Belize Police Commissioner Richard Rosado reinstated

The Belize government says it has received a report into the alleged kidnapping of Belizean citizen Ryan Joseph Budna and his surrender to Guatemalan authorities in August, and has accepted recommendations for an independent probe into the incident.

A government statement on Wednesday confirmed that the report was submitted by Assistant Commissioner of Police Suzette Anderson, who had been tasked with completing the investigation after an earlier review was deemed incomplete by Prime Minister John Briceño.

“Based on the high level of public interest in this case, the report made two recommendations, which Cabinet subsequently accepted,” the statement noted. These include launching an independent investigation and ensuring that police officers involved in the inquiry refrain from making public statements to preserve the integrity of the process should the matter reach the courts.

The recommendations have also been referred to the Attorney General for legal guidance on implementation.

At the same time, Cabinet announced the reinstatement of Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado, who had been placed on 45 days’ leave last month following the controversy. “Because the evidence, as disclosed in the Inquiry Report, does not in any way implicate Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, Cabinet has requested that his leave of absence be discontinued and that he return to active duty effective immediately,” the statement said.

Budna was reportedly abducted on August 22, with witnesses claiming he was forced into a dark-coloured SUV bearing a Belize City license plate. Days later, Guatemalan authorities confirmed that Budna was in custody pursuant to an arrest warrant, though they did not provide details about how he was apprehended.

The incident sparked outrage in Belize, with concerns raised about possible violations of Budna’s constitutional rights. Attorney Arthur Saldivar, among others, has pledged to fight on Budna’s behalf. “We all have a right to liberty and freedom of movement,” Saldivar told reporters.

Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa has welcomed the move toward an independent investigation, though he acknowledged the process is unprecedented. “It has never been done, and so we will have to look at the dynamics of that, because they will have to have access to all that the police have access to,” he explained.

Government officials say details of the independent investigation, including its structure and oversight, will be announced once consultations with the Attorney General are complete.