Last week Thursday, we told you about 23 officers who graduated from a tourism police training. Well, 5 of those tourism police officers were deployed to Placencia.
A ceremony was held in Placencia for the officers today.
The Belize Tourism Board also donated some new wheels for patrols on the peninsula. Here's more from the ceremony.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Yes we know that the issue of citizen security has been a concern for many Belizeans, as well as for those who intend to visit our shores. We also know that the tourism industry contributes significantly to the country's GDP and as such as a police department it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we provide that level of security that will make our tourism industry attractive to our intended visitors. And so, today's event with the installation of five new tourism police officers and the equipment that is being handed over to them as well is symbolic of the government's commitment to ensure that we do our best to ensure the safety and security of all those who reside on the peninsula, as well as those who intend to visit the peninsula."
Elsa Villanueva, Chairperson, Placencia Village Council
"We have always wanted more, as we know that it's needed here, especially in the high season, you know. We want to see more faces, for tourists to feel comfortable and even our villagers and I think having them is going to show a deep presence that we are concerned about the security of our villagers and tourists."
Carlon Mendoza, Legal Counsel, BTB
"By virtue of a MOU signed with the TPU, the Belize Police Department, The Belize Tourism Board has committed to providing support financially and also in terms of social infrastructure, the Belize Police Department, specifically the TPU in that we provide training in terms of customer service training, legislative training and enforcement. We donated 2 motorcycles and one golf cart for the patrolling of the peninsula. We also donated 3 firearms and well as we provide training in terms of educational training to the Belize Police Department whislt the new recruits were undergoing their training at the police academy. I think the message is clear that Belize is a place that we want you to enjoy, to feel safe, to feel as you are home. We are committed to making you have an experience that is enjoyable and is secure that you want to go back and share to others to encourage them to come and visit Belize."
Elsa Villanueva, Chairperson, Placencia Village Council
"This is going to take us a long way and we expect this season to be a very high one for us and nothing like when you have changes and a return guest comes back and say oh we see a difference in the security. Thats what will tell us all about the investment that BTB has done for the village."
Tourism police officers will also be deployed on San Pedro, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio and Benque.
