The police change of command - is an event rich in symbolism - there is the color flag, denoting the department's history, and collective power and, this the sword of command.

They are transferred in solemn gestures from outgoing compol Chester Williams to the incoming head of state, governor general Froyla Tzalam to Anthony Richard Rosado in an elaborate ceremony.

Rosado now takes command of nearly three thousand officers - and is a sharp contrast in personality and style to his brash and outgoing predecessor: who held the post for a modern record of 6 years and four months.

Chester Williams, Outgoing Commissioner
"Certainly, as I said before, it's a remarkable occasion and a historic moment in the history of the Belize Police Department."

And Williams - under whose command four drug planes were intercepted - has never been shy to toot his own horn:

Chester Williams, Outgoing Commissioner
"While I can stand here and celebrate that under my command, we saw the lowest murder count in our country. I can also say that such achievement could not have been attained without your unwavering support. You were my backbone. You were the ones who were out there in their respective formations, respective regions, making sure that those police officers who work and your command do what needed to have been done for us to be able to attain the reduction in crime that we currently enjoy."

"I am proud to stand here today to say to you, my duty here is done. Today I officially reported off duty as the Commissioner for police."

"I end off by saying thanks to our Almighty Father for having guide me throughout my tenure as Commissioner of Police."

"I leave with my integrity intact, with my head held high, prepared to move on."

Moving on with the recorded number of murders for 2025 down 7 from last year - but the new Commissioner went far beyond mere statistics in his address - which was highly aspirational:

Dr. Anthony Rosado, Commissioner of Police
"I see a future where our police department is not just an institution of law enforcement, but a beacon of trust, innovation and accountability. A future where every police officer is a guardian of the community, where technology and transparency work hand in hand."

"And where the streets of Belize are safer because we, dare to reimagine what policing can be."

"I see a future where the Belize Police Department operates with unwavering transparency and accountability, where every action is scrutinized, every decision decision is justified. And the bond between our officers and citizens, unbreakable. The use of force policy will be strictly regulated under a zero tolerance policy for misconduct.Every officer will be trained in de-escalation, held to the highest standard of conduct, and empowered to intervene when those standards are breached."

"We will dismantle the culture of impunity by establishing independent oversight, conducting regular audits and publicly sharing data on police activity. Because trust cannot exist in shadows."

"The road ahead is bold, but so is our resolve lets us move forward with courage, unity and unshakable belief in what we can achieve. The future of the security starts here, and it starts with us."

"The road ahead is long, but the destination is clear. A Belize where safety, justice and trust are not aspiration, but reality."

Big plans and they are going. to cost a lot - but while we don't know where he will get the money from - he certainly did get a vote of confidence from his Minister- who now gets to make a mark with a Commissioner of his choosing:

Hon. Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries
"Today marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for our Belize Police Department."

"Our goal is clear to reduce violence, protect our communities and ensure that all Belizeans can live and raise their families in a safe and tranquil haven of democracy."

"Doctor Rosado, one of our foremost tasks will be to continue to foster unity within the Belize Police Department. We must break down any silos and encourage cross departmental collaboration and ensure that every officer feels valued and empowered in their respective roles."

"I am confident in Doctor Rosado tactical and technical ability to build upon the solid foundation left by his predecessors that will continue to propel the Department forward with innovation, integrity, accountability and the delivery of justice as his centerpiece objectives."

"We are confident in his competence to lead as a vicar of strength, discipline and vigilance."

"We will ensure that our officers are equipped to combat crime with precision and agility. By embracing technological innovation, we not only improve our policing profile but also demonstrate our commitment to keeping Belize at the forefront of progressive law enforcement strategies."

Of Rosado's years of service, Minister Musa said, quote, "Rosado is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience, both within the police department and beyond."