By Belize Live News Staff: Weeks before he was replaced, Julius Espat made it clear he was frustrated with being left in limbo.
Speaking to the media last week, the then Home Affairs Minister said the uncertainty over who would permanently lead the police was not healthy for anyone.
“A decision has to be made,” Espat said. “The limbo in management is the worst.”
He went further, urging the Prime Minister to choose a minister he trusted and that police officers and the public were comfortable with, promising his full support either way.
“Put a minister, any minister, bring him from Timbuktu if you want,” he said.
When asked if he still wanted the job, Espat admitted his interest was fading.
“That is waning. I’m not too sure,” he said, blaming the uncertainty.
He also said that if the Prime Minister saw him as an asset to the department, he would stay.
In the end, Briceño chose Cayo North Area Representative Michel Chebat, who now oversees both the Police and the Belize Defence Force while keeping Energy and Ports.
Espat accepted the decision gracefully, thanking officers for their service and sacrifice.
But many Belizeans, and more than 100 police officers who signed a petition, believed he should have stayed.
Now we want to hear from you.
Should the Prime Minister have left Julius Espat in charge of the police? Did he do enough in his three months to earn the job? Or is Michel Chebat the right choice to lead National Security?
Tell us what you think in the comments.
