The police held a passing out of 70 plus new recruits today at the training academy in Belmopan. It brings the ranks of the police to 1,088 and at the ceremony this morning, the man who has been their Minister for the last 63 months, Ralph Fonseca addressed the graduates. Sure, police passing out addresses have been some of the most historic speeches in days past when on two occasions, Jorge Espat made dramatic landmark speeches. But representing the hard right of his party Fonseca didn’t go that route, but did outline some interesting new plans for his department.
7NEWS attended the graduation and here are highlights.
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
This morning, 79 recruits of squad 83 stood in the beating rain for 15 solid minutes. It wasn’t a part of their training, it was an unexpected part of the graduation ceremony for the squad. But the downpour proved to be an adequate illustration of the discipline they hope to take with them throughout their careers in law enforcement. And if that wasn’t enough – wet clothes and all – when the sun came out they performed the march pass with competence and precision.
The Commandant’s prize went to Constable Norman Lewis, and the Baton of Honour went to Shani Alvarez who also came in first on the written examination – giving her the honor of the valedictory address, even though she had to deliver it under an umbrella as the rain continued to pour down.
Police Minister Ralph Fonseca urged the recruits to be professional at all times.
Hon. Ralph Fonseca, Minister of Home Affairs
“We are all humans and all have human rights. Be professional in your every action, be tactful and firm. Show respect for all, and all will respect you. Your role is an important one. Whatever you do out there is being scrutinized and reflects not only on the training you have received but most importantly,
the department you now represent. “
According to Fonseca, most will be representing in the city.
Hon. Ralph Fonseca,
”Sixty five of you graduates will be increasing the department’s presence in Belize City. You will be backed up by a much improved intelligence driven command, more resources and even eyes from afar as we start installing our closed circuit cameras. “
And the only way for those living in so called hotspots to escape Fonseca’s camera’s are to join a programme called ‘Get a life’ which targets at risk youths for productive labor.
Hon. Ralph Fonseca,
“We will invite 200 youth at risk from the south side of Belize City to start on a career path and turn their backs on the temptations that lead to criminal and anti-social behavior.
Using the wide experience of engineer Harvey and his staff, a medium sized factory will be set up at the entrance of Mahogany Heights to produce housing frames for low income houses. These frames will be transported to construction sites countrywide to assist the neediest. The ITVET experience will be employed a part of the day for skills training. Youth for the Future will assist with transportation, sports, feeding and other programs. The Kolbe Foundation will apply their well recognized and admired skills for motivational and spiritual communications. The youth will receive a stipend monthly to feed themselves when not at work, study, meditation or play. Again before the mischief moguls of the media go to work, I emphasize that this is a voluntary program.“
Fonseca flatly refused to grant 7NEWS an interview after his speech. Of interest is that Fonseca said that the new programme will be funded by a supplementary budget. At 5 years and months Fonseca was said to be the longest serving Police Minister in post independence history. Next month, another intake will commence training to take the department’s strength to over 1,300 officers.
