Acting Minister of Home Affairs Julius Espat has begun making visits to police formations across the country, telling officers he wants to hear their concerns firsthand and improve the conditions under which they work.
Espat visited the Seine Bight Police Sub-Formation this week, where he was welcomed by Inspector Anibal Castellanos, station personnel and members of the morning relief team.
According to the Belize Police Department, the minister said the purpose of the visit was to meet directly with officers, listen to the challenges they face and identify ways to improve both their welfare and the station’s operations.
During the meeting, Inspector Castellanos outlined several needs at the sub-formation, including additional office space for the Gender-Based Violence Response and Investigation Unit and the Quick Response Team. Other operational concerns affecting the station were also discussed.
Espat acknowledged that upgrading the facility and addressing officers’ concerns will take time but assured the team that he would do everything possible to improve their working environment.
The visit comes just weeks after Espat was appointed Acting Minister of Home Affairs following the temporary departure of former minister Oscar Mira. Mira requested a leave of absence from Cabinet while the Auditor General conducts a three-month audit into procurement processes linked to his tenure at the Ministry of Defence after media reports raised questions about contracts awarded to businesses connected to members of his family. Prime Minister John Briceño appointed Espat to oversee the ministry during the audit, saying the move was necessary to maintain public confidence and ensure the continued operation of national security initiatives. Mira has denied any wrongdoing or involvement in the procurement decisions under review.
