LATEST RECRUITS JOIN POLICE DEPARTMENT

October 30, 2007

The Belize Police Department today welcomed 79 new members into its rank with the passing out of squad number 83. The baton of honor was won by W-R-P-C Shani Alvarez. In her address Alvarez looked back at the months of training and said she made the right choice.

W-R-P-C Shani Alvarez:

“I am confident that I have made the right choice to be an enforcer of the law, with the hope that one day I can help to make Belize a safer place for generations to come. I am sure that the discipline that the instructors have instilled in me will make me a better person. And though the journey was long and hard, there are certain things I will never forget. I remembered it like it was yesterday, I was nervous, I was excited, and my feelings were all mixed up. Now that it’s over, it brings me joy to reminisce on the good old days. I will never forget the first day when we all arrived. I stopped and thought that this was going to be my new family for the next six months. We each came from all walks of life and taken from all corners of this beautiful jewel we call Belize.”

Alvarez went on to look back some of what was passed on to them during their training.

W-R-P-C Shani Alvarez:

“The first day was the longest. I had never been up so early, prepared everyday at 4 am for the unknown. Exiting the dorm, I was greeted by an armor of recruits racing towards the bell. I had instructors counting down, “fall in, fall in” were the first words we were greeted with daily. The bell was never a friend to us, sometimes it rang some really harsh hours. We had no choice but to stop what we were doing and to quickly fall into three lines. A typical day was filled with activities that ranged from classes to guest speakers, drills and self defense. In the classroom we learnt general police duties, criminal law and traffic laws, just to name a few. Guest speakers ranged from the Commissioner of Police, a representative from the Attorney General’s office, the court system, the coast guard and the Kolbe Foundation amongst many others. We learnt helpful self defense techniques from a certified black belt holder, Inspector Daniel Cacho. Other training included an in depth first aid course as well as a basic human rights course and firearm safety. Apart from the rigorous physical training we endured on a daily basis, we were subdued to the notorious tear gas, an experience I will never forget. We also spent countless hours on this place perfecting our turns in the sweltering heat of the sun. Amongst the knowledge imparted to us, we were taught important values such as justifiable force and harm which is a key aspect of policing since we are to uphold the law, by not using unnecessary force to subdue an individual. We were trained to comply first then complain later which has instilled discipline in all of us. Training overall has taught us to be patient. It has helped us to realize that things are subject to change and that we are always to be tidy in our physical appearance as well as our surroundings. These past six months have taught us the spirit of teamwork and brotherhood. It has taught us that in this career, we will never be able to do much by ourselves and that we are to have trust in the instinct of our colleagues.”

Alvarez said she believes that squad 83 will be one to make a positive difference in the Police Department.  The keynote address was delivered by Minister of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Housing Ralph Fonseca.

Hon. Ralph Fonseca, Minister of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Housing:

“Today marks another milestone in the achievements of the Belize Police Department increasing its strength and providing a safer and professional service to the Belizean society. With the graduation of 79 young and prepared officers who are 83. We are proud that six are young women, who have chosen this noble career to serve the Belizean people. It is profoundly commendable, that men and women will wake up and join the ranks of the Belize Police Department in this challenging task of fighting crime, so that others may continue to live in a safe and secure Belize. To the recruits we say, welcome to a vibrant and ever-changing Belize Police Department. During the last six months you have shown yourself to be ready and committed to serve. Today, you all make this country proud and our government will always support you as we continue to ensure that we strengthen and outgrow the capacity of the Belize Police Department.”

Top recruits who walked off with awards during this morning’s ceremony were Shani Alvarez who not only won the baton of honor but was also first in the written exam. Second place in the written exam was Armando Shal. Norman Lewis won the Commandant’s prize, Dercene Staine won for consistent good performance, Theodore Chen was first in first aid, Christobal Acal was first in physical training, Leodan Gonzalez was first in shooting qualifications while Roman Andrews was first in human rights.

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