Dear Mr. Webster,
It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Further to the discussion at the Ombudsman Reports Committee Meeting for 2013, held on Tuesday 18th March, I am hereby submitting written request for a status update on the recommendations made for 2012 and previous years.
Additionally, as there were no formal recommendations for two of the three departments receiving most complaints for the year 2013, namely the police and lands department, for the record and per your advice, I am re-submitting my recommendations for these departments here:
Police Department Recommendation
Given the high number of allegations of police misconduct, police officers, particularly members of the GSU, should wear body cams in the conduct of their duties. As described by a public service message which the Human Rights commission of Belize began circulating this very week, “cameras provide accountability and provide an objective reference for all parties involved”. As a preventative measure, this would reduce the number of brutality and other complaints that end up at the Ombudsman’s office as well as providing evidence in cases that do occur and vindication in cases where officers are wrongly accused. As I indicated at the meeting, such cameras are on the market for as little as $300US.
Lands Department Recommendation
Every land transaction should be be logged in real time in an online public database. This should include everything from inquiries (accompanied by department responses) to issuance of leases and titles. Furthermore, it is recommended that the database front end enables public queries on who owns what, what’s available, what’s on hold, and what’s in process, cost to purchase, current values etc.
I would be grateful if you could advise me to whom and how I might further direct these recommendations to ensure that they receive fair and meaningful consideration if not implementation.
Last but not least, I would be grateful too if you would be so kind as to include my address, samiyyah@belizeunboxed.com, on the mailing list for future communications from your office.
Very best regards,
Samiyyah Andrewin-Miranda
Founder, Belize UNBOXED
Samiyyah@BelizeUnboxed.com
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