The Crime Control Council met yesterday, November 7, 2012, in Belize City and, after intensive discussion, has given its concurrence with the Minister of National Security’s decision to declare ‘special areas’ in accordance with Section 12(1) of the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act.
The meeting was attended by all members of the Crime Control Council as listed or appointed under Section 25(1) of the Act, except for a Justice of the Supreme Court and a Representative from the Ministry of Human Development. Members present included the Chairman of the Crime Control Council, a representative of the Opposition, the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), the Chief Magistrate, representatives from the Solicitor General’s Office, the Council of Churches, the Bar Association, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and the Women’s Issues Network of Belize (WIN Belize).
The first set of ‘special areas’ to be declared by the Minister of National Security will soon be published in the Belize Gazette, as required by the Law.
This order will now afford the residents of these particular areas, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, to take back control of their communities from the hands of the criminal elements. It is hoped that this will also help to strengthen the overall partnership and cooperation between the public and the law enforcement agencies as we continue working together towards restoring safety and security throughout our communities.
