And earlier this afternoon, the Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa also spoke about the singularity of ASP Fitzroy Yearwood:
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
"Fitzroy was so many things to so many people. Of course, you all know him his PR capacity and likewise the rest of the country know Fitzroy from his nightly reports on the news representing the Belize Police Department as a master communicator really and certainly in that capacity. We will miss him, but he certainly won over the hearts and minds of many Belizeans. So he was truly beloved by many across the country. Perhaps what most people will miss about Fitzroy was his infectious and vibrant personality. Even in the most tense situations he could brightened up a room in such a calm manner too. Everybody could be extremely tense and nervous, but he would always find a way to make light of a situation and brightened up a room."
Reporter
"You shared a memory with him, a recent experience, a fun filled day you called it. What can you tell us about the memories you had?"
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
"I think the best people to answer that would be the female officers who took part in the tactical challenge, because it was a very heated competitive tactical challenge that we had out in Belmopan some 50 or so police officers and Fitzroy had the unenviable task of being the MC for the event. I think there were about 8 different teams and every single team, by the end of the day was at Fitzroy's throat. But again, in true Fitzroy fashion, he was able to manoeuvre out of that with his charm and charisma and at the end of the day all the ladies were happy and laughing and truly had a wonderful day."
Jules Vasquez
"It's a rear combination of emotional intelligence, experience and irresistible charm. When does such another like that come? Have you all thought about who will replace him in this important post which he has held off and on since 2010?"
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
"Yes, and I think consistently over the last 3 years he has been in that position. And you're right, that there is this tight rope that you literally have to walk with the media, because the media will be aggressive and will push for certain answers, but there are certain answers that the department cannot divulge for obvious reasons that it might messed up a particular investigation if too much is offered in terms of information. But, it's going to be extremely tough. I know we have a lot of excellent communicators within the police department, some who were before Fitzroy who did an excellent job, but definitely now we are forced to find someone from among our rank and file to fill that very important post of meeting with the media. I know that you all get to meet with the commissioner very often, but I think we definitely need to find a PR officer within the next week or so."
