They make up just over ten percent of the police department but more than ever women are taking over command posts. The police's number two is a woman, and there is a Superintendent of Police in the person of Yolanda Murray and the list goes on. It may not sound like a reason to celebrate but it's a big accomplishment when you consider that three decades ago, the Department still hadn't named its first female officer. All that is changing and as a sign of the times, 150 female officers gathered in Belmopan to celebrate their gender. Far from an all girls pep rally, Commissioner of Police Gerald Westby says it's an opportunity to celebrate how far women have come in the department.
Gerald Westby, Commissioner of Police
"Looking back at the Police Department when I was a young constable I can recall how everyone used to talk so much about W Sergeant Henry who was a very talented and tough police sergeant. She demonstrated equal professional qualities to match, and oftentimes even surpassed those of her male counterparts. She was the first female sergeant to command the Benque Viejo Police Substation. As a young police officer then, I too felt that she was given an unfair deal in not being elevated to the rank of a senior officer. But today we can safely say that we have come a long long way in that we have a very dynamic and accomplished Deputy Commissioner of Police who has and continues to earn her keep among her peers. We also had the senior female staff in the person of Superintendent Murray who I can recall as a young boy growing up in P.G. was selected as a beauty queen."
Former Governor General, Dame Minita Gordon was the guest speaker at opening ceremonies. Activities took place at the George Price Center in Belmopan and they included seminars on domestic violence, and other related topics.
