Aragon also commented on the deplorable status of the Caye Caulker Police Barracks. Last year we told you about complaints coming from Caye Caulker police about the state of their barracks. When we spoke to the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, about the issue and he told us that the 30 million dollar loan from CABEI would be used to repair barracks all over the country. But still, since then nothing has been done.
In September the Public Health Bureau inspected the police barracks, and found that they were completely uninhabitable. According to the report, the walls, floors and ceilings are rotten and are all in a state of disrepair, and in most cases the officers living there were exposed to the elements, bats, rodents and other vermin. So what will be done about it? Here's what Aragon told us.
Hon. Elodio Aragon, Minister of State - Home Affairs
"I think the CEO in his last interview given to the media explained clearly the situation in terms of Caye Caulker. The fact is that yes the police officers there are getting their housing allowance etc., which they should in deed find their own accommodations. But we understand the situation out there. We understand the cost of living when you are operating and working in these areas and therefore we as a police department or as a government, we also have to look at what we can do. Without a doubt that facility needs to be looked at. I am sure that we are already looking at where we can, first of all we need to find land and after land, we have to find the resources to build an adequate building. But those are things that we are looking at, because at the end of the day we need to look after the welfare of the officers likewise. The last time I spoke with the commissioner and the CEO, they are looking into the matter to see how we can address that situation. But that definitely has to be addressed one way or the other, because this goes to the welfare of the officers working on that island."
The Public Health Department has recommended that the officers living in the barracks be relocated immediately.
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