And while Musa works on reforming the department, he will have to do so on a budget. As the government continues its budget consultation, according to the Minister, there will be cuts across all ministries. But he says that while his ministry may not see a lower dollar figure from government, they will not be getting additional funds to pay 200 new officers:
Hon. Kareem Musa- Minister of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries
"As you know we are right now enlisting an additional 225 police officers in the coming weeks and months ahead for training at the Belize Police Training Academy. So you might not be seeing the cut but the fact is we are getting an increase in the number of officers. And so while there will be an increase in the budget we are going to keep that number very very low. Because like I said we are in very austere times and we have to take austere action." Marisol Amaya- Reporter
"A percentage of 15 was thrown out last week in terms of cuts across the board. Is that correct?" Hon. Kareem Musa
"That is something, like I said, it is something that is in discussion but that is not something finalized. So this week Cabinet will be meeting to discuss the details of what types of cuts are expected at each ministry level and so that is where that exercise will take place."
