And turning now to Christmas parties, today the community policing hosted its toy distribution for children of the Belize district at Swift Hall.
It had the patronage of two major diplomatic missions. 7News was there:
Howell Gillett, Commander of the National Community Policing Unit
"We have kids from across the Belize District. It's not just Police City. They were carefully selected by the community policing officers. And I dare to say to the dedicated community policing officers, it's a way for law enforcement to get closer with children. And at an early stage in their lives, if you see some 3 to 12 year olds we have here with us today. We have gifts for everyone."
"It shows that small acts of kindness bring communities together. And these are children from across. Gang territories, across neighborhoods who may not, as adults, be able to get along. We want to show them that if we start at a young age, we can show children that these conflicts are unnecessary. They are not needed in the communities. We want to have a more positive community. So we bring them here. So to show them it's we are expecting almost 100 young people."
"It's not just today what we're doing. This is a culmination for the end of the year. Ultimately, what our community policing officers, we have 22 officers countrywide and our community policing officers interact with them not just in this setting, but we also have the peace program. We also have the PC pep where police officers go into the schools to speak with young people on topics that are affecting them."
"It's not only about enforcing the law, but it's also about engaging young people. Sort of. Rightly so. Your question, so that we don't have another generation of young people who are scared of police officers, who are unable to speak with us. Yes, we know that there are some officers who step out of line and we deal with them as the case arises. But there are many positive young people in these communities, and this is just a culmination of what we're doing."
Christine Rowland, Acting British High commissioner to Belize
"Well, I think it's fabulous that the police are building great relationships with the young people here in Belize. I think it's really important that everyone starts to realize that the police are your friend. They're there to help you, to protect you. And it's a great place to start when children are young, so that they start to realize that, you know, we're all in this together. And the British High Commission has donated, I think it's 50 gifts for some of the children who are here today. So it's a small contribution, but it's important that we come every year and we support the police in this really fantastic initiative."
Reporter
"Is this something that you guys plan to do more often in the future?"
Christine Rowland, Acting British High commissioner to Belize
"Well, every Christmas, we'll always be here to support Santa and to support this district police commissioner. You can be sure of that."
Lily Hsu, Ambassador of the Republic of China, Taiwan to Belize
"We are very fortunate to and very pleased to be engaged and to be part of this initiative. It's very meaningful."
Reporter
"What was your collaboration here today?"
Lily Hsu, Ambassador of the Republic of China, Taiwan to Belize
"Oh, we provide some financial support to, to the toys that are going to be given to the, very selectively chosen, children."
Reporter
"And do you guys plan to keep this collaboration going on in the future?"
Lily Hsu, Ambassador of the Republic of China, Taiwan to Belize
"Yes, I think it is a beautiful tradition. I would love to keep that as part of my Christmas celebration."
