BELMOPAN, Belize, May 6, CMC -The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, says he supports a six month state of emergency (SoE) to help curb the increase in violence in Belize.
Appearing on the television programme ““Open Your Eyes”, Rosado, who took up his position over the last week, told viewers that there has been an alarming spike in gun violence and has attributed the increase to on going feud among rival gangs.
Belize recorded 89 murders last year and for the first quarter of this year, the police are reporting a seven per cent decline over the same period last year.
But the top cop said that there is need for decisive action to restore peace and safety in the community.
On Monday, police said that Nelson Henry, 37 known as Mung, was gunned down in front of his children’s home. The police said Henry was targeted by two men on a dirt bike, and police suspect the killing is gang-related.
The authorities said that the Ladyville community is grappling with the violence that has shattered their sense of security.
“First of all, we have a wide continuum of policing strategies available to us from community policing to combat policing. And, our strategies on the ground will depend on what is happening on the ground,” the Police Commissioner said.
“I do believe there is a need for state of emergency to address security concerns when the violence has reached a critical situation and presently we do have a critical situation in the Martins area and I do believe the guys need a time out”.
But Rosado said that rather than doing a one month or a three month, “we need to pursue a six months period. I would extend it, because if that is the only way that would calm them”.
Asked whether he expected an SoE to be announced later this week, the top cop replied “honestly, I do believe the situation is critical and it is up for discussion but I will surely support a state of emergency in order to give us the opportunity to assess the situation on the ground and put the necessary thing in place”.
Rosado during his television appearance highlighted escalating tensions among rival groups over the past few weeks, stressing the urgent need for intervention. He is convinced that the criminal elements involved need a timeout and is committed to bringing stability and safety back to Belize City.
“I do believe that the public judge us by the violent crime and murder. One of my top priorities is to reduce the violent crime and murder, while still placing emphasis on the property crimes, but the violent crimes must be addressed and reduced further.
“ I think that with the way forward, we will be able to do that. The process will not be overnight. It will take some time. I believe it is doable. I am taking over office when the situation on the ground is a critical situation and we are doing our best to ensure that we address those situations, critical situation on the ground, but I do believe that the situation is so critical that the guys on the ground need a time out,” he added.
Rosado said he believes the tension among the gangs has existed for the past few weeks “and we have been putting things in place to try to address it.
“It just happen that the criminal with take opportunities that presents themselves to get back at their rivals and it is up to us to try to see how we can stem that or address those situations,” he told viewers.
CMC/ak/ir/2025