PUP Leader Serious About Crime

Is Mr. Barrow Playing Games?

On Wednesday, June 9, Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow met with Leader of the People’s United Party John Briceno to discuss a meaningful collaboration between both parties in the fight against rising levels of crime and violence in our communities across the country. It was an important meeting, sending a signal to Belizeans that the war on crime transcends political lines. In an interview with the media after the meeting, the leader of the PUP was crystal clear in his resolve – “We have been very clear that when it comes to the issue of crime, it affects each and every one of us and that it is not a political issue. The People’s United Party has already expressed that as the Opposition we are prepared to work with the government in any way we can to address this very pressing issue.”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow seemed just as committed to the collaboration, stating that “…the leader of the Opposition said a long time ago that in fact his party would be prepared to work with the government on any national initiative. This is the national initiative, he has been true to his words and I think this is what the public wants to see, and I think this is what the public will welcome.”

And the Prime Minister was right in his entire assertion – the People’s United Party is prepared to work with the government of Belize on ANY issue which will be for the good of the people, and any serious initiative to combat crime most certainly fits into that category. Mr. Barrow was also right when he said that the public would welcome real collaboration between the government and the opposition in the fight against crime.

But the headline story of the UDP’s Guardian newspaper begs the question – is the Prime Minister of Belize serious when he speaks about a collaboration to tackle crime, or is it all just rhetoric which he thinks Belizeans would like to hear. The PM was apparently back to playing his usual political word games in his newspaper only hours after telling the nation that he was committed to working with PUP Leader Briceno. The lead story in the UDP rag suggests that the PUP leader is so awed at the brilliance of Mr. Barrow that he is hanging on to Barrow’s recently presented Operation Restore. The story provides no details or information on how such collaboration will deter rising crime, and in the end comes across as petty political mischief.

Today the Belize Times spoke to the PUP Leader who confirmed that he has yet to consult with his National Executive and PUP supporters on the merits and demerits of the Prime Minister’s crime-fighting plan, which was just handed to him yesterday. According to Briceno, after cursory analysis he has already identified areas of the plan which need to be strengthened or modified, and after consultation will be prepared to present the Opposition’s input on this crime fighting initiative.

As we go to press, a notorious gangland figure has been shot dead today in broad daylight and there have already been two related shootings. The Police are expecting certain areas of Belize to turn into war zones later today. It would indeed be disappointing and detrimental to the nation if the Prime Minister is up to his usual tricks and is not serious about working together with the Opposition in fighting crime.

In an interview today, the Opposition Leader reiterated – “silly political games certainly can play no role in any initiative to alleviate the crime situation which is affecting all Belizeans today. I have committed and will commit my support and the support of the People’s United Party to any meaningful war on crime. That position will not change!”

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