The Compol also discussed how a cop who has been identified as a principal player in that kidnapping, Barry Flowers, is on interdiction, but, with full pay. According to the Compol that is just department policy:
Reporter
"I'll switch it up a little bit then, sir. I'll ask about Barry Flowers. He is still on full pay instead of interdiction during this investigation. Could you explain why?"
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"The policy of the department that an individual is suspended while an investigation is ongoing. It is also the policy of the department, if a police officer is arrested and charged, then they automatically go into interdiction. So, there is a policy in place and we are abiding by the policies of the department."
More Cops Passing Promotion Exams, But Not Enough Space
On November 29th, over 200 police officers sat promotional examinations. Results were released last week but a pass in the exam does not guarantee a promotion. According to the Compol, the number of passes exceed the number of vacancies:
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"The police officers, a number of police officers took the exam several weeks ago. The exam was prepared and corrected by an independent body. That independent body then submitted the results of the examination to my office, and the results have been published in our departmental order."
Jaleeza Roberts-
"We know that passing the exam does not automatically equate to getting a promotion. How are promotions decided on?"
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"It is true, we have more passes than vacancies that exist. The next step would be for the interview process. The interview process will then basically decide who will move up to the next rank."
US And Belize Launch Biometric Partnership
We met Rosado today at the launch of a new biometric data-sharing initiative with the United States. They say it's aimed at strengthening border security, improving migration management, and enhancing national safety. But is it all just about data capture and migration tracking? Jaleeza Roberts was at the official handing over ceremony and tells us more:
Belize and the United States today officially launched the Biometric Data Sharing Partnership, or BDSP, an initiative designed to enhance border security, strengthen migration management, and safeguard national safety. The program includes the handover of approximately two hundred and fifty thousand U.S. dollars' worth of biometric software and hardware. Charge D Affairs, Katharine Beamer, explained the collaboration with the government.
Katharine Beamer, U.S. Embassy Charge d Affaires
"Through the BDSP, we are not only sharing critical biometric data to bolster the safety of Belize and the United States, but most importantly, we are exchanging expertise, building capacity, and promoting best practices in border security. So the software that you see and the hardware over here is just one piece of the story. This is the beginning of a long partnership between Belize and the United States devoted to increasing border security in both our countries."
"The BDSP brings together policymakers, agency leaders, and technical experts from both nations with a unified goal, to establish a secure, efficient, and transparent biometric system that advances Belize's border security priorities, while contributing to the broader security of the United States, the region, and the hemisphere. Please allow me just a few minutes to highlight a few key aspects of what the BDSP means for Belize. This initiative will provide Belize with access to data from the Department of Homeland Security's IDENT database. So this database is one of the world's largest biometric-based law enforcement data sets. So we have countries from all over the world that are providing information, and we are sharing it with our partners like Belize. This will help Belize's own efforts to protect Belize's borders."
Minister Musa confirmed that the system is already being used at some border points, with full national rollout expected within the next two to three months. It will be used as a secondary screening tool, enabling immigration officials to verify the identities of certain travelers.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration, Labour, and Governance
"There are screening processes that take place. Of course, there is the initial screening process followed by what could be described as a very lengthy secondary process in the event an individual is providing misleading information as it relates to their travel documents or their travel purpose. And so this will certainly expedite that process because now we're going to be tapping into international database regarding a particular individual, like I said, who is or may be subjected to secondary screening."
When the agreement was announced, citizens had concerns about the safety of their information, but Musa says Belizeans won't be affected.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration, Labour, and Governance
"If you are a Belizean national, you actually have nothing to worry about coming into Belize because we have all your information already. This is for international travelers who are providing an international passport that may be fraudulent or a travel document. that may be fraudulent or criminal enterprises entering our country for nefarious activities. And so this is more catered towards them. Like I said, this is something that is a secondary screening. And so not everyone is going to be subjected to this. It is only if you're providing misleading information or if an immigration officer is suspicious."
The initiative is already in place in several regional countries and has already made a difference in crime fighting efforts.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration, Labour, and Governance
"This BDSP is something that is already within our region. So Belize is not the first country to do this in conjunction with the United States of America. There is also Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica that have subscribed to this and that, of course, it has enhanced their migration in their country."
As part of the program, the Belize Police Department's Mobile Interdiction Unit will play a critical role ensuring that everyone who enters the country is legal and recognized.
Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs
"We want to know who you are. So this is about identity. This is about people who come to Belize, sometimes with fraudulent passports, and we have no idea who they are. This will enable us to ensure that we verify your identity. So the mobile interdiction unit will be moving around Belize and they can and will stop personnel and identify them if they have passed the border points already. We have several areas along the border that are porous, you know, that we cannot control. And in those areas, the mobile interdiction unit is going to make sure they identify these people."
The rollout is expected to be complete within the coming months. Jaleeza Roberts, 7 News.
Rosado Prepared To Return To Sunup On 7
And while Rosado was "oapn paki" at today's event, he hasn't been in front of our cameras since August 25th. Well today that changed and we were in for a new year treat.
When questioned about it, the Commissioner said he has not been dodging the media and if invited, he would take our Sun Up couch too.
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"I do maintain that I appreciate and I recognize the role that the media play, the responsible and objective media. However, my primary duty I maintain is my operational duty, hence the reason we have a complete public relations office. However, I acknowledge the role of the responsible and objective media, and I'm open to a frank and open discussion with the media."
"Any media house that have invited me, I have shown up."
Reporter
"So if we invite you next week fi come pan Sunup, you will come?"
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"Definitely I have been on Sunup several times. And it's on record that I have been on Sunup."
We'll let you know when he'll be on the couch.
Guyana President To Visit
He's the head of state for the country with one of the world's fastest growing economies, and next month, the President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali is scheduled to visit Belize.
He will be here from February 1st to the 3rd.
The ceremonial highlite of his trip will come when President Ali addresses the opening of the new session of Parliament. He will also visit the productive sector. It is expected that a number of cooperation agreements will be signed during his visit.
Keeping Smart Buyout Secret, A History Of Evasion, Elision, Deflection, And Dodging
At the top of the news, you heard the latest on BTL's proposed acquisition of Speednet and the other cable companies. But what you didn't hear over the last 7 months of us reporting about this deal is a confirmation from the prime minister that negotiations were happening. In fact, he tried to dodge the question every time we put it to him. And Courtney Menzies took a look at all the times we did ask and were met with evasion, elision, deflection and dodging:
Kareem Misses Police
And in other news, the last cabinet reshuffle saw Kareem Musa leave Home Affairs and the Belize Police Department and take on the Ministry of Immigration, Labour and Governance. He has commenced his countrywide tours but when asked he admitted that he does indeed miss the police.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration, Labour, and Governance
"You know, I miss the police ministry. Minister Mira is right here, but I certainly am enjoying my time here at immigration as well. I am absolutely impressed by the level of professionalism here at immigration, labor, and governance. I'm continuing my tour. There are a lot of other departments and offices that I need to visit, but it's been a very welcoming experience, and I look forward to continuing to serve."
ComPol Has Moved On
But Compol Rosado has moved on and - as they say - his affections are elsewhere. He spoke in glowing terms about the impact he and new Minister Oscar Mira can have:
Reporter
"What has it been like to transition with the new minister?"
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"Honestly, I welcome it because we have similar visions and our ideologies align."
"So I welcome their coming into our department. I believe they will challenge our assumptions and allow us to create more innovative policing strategies. So I am happy that they are on board with us."
Jaleeza Roberts -
"Would you say now that you will be able to execute more, being that you guys are aligned in vision?"
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"I personally believe that with them coming on board, you will see more innovative, more technology in our firefighting effort."
