Today in Belmopan, the US Embassy handed over 38 new full size Ford pickups to the police department. It's part of the US Government's Central American Regional Security Initiative, known as CARSI. And while the last major donation of vehicles came two years ago in the form of smaller Ford Rangers, those are reaching their limit, so the new trucks come just in time. Now, the Commissioner says, there can be no excuses for not responding to the public:
Monica Bodden Reporting
Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police
"This contribution today will significantly improve the resources of each and every police formation."
The 38 vehicles cost 2.3 million dollars and will be deployed to formations and units across the country with emphasis on crime investigation, community policing, quick response, and the K9 Units."
Margaret Hawthorne - Charge d' Affaires, U.S. Embassy
"By working together, we can push back against criminal elements, build stronger communities, help serve and protect the Belizean people and promote economic growth in a secure environment."
This donation surpasses the last one from June 2012, when the US donated 17 Rangers. That donation is viewed as a success because major crime went down in 2013.
Margaret Hawthorne
"It's been a tremendous decrease in crime last year, and we're hoping that this will continue, and we hope that these vehicles will assist that effort."
And now these heavier, mostly Ford F-150 pickups, are extension of the partnership on security between the US and Belize.
Ret. Col. George Lovell - C.E.O., Ministry of National Security
"These vehicles that we are receiving here today, that is estimated to value 2.5 million dollars will allow more efficient execution of our security forces functions for a long time to come."
And to keep the US engaged, Belizean authorities are stressing on care, maintainance and proper use."
Allen Whylie
"I'm very serious; we have been clamouring quite some time for vehicles. We've been asking for the handing over of those vehicles. It is here today, and you, regional commanders, formation commanders, precinct commanders, are responsible to ensure that they are properly utilized.
Ret. Col. George Lovell
"It is important that we continue to demonstrate that we are committed to do our part to ensure effective use of the aid to meet our objectives. For that we must take the necessary steps to ensure good husbandry of these gifted vehicles and have them serve us for a long time.
Allen Whylie
"Commander Administration has been charged by me that where there are abuse and damages, somebody will pay."
But Government will also have to pay, a heavy gas bill for these larger pickups.
Ret. Col. George Lovell
"I know that we have 38 new vehicles that have been assigned to us, but I as the accounting officer must be real when it comes to the logistics to ensure the effective use of these vehicles. I do not have - and neither does the Government of Belize Ministry of Finance - a bottomless pit from which we pull our financial resources. And so, I want to caution that we bear this in mind."
Jules Vasquez
"We know that you all are used to 4 cyclinder diesel engines in the Mahindras, Hiluxs, and the Dmaxs, but a lot of these are 6 and 8 cylinders."
Allen Whylie
"But, we believe that despite the fact that they are 6 and 8 cylinders, they are new vehicles, so they should be highly efficient in terms of fuel. As I said, the commanders will have to ensure that they are properly utilized."
And so, the message to the public is, don't be reluctant to call 911
Allen Whylie
"We have to provide 24 hours' service, and we cannot tell the people that we do not have vehicles."
Whylie could not tell us what percentage of the last set of 17 Ranger pickups are still road worthy.
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