Even though many Belizeans say the Ross Kemp documentary was exaggerated and sensationalist, a significant amount of Belizeans are of the view that it brought into sharp focus the need for authorities to adopt a more effective approach to curbing the gang-infestation, especially in the poorer parts of Belize City.
On Friday, September 26, officials representing the United States and Belize signed an agreement which they claim is part of the broader Central American Gang Initiative.
Government says the objectives of the project – for which the United States has allocated US$110,000 – is to assist the Belize Government to develop a comprehensive strategy for combating gang-related crime and violence, by focusing on improvements in community policing and prevention.
The purpose, says the Government of Belize, is “…to support the Central America Regional Gang Initiative by increasing the capacity of Belize to prevent and reduce gang-related crimes, disrupt criminal organizations, protect communities, and protect youths.”
Police Commissioner Gerald Westby told Amandala that with the new injection of funds, the police should be beefing up the Gang Unit in the department, as well as a number of existing anti-gang programs, such as the Yabra Community Project and the Conscious Youth Development Program (CYDP), while focusing on the impoverished Southside of Belize City. Westby added that special emphasis would be placed on helping at-risk youths.
Jack Diffily, Charge d’ Affaires from the United States Embassy in Belize, and Belize’s Minister of National Security, Carlos Perdomo, reportedly signed the agreement for the US and Belize, respectively.
Sue Kuester, Acting Economic and Political Chief at the US Embassy, as well as the Ministry of National Security’s CEO, Brigadier General (Retired) Mr. Lloyd Gillett, OBE, were named as witnesses to the signing.
US Embassy officials and Gillett were reportedly unavailable when we contacted them today for more information on the gang initiative.
In related news, Westby told Amandala that police are still investigating gang-related information highlighted in the Ross Kemp documentary; however, Westby said that Kemp—who appeared on screen holding in his hands a deadly grenade he claimed he had gotten from a Belize City gang—has not been questioned by police and is no longer within our jurisdiction