The San Pedro Police Department (SPPD) officially inaugurated the relocation and reopening of its new Northern Ambergris Caye Police Substation on Tuesday, May 2nd. Located half a mile north of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge, the substation will not only serve as the central police station for North of Ambergris Caye, but it will also render applicable police services to all community members and businesses in the area.
Master of Ceremonies was Police Constable (PC) Harris Gabourel, and after playing the National Anthem, Pastor Clive Welsh prayed for guidance and protection for San Pedro.
Officer in Charge of the Eastern Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Dezerie Philips gave the opening remarks. “Today is a significant day in San Pedro. Every time we inaugurate and open a police booth, it is a huge step we take. This booth was further up north, but we changed the location to meet the policing demands. Crime is everybody’s business. We need everyone to come on board with us to ensure we can do our best to serve our communities,” said Philips.
Mayor Daniel Guerrero also gave a few remarks. “The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and the SPPD has had a very good working relationship. Under my leadership, I have made it a priority for us be active. The fight against crime is not only the responsibility of the police. The responsibility is shared. Although the local authorities play an integral ingredient, the role of the private sector, business community, and the citizens at large all have a responsibility to share…We are willing to assist the SPPD, as long as we have the resources,” said Guerrero.
Mayor Guerrero further stated the SPTC has invested $75,000 on solar panel lights to help reduce crime. He also stated that Deputy Mayor Gary Greif recently met with Minister of State for Home Affairs, Elodio Aragon Junior, and finances were approved to install solar lights. These lights will be placed in strategic places around the island, particularly in areas where shootings have occurred in the past.
Guest speaker Rob Eykelbeysh, President of North Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch (NACNW), stated that the new substation will serve its purpose. “As an organized neighborhood watch, many businesses up north are highly pleased to see this substation moved. We will continue to give the SPPD support whenever it is requested. I am certain this will have a positive effect that will make the bad guys think twice in this area,” said Eykelbeysh. He also gave thanks to Bob McClain and his wife for granting the SPPD permission to place the substation on their private property.
Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit for San Pedro and Caye Caulker, Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott gave the closing remarks. “Throughout my tenure here in San Pedro, we have noticed that the community has worked very closely with us. We have seen in our area that even with the decrease of crime, we still need to pressure harder. San Pedro has seen a drastic decrease in crime over the past two years, which is a result of the police and community working hand in hand,” said Jemmott. He also explained that with the opening of each new substation, he is confident that the high presence of the police will help deter crime.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, three motorcycles were presented and donated to the SPPD-two from the SPTC, and one from the NACNW. The motorcycles will provide additional transportation for police to increase their mobile patrols, and the police’s responsiveness.
Meet the officer attached to the substation
PC Nestor Campos has been assigned to the new North Ambergris Caye Police Substation. Jemmott explained that Campos is fit to take on all of the roles and functions that have been allotted to him, and he is optimistic that he will keep Northerners safe.
In striving to become more community-orientated, Campos will also start touring North Ambergris Caye in order to get familiar with the area. He also plans on conducting more check-points, visiting all surrounding establishments, and alleviate general crime in the area. In addition, the SPPD stated that more police substations will be placed in key areas to continue their efforts to combat crime. Campos will be on duty from 7AM to 7PM, and can be reached at 667-4220 or 226-2022.
The SPPD gives thanks to Mayor Guerrero, the SPTC, the community, NACNW, Grand Caribe, Marbucks, and all of their partners that help keep La Isla Bonita safe.
