Prime Minister Directs Police Commissioner to Step Aside as Budna Probe Deepens

Prime Minister John Briceño has directed Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado to proceed on a 45-day leave of absence, effective immediately, following concerns over the Police Department’s handling of the high-profile Budna matter.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Prime Minister confirmed that he received the Police Department’s investigative report on the Budna matter from Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Kareem Musa, on September 5. After reviewing the report, Briceño described it as incomplete and unsatisfactory, prompting immediate action at the highest levels of law enforcement.

Effective immediately, Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado has been instructed to proceed on a 45-day leave of absence. The Prime Minister emphasized that this decision was necessary given the seriousness of the allegations facing the Police Department, the high level of public scrutiny, and the shortcomings of the preliminary report.

“The leave of absence is proper and proportionate at this time,” Briceño said, noting that Dr. Rosado himself had readily agreed to step aside to allow the investigation to continue free from any perception of conflict or undue influence.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Bart Jones has been appointed as Acting Commissioner during Rosado’s absence. The Prime Minister assured the public that both Rosado and Jones have given their full commitment to Minister Musa to ensure the smooth continuity of Police Department operations throughout this transition period.

At the same time, further disciplinary measures have already been taken. As of September 7, Police Officer Barrington Flowers was placed on interdiction based on information contained in the preliminary report.

To accelerate the completion of the inquiry, Acting Commissioner Jones has recommended that Deputy Commissioner Suzette Anderson take over responsibility for the Budna investigation. She has been directed to submit a comprehensive and conclusive report by the end of September.

Once this final report is delivered, the Prime Minister and Cabinet are expected to act swiftly on its findings and recommendations.

“Today’s decisions are a result of public information and the preliminary report regarding the Budna matter,” Briceño explained. “The rule of law and the reputation of the Police Department are of foremost consideration. We owe it to the Belizean people to ensure that justice is pursued without fear or favor.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police Department will provide periodic updates as the investigation proceeds. For now, the public is being assured that the government remains focused on transparency and accountability as it navigates what has become one of the most closely watched cases in recent years.