister of Enterprise, the protection of the Free Zone requires a public-private partnership.
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Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs and Enterprise
"Today we have the handing over of an ATV and a building. It is much more than just handing over two assets. It is about how we respond together when our security is threatened. And I can go and cite many incidents in the Freezone where the security of the Freezone has been breached. We have seen the risk of businesses, to officers and to ordinary citizens. And these are not simple issues. They are real worries for the people who work and invest in the Freezone."
"What we're doing today, supporting our police and supporting the Belize Defense Force is a partnership with the private sector and the kind of integrated approach that Home Affairs and Enterprise represents."
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Nery Ramirez, CEO, Freezone
"This morning we officially present an ATV to the Belize Police Department, enabling officers to conduct more frequent and effective patrols throughout the Corozal Freezone and the border area. In addition, we are providing a house to serve as a headquarters for the Belize Defense Force personnel station here."
"The house provided is property of the Corozal Freezone management. Our maintenance department will be responsible for keeping the grounds clean at all times and ensuring proper disposal of garbage. I also take this opportunity to express the sincere appreciation to the board of directors for approving this very important investment."
And the Minister of Defense - who is also the Corozal Southeast area rep - conceded that the Free Zone is afflicted with a plague that will need both ministries to combat.
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Florencia Marin Jr, Minister of Defense and Border Security
"Outside of providing over 2,000 Belizeans jobs and impacting the lives of more than 5,000 people, the Corozal Freezone has been one of our main foreign currency generators for Belize. In recent times, the region has been plagued with the plight of transnational organized crime. Belize is no different. You all would know. It's important that the two pillars of national security, the Ministry of Defense and Border Security and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise work together to combat this transnational plague that we're all suffering from."
The ATV is valued at over $39,800 and the headquarters has a value of over $71,100.
