Mr. Nuñez mentioned that the first group worked very well together until their decline two years ago. Mr. Nuñez said he felt proud that a new group of concerned citizens wanted to get involved in this program and urged the Crime Committee to fully assist the new group. He stated, "It is not what your community can do for you, but what you can do for your community." With these words Mr. Nuñez then introduced Hon. Jorge Espat to address the congregation. In his speech Minister Espat congratulated Mr. Nuñez and the Crime Committee for renewing their commitment to this important task. Hon. Espat continued by saying that Hon. Ms. Arceo was 100% in favor of this project and she had plans to do the same in Caye Caulker. He welcomed the citizens involvement in combating violence and crime, working together in partnership as a team.

Members of the San Pedro Crime Committee with S.P. Orio. Missing from photo - Shelly Huber, Ana Wade and Eddie Halliday

Commissioner Ornel Brooks then spoke to the gathering and explained the procedure for this project. He commented that San Pedro was the first to demonstrate this unity and wanting to revive it was admirable. He pledged his full support and offered personnel to come to San Pedro to carry out training of the new constables if necessary. He stated that Special Constables are civilian volunteers who are given a special status under the law by the Commissioner of Police. These constables have full powers of police officers in the community they live and serve and they work in support of the police. He noted the Crime Committee will serve as advisors and monitor the constables focusing on the social/community side of the partnership.

Hon. Patty Arceo applauded Superintendent Orio for his special work during Hurricane Mitch, and commended Permanent Secretary Usher for sending Belize Defense Force (BDF) soldiers to patrol after the storm. She praised the turn out of new volunteers and the return of the past ones. Patty ended, "We need to protect our industry. This is what puts bread and butter on our table."

Mr. Ramon Nuñez then read the list of new members consisting of: Edgar Chan, Wilbert Magaña, Ismael Lopez, Elvis Roca, Neri Ramirez, Gary Cooper, Santiago Acosta, Wynott Ardon, Edgar Miranda, Manuel Muñoz, Arturo Delgado, Gildardo Cardona, Cristobal Cruz and Alberto Caliz.

Comments or suggestions about the new constabulary are to contact Superintendent Rudolph Orio at the San Pedro Police Department, 026-2022.

Commissioner of Police Ornel Brooks, Permanent Secretary Alan Usher, Hon. Patty Arceo, Hon. Jorge Espat, Mayor Nuñez and Ramon Nuñez

	Special Constables recruited for San Pedro

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