2008 Speeches

Sexual Assault Crimes Training Workshop - January 16, 2008

Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina
Belize City

Good Morning. 

(L-R) U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter, District Attorney Susan Gaertner and Police Sergeant Paul Schnell.

Before I begin my remarks, I would first like to thank the Chief Justice for his assistance in the coordination and designation of the invited guests and for his support in making it possible for so many of the magistrates and judges to attend this morning’s session.

It is my pleasure to welcome you here today and to introduce two very impressive individuals: District Attorney Susan Gaertner and Police Sergeant Paul Schnell from St. Paul, Minnesota.

I am pleased that the United States is able to provide this opportunity today to members of the Belize judiciary, the prosecutor’s office and members of the bar.  As you know, yesterday Susan and Sgt. Schnell conducted a workshop at the police academy in Belmopan for members of Belize’s law enforcement and members of the Ministry of Human Development where they discussed evidence gathering, investigation and prosecution of sexual assault crimes as well as support for the victims of these crimes.  Our hope is that sessions such at this today and workshops such as yesterday’s will provide a free-flow exchange of ideas and help create lasting partnerships that will continue into the future. 

Shortly after I arrived in Belize I was aware from reading the newspapers that sexual assault and abuse was an area where the Embassy might be able to provide some useful assistance.  I am pleased that we have been able to bring to Belize two very impressive speakers who bring a wealth of first-hand experience to share on the subject.

At the heart of U.S. efforts to assist Belize is a commitment to human dignity.  As Chief Justice Conteh noted Monday in his remarks at the ceremony for the official opening of this year’s Supreme Court term, “the weak and underage are the hapless victims” of the perpetrators of sex crimes.  Indeed, sexual assault offenders prey on the most vulnerable members of society, most often innocent women and children.  

You know that as leaders of the judiciary, you have a critical role when dealing with sexual assault crimes.  Our mutual goals are to better ensure public safety, provide compassionate support to victims of crime, and to uphold the fair and effective administration of justice. This session today is evidence of our shared commitment to those goals. 

When the U.S. assesses foreign governments’ anti-trafficking in persons efforts, we highlight the “three P’s” – prosecution, protection and prevention.  We hope the discussion today will encourage the same assessment in terms of sexual assault crimes: how effectively are cases being prosecuted; how well are victims protected; and is enough being done to prevent these crimes?

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to have the opportunity to strengthening the already robust cooperation between our law enforcement and judiciary communities.   We have much to learn from each other and by working together in forums such as this one, we can make a difference.

Thank you.