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U.S. Gives Belize $1 million to Fight Crime
posted (February 9, 2009)

Minister of National Security Carlos Perdomo and the charge d’ affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan J.J. Diffily this morning signed an agreement which will turn over more than a million dollars to Belize for crime fighting. It is part of the Merida Initiative which is aimed at confronting gangs and drugs in this region. Perdomo says the money will be used to modernize the Police Department and other security agencies.

Hon. Carlos Perdomo, Minister of National Security
“We can do very well in the next few years to help modernize the police force. Of course as you heard, the first set of programs we will get involved with is the enhancement of the fingerprint exchange between Central American countries and the United States. We will also be looking at improving the police equipment and mobility and perhaps in the future look at enhancing the forensic capabilities in our lab. We also of course are looking at improving prison management and not only in the management area but also in trying to develop skills programs and other rehabilitative programs for our people at Kolbe.”

J.J. Diffily, Charge D’ Affairs – U.S. Embassy
“I applaud the Belize government for committing to the initiative and hopefully we continue to work together to protect and strengthen security within the region to more effectively counter threats to our shared democratic way of life. Success in this fight against national and transnational crime requires a strong commitment from all countries in this hemisphere. The security challenge requires far more than a domestic focus. Friends and allies in the hemisphere must look towards enhanced cooperation and mutual support in law enforcement in order to reduce crime and to promote not only regional security but also preserve domestic security as well.”

Under the initiative, Belize will get US$1.5 million in direct assistance and another US$500,000 through the regional assistance program.

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