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Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of Nat'l Security
"Our review has revealed that the BDF escort that would normally accompany the visitors to Caracol did not on that day accompany the visitor due to mechanical problems. This led to reduce security at the Caracol site. We firmly believe had the escort service been provided security would have been adequate to up to the point where the escort left with the visitors. Approval has now been given for the acquisition of two vehicles for the purpose of escorting visitors to Caracol. We are also reviewing the procedures to be applied when due to unforeseen circumstances the BDF is unable escort services. The review also revealed that 5 horses that were confiscated the previous day by a patrol in the area had been kept at the Caracol site up to the time of the incident. Though it cannot be confirm at this time, police strongly believe that the motive for the attack on Danny was retaliation for the confiscation of these horses because we believe that the presence of the horses was the motivation for the attack, a decision has been taken that with immediate effect the Caracol site will no longer be used for the housing or storage of any confiscated animals or items. The review has also revealed that the onsite security that was provide by the 2 Tourism Police officers, one now deceased and the 3 park rangers who had limited security training was generally inadequate, but especially inadequate when BDF escorts have left the site or for some other reason are not onsite. We have decided to increase the tourism patrol officers to 6 and to train in necessary weapons handling and security protocol which will be provided to these officers and the rangers working at the facility. A total of 12 additional tourism officers will be assign to the unit to ensure that 6 officers are always available at the site. The review also revealed that the security on the perimeter of the site was inadequate and had it not been for the presence of the BDF patrol who were harboring in the area with no specific security detail for the site, the security for the perimeter of the site would have been nil. A decision has now been made for a dedicated team of BDF and police officers to be deployed to the Caracol archaeological site with immediate effect to provide permanent 24 hour perimeter and onsite security for the site, its staff and visitors to that facility. The regular link up patrols between the BDF and Guatemalans will continue and shortly the Valentin Conservation Post will be fully manned by BDF and police personnel. This initial deployment will see over 60 soldiers and police officers on rotational basis committed to this effort."

And late this evening, we did get comment via text message from Saldivar on that internal memorandum from ASP Diana Hall. He says, quote, "The concerns expressed in the memo from ASP Hall were real and legitimate. The Ministry of National Security and its departments have had to balance those concerns with the pressing, almost crisis concern of crime throughout the country, but especially in Belize City. The death of Danny Cornorquie has brought into focus the multi-dimensional nature of our security threats and the need for a balanced approach. We are confident that the new measures will achieve the level of security we desire for the Caracol site, its staff and visitors." End quote.