Can New Home Affairs Minister Secure Corozal Free Zone?

In a strategic move to enhance security and streamline governance, Prime Minister John Briceño has merged the Ministry of Enterprise with the Ministry of Home Affairs. This decision comes amid growing concerns over safety in the Corozal Free Zone, a critical economic hub. The newly appointed Minister of Home Affairs, Oscar Mira, has outlined his immediate priorities to address these issues. Mira emphasized his commitment to ensuring a secure environment for businesses to operate without fear. ‘I am scheduled to meet with the CEO of the Freezone and the chairman of the board shortly,’ Mira stated. ‘Our goal is to thoroughly examine all aspects and ensure that businesses can thrive in a safe and secure environment.’ While Mira acknowledged that he has yet to receive a comprehensive briefing on the current situation, he assured that his team would mobilize all necessary resources to address any security challenges. When questioned about the police department’s capacity to counter alleged cartel influence in the Freezone, Mira responded cautiously, stating, ‘I need to understand the specifics of these allegations first. Our focus is on pooling all resources to make the area safe for business.’ This development underscores the government’s proactive approach to safeguarding economic interests while addressing security concerns in the region.