Section 1

14 Commissions of Inquiry Ch. 70. [31st August 1991.] WHEREAS, the Government of Belize is committed to a continuing process of reducing and controlling the incidence of crime in the society; AND WHEREAS, a scientific determination of the underlying causes of the contemporary problems of crime can assist the law enforcement agencies in adopting appropriate crime prevention measures; AND WHEREAS, the Government appreciates that willing cooperation of the general public is necessary for the eradication of crime; AND WHEREAS, the Prime Minister considers that it shall be for the public welfare to issue a Commission as hereinafter set forth; NOW KNOW YE that by virtue of the powers and authority in me vested by section 2 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 70 of the Laws of Belize, 1980, I do by this Commission appoint you the said HON. GLENN D. Commissions of Inquiry 15 BEVANS, and YOLANDA MURRAY, to be Commissioners for the purposes hereinafter mentioned with all the powers by the said Act conferred and I do authorise you the said Commissioners in the manner in the said Act provided to make a full, faithful and impartial inquiry into the incidence of crime in the Belizean society, with special reference to the following matters, to wit– (a) to determine the nature and extent of crime in Belize; (b) to determine the underlying causes of the contemporary problems of crime; (c) to determine the adequacy or otherwise of the law enforcement agencies to combat crime; (d) to determine the adequacy or otherwise of the existing laws to effectively deal with crime; (e) to hear and inquire into any matter relating to the above; (f) to make recommendations for controlling the incidence of crime with a view to making Belize a crime-free society. I DIRECT that you the said HON. GLENN D. GODFREY shall be the Chairman of the said Commission to hold the Inquiry aforesaid, and I also direct that each of you having made and subscribed an oath or affirmation as required by law and having deposited the same with the Secretary to the Cabinet, you do hold your meetings at such place or places and at such time or times as you the said Commissioners may 16 Commissions of Inquiry appoint and that you the said Commissioners do make report as soon as may be practicable of the result of your inquiry with such comments and recommendations as you may think fit, furnishing me with a full statement of your proceedings and of the reasons leading to the conclusions and recommendations at which you may arrive or report. I DO HEREBY DIRECT that the Inquiry shall, except when you deem it necessary or advisable to do otherwise, be held in public. AND I DO HEREBY REQUIRE AND DIRECT that all public officers and other persons to whom you may apply for assistance or information for the purposes of your investigation to render all such assistance and furnish all such information as may be rendered and furnished in that behalf. MADE at Belize City This 28th Day of August, 1991. Prime Minister