| And while police have been making arrests for recent murders, its an uphill battle - especially in the Belize District where there have been close to 20 murders in the past three months.
And through these turbulent months for law enforcement, we've been pointing to the absence of Police Commissioner Allen Whylie.
Well, this week, he's back on the job after two months total of personal leave and sick leave. But his absence was cause for speculation that Whylie's job was up for grabs, and and that a new Commissioner of Police was in the making.
So today, in his first press opportunity today after his return, the question was put directly to him. Is he on the way out? Here's how he answered:
Reporter
"Is now been like 5 years since you took office and they have not been the best years. We are aware that you went out personal leave, I think it is? And then sick leave. There is already been some speculation about a succession plan if it is that you are nearing the end of your time."
Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police
"What I will say is that there is always speculation about people. I am made of flesh and bones, contrary to people's opinion, I am not a machine and there are times that we are subject to be ill and I have been ill, but I am back and I am pleased to be back. I'll continue to give my 110% and that is I am the Commissioner of Police today and I am the Commissioner of Police until such time. I will not concern myself or worry about things I have no control over. What I will do is continue to perform as best as I've been able to and I disagree with you in terms of saying that the administration since I've been commissioner had not been of the best because during my 4 years and counting we've had ups and downs in term of crimes. We've seen crimes, especially murders been at its lowest peak. We've never had it to its highest peak although we've been there, but you have to understand there is ebb and flow and cycles of crimes. I cannot concern myself in terms the nay sayers. I have got to remain focus at the task at hand and it's a huge task, not a task that anyone can doubt themselves. We are over 2,000 strong and of course there are other persons within the department who has their own ambitions and I respect that, but as the commissioner of police I will remain focus at the task at hand."
|
