And gifts without wrapping paper were given out today in Lake I. Police officers from every precinct in the Eastern Division were in the St Martin's area - but despite what you may think, the officers weren't raiding the homes of gang members. Instead, both gangsters and lawmen and women were working together delivering Christmas lunches to area residents. Courtney Menzies caught up with them and has this story.
The past few weeks have seen a spike in crime in the St Martin's area, causing the police to increase their presence in Lake I and work more closely with the residents.
And today, plenty of boots were on the ground, but not to make arrests - rather, the cops were spreading some Christmas joy in a
A community that has seen too many tears in the past month.
Richard Rosado - OC, Eastern Division "It is a good gesture on behalf of the business community, in particular Benny's, for having partner with the Belize Police Department and our Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Cordel Hyde, in providing a lunch for the residents in this area, a pre-Christmas lunch. I believe that this initiative will help us improve our professional outlook and it will also improve that connection between the community and the police."
Commanders from each precinct were out distributing the lunches - along with residents known to be gang affiliated. Dr Richard Rosado told us the importance of bringing out the gang members as part of this initiative.
Richard Rosado "It will help us to connect between the residents in the area, specifically since it's gang affected, and the police department, so it will help us to establish that connection there. And I have all my commanders here from all the units and the precincts."
One resident handing out food explained to us that they are willing to do more good in their community if they are given the chance.
Brandon Baptist - Resident "We just glad that we try hands out to come people and help some people. I know it's not anything much but appreciation still. I think it's something nice. Thanks to the ComPol."
Reporter "How do you feel about partnering with the police department?"
Brandon Baptist "Well I feel good, I just want the police see what's going on, that we're good people too, so we don't mind work with them, we just want them to work with us too. We will always work with them because we're not bad people like what people think. People in poverty in these areas and all I want say is that I glad for this, help people in my area, show people that I'm there for them, so it feels good to do this."
Dr Rosado said that they are hoping more businesses would be willing to partner with the police department to carry out similar initiatives.
Yesterday, the officers were out delivering food in Cotton Tree Village.
