UDP discusses law and order – when they win
Posted: 19/10/2007 - 12:01 PM
Author: Colin
The press conference called by the UDP on Wednesday afternoon, October 17, attended by many UDP area representatives, standard bearers, and party faithful, was supposed to be solely about the UDP’s vision to improve law and order in Belize when they come to power. But from early on Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Dean Barrow, told his audience to hold on to their seats, for he had got the innards of a “scandalous” oil deal set up by the governing PUP to reveal.
So, it’s really a tale of two press conferences. The first, and supposedly the real deal, to inform the nation about UDP plans to control crime…the initiatives the party will introduce to save the nation when it gains control of the Hill in Belmopan; the second, a very hot exposé by Honorable Dean Barrow and the UDP of “another” PUP sweetheart deal. (For the second tale, see headline story in this issue.)
On the matter of Law and Order, the UDP called on Caribbean Shores hopeful, Mr. Carlos Perdomo, former CEO in the Ministry of National Security in the last UDP administration, to present what it described as a multi-sectoral and multi-ministerial 360-degree strategy for restoring law and order to Belize. The UDP’s say they have plans to form a Peoples’ Coalition in each municipality…made up of citizens and members from the many diverse sectors of our society…to take back our communities from law breakers and from public and private criminals.
The following are excerpts from Mr. Perdomo’s presentation, and a brochure the UDP released after the press conference, re-enforcing in black and white their “360-Degree Approach”… a six-step program for a safer Belize when they (the UDP) win the next general elections.
Step 1: Confronting Corruption - Setting the example. The UDP promises that in its first 100 days in office it will legislate to empower important offices like the Ombudsman, the Contractor General, and the Auditor General to make these offices truly independent.
Step 2: Strengthening the Police Department. The UDP promises that it will remodel the Police Department to engender a policing style in which officers respect the rule of law and protect human rights; renew the system of recruitment; institute a merit-based promotion system; ensure that incentives (pay and benefits) reflect the importance of police work; and provide state of the art technology, including a DNA unit for the National Forensics Lab within the first six months of office.
Step 3: Creative Crime Prevention Programs. The UDP in government promises to create a Joint Intelligence Unit to concentrate on illegal activities; establish a gun court to “fast track” gun cases, increase penalties for gun crimes; strengthen the Anti-Drug Unit; develop a reliable database of crime statistics; and support Kolbe, and projects and programs from social and religious institutions which contribute to crime prevention.
Step 4: Combating Root Causes of Crime. The Red party promises to create a robust and efficient National Employment Agency and Small Business Development Program; equip school dropouts with life skills; create a National Service Corps to foster the spirit of volunteerism in young people; promote parenting education; and develop a support program for children at risk.
Step 5: Controlling and Defusing Gang Violence. The party plans to establish a Gang and Violence Prevention Unit comprised of specially trained police and public officers; and establish a secretariat dedicated to youth development.
Step 6: Restoring Faith in our Justice System. The UDP plans to attract highly competent professionals with attractive salaries and benefits; give the Ombudsman more authority; and strengthen Internal Affairs in the Police Department to improve their investigative abilities.
The UDP promises more press conferences to expound on other matters important to the nation in the near future.
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