2 months ago
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Belize’s capacity to investigate and prosecute crime received a major boost today with the official inauguration of a newly constructed Forensic Scenes of Crime Office and equipment facility in Dangriga, Stann Creek District. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a significant milestone for national law enforcement efforts, under a partnership between the Government of Belize and the United States Government. The modern facility, located on Front Street near the Carl Ramos Stadium, is designed to provide a secure, state-of-the-art space for evidence collection, preservation, and forensic analysis, directly supporting members of the Belize Police Department in improving investigative integrity and strengthening criminal prosecutions across the southern region. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Home Affairs Oscar Mira described the opening as the result of years of planning and collaboration aimed at modernizing Belize’s forensic capacity and ensuring that justice is built on professional, scientific investigation.
Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs: “It has been long and amazing, it’s been years that scenes of crimes needed an adequate area to do their work. I think that today proves that with partnership we can get things done. Today it’s proof that we’re ready to work, we’re ready to ensure that the citizens of this country get the adequate support that they need, the police department, along with the scenes of crime. For me, it was long overdue and I am glad that today we could see the fruition of that work that has been done for so many years. You now have an adequate, purposely built area for your work. As was explained awhile ago by the director, it is going to make the work easier. It’s going to make the work more secure and now with the adequate infrastructure in place, we know that there can be more forensic based evidence taken to the court. This morning as we went on tour we have seen new equipment, we have the area where you can put, you know, you can draw your evidence, blood, other DNA and fluids that can be dried and can be used for evidence. There’s also specialized configuration and storage for all the technicians that are here. So indeed it’s going to improve the work that they do. It’s going to improve the evidence that is collected and make sure that the custody of chain is taken care of in a very professional manner.”
The project was made possible through financing from the United States Government, reflecting the strong cooperation between Belize and international partners in public safety development. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Katharine Beamer, highlighted that the total investment for the facility and equipment stands at 740 thousand Belize dollars, reiterating the United States’ continued support for institutions that promote rule of law and community safety.
Katharine Beamer, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires: “There are several different pieces of equipment. There’s a state of the art security system to ensure the integrity of all the evidence that’s stored here. There’s also drying lockers and evidence lockers that help prepare all of the evidence to be shipped to other labs for further analysis and also very strict chain of custody innovations. I’m really excited about this facility. But our partnership with Belize in this area is very long term. So our team at the embassy will continue to work with Belizean counterparts and develop future projects. But you can rest assured that we’re going to be still investing in this type of work in other places in Belize in the years to come.”
The new forensic office is aimed at enhancing the handling of crime scene evidence, shorten investigative timelines, and improve courtroom outcomes by ensuring that cases are built on reliable and properly preserved forensic data. Present at the ceremony were representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, leadership from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise, senior members of the Belize Police Department, and community stakeholders.
English (US) ·