Today I paid a governmental department in Chetumal to get a service done expeditiously. Unlike in Belize, Im sure the agency would have delivered on the date they said. Whether I had paid for the quick service or not, I would have been served professionally. In spite of corruption, Mexico has paved streets. Their police force is professional, and they respond when called. They have a functional ambulance service. Immigration and customs officers are courteous and professional. Theyre proud to be Mexicans. Corruption in Belize is different because it has crippled every level of government and society. Nothing gets done without a bribe. And even if you pay the bribe, its no guarantee. Remember the minister that was paid $50,000 for land he never delivered? Our police force sufferers from low moral and criminality is rampant in the department. Instead of serving and protecting the public, we sometimes need protection from the police. A citizen is better off not having cash or valuables on hand when dealing with the police because very often you lose it. Our military lacks professionalism. Very few in the BDF carry themselves like soldiers; no military bearing. Their uniforms never seem complete. I remember coming upon the scene of an accident near BSI where a BDF soldier was guarding the injured body of a victim. He was still alive. A group of visiting tourists from a university hospital attempted several times to offer emergency medical assistance to the victim but were turned back by the BDF soldier with the wave of his weapon. He stood guard with his gun over the injured man until he died waiting for an ambulance that never came. The visiting doctors and nurses never got the chance to save the mans life. Who among us would confidently entrust the safety of our families to a BDF soldier or police in an emergency? Upon entering Belize at the northern border station, the first thing that hits you is the glare of lights. No one bothered to change the bulbs on the existing poles that flash downward and light the compound. Instead, new lights were installed at an angle that blinds the driver. There is no efficient flow, and few signs. Many Belize customs officers carry no name tag. Their shirts are unbuttoned at the top. They walk slowly with no purpose. Instead of paying duties to the government coffers, an officer will usually initiate a negotiated deal whereby the total duties payable are split in 3: one part for the importer, one part for the customs officer, and one part for GOB. I wonder if Ill ever see paved streets in my lifetime. I wonder if the police department will ever have vehicles with headlights that work. Its very unprofessional that a police vehicle runs out of diesel in my neighborhood, and they come to my home to ask for fuel. Shouldnt the government provide a sufficient amount of fuel? I gave them but was embarrassed for them. When my daughter and her boyfriend were home visiting, her boyfriends cell phone was stolen. The suspect was escorted to the police station and the phone was recovered. However, the police constable refused to turn over the phone unless my daughter paid her $20 for her work. When my daughter insisted on pressing charges, the officer could not understand why she wanted to do that, since the phone was recovered. The suspect was then released. The public service in Belize needs a makeover. Most public servants join the service not to serve Belize, but for personal enrichment. The change Belize needs cannot start from the bottom up. It needs to start from the top. Our elected leaders. We must be the only country in the world where a vigilant public is watching over government for illegal, unethical, or unscrupulous activity. Shouldnt it be the other way around? I believe government should be the regulatory body; ensuring that the rule of law prevails and equal justice for all. Just saying we love Belize is not enough.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 04:03:45 +0000
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