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In OW, Political Peace For Police
Tue, February 13, 2018
It's election season right now, and politicians are jostling for votes.

But yesterday afternoon, UDP's Elodio Aragon Jr. was playing nice with the PUP's John Briceno and the incumbent mayor, Kevin Bernard. That's because of the re-opening ceremony of a police substation in Orange Walk Town's Cemetery Street.

It's been abandoned for MANY years, but a few months ago, the Orange Walk Town Council partnered with the business community there to fund a refurbishment and renovation of the building.

Our colleagues from CTV3 News were there when the ribbon cutting was done to officially re-open it for business. Here's what the speakers of the event had to say:

Kevin Bernard - Mayor, Orange Walk Town Council
"A few months ago when we met at the La Immaculate Conference Room with the business community along with the police department, we made that approach to start this discussion approach in terms of substation open. Immediately the idea was grasp by members of the community, the business community and the council. We went to approach the owner of RB's and I want to thank him personally for his contribution. RB's donated one of the bikes and the council also purchased one of the bikes. Retrofitted the bikes. All of these things cost were born by he council. in terms of the substation of course we have invested with this entire renovation, it's cost us a little over $20,000 dollars in investment you're seeing here."

Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr., Minister of State/Police
"I know you have heard a lot about it already when they talk about the community and the police working together. Todays a living testament of the kind of work that can be done when the community comes together and works with the police department."

Hon. John Briceno, Area Rep., Orange Walk Central
"The issue of crime is affecting all of us. I mentioned in the last house sitting today to the minister, and repeated it again that we are serious when I say we are prepared to sit down with the ministry, himself and anyone else to see how and what we can do, not only as the leaders in this country but also as citizens of this country. We would want to see how we can address the matter of crime."

Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police
"Indeed it is my pleasure to be here with you today for the official inauguration, handing over and opening of the Cemetery Street police substation here in orange walk town. Today is a testament to collaboration and partnership. It is my understanding that January 2018, the community of Orange walk Town approached the Belize police department represented by the officer commanded Superintendent David Chi as to how they can partner with the department in order to refurbish an existing abandoned booth as well as get the assurance that officers will be posted there. The Belize Police Department obviously jumped at the opportunity to engage the community, cognizant that the presence of police officers in the area will help, not only the prevention and the detection of crimes, but will also allow for quicker response time when there are calls for police assistance."

Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr., Minister of State/Police
"I will tell you right now that the ministry supports this 100% and like I've always told people, this is not about politics, this is about what is right for the community and in that light we support these things 100%+."

The renovations of the substation are valued at over $20,000.

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