Steven Ortega Rises to the Top of the B.D.F.

Steven Ortega

Bomb Expert and Commander of the Belize Defense Force, Brigadier General David Jones, is currently on pre-retirement leave after almost two decades of service with the force. But who will be moving up? Minister of Defense John Saldivar told News Five today that the current acting commander, Colonel Steven Ortega is the most senior officer in the force and after a vetting process; his name has been submitted to the Governor General for ascension following Jones’ demitting of office.

John Saldivar, Minister of Defense

“The decision has already been made and forwarded to the Governor General for Colonel Ortega to take over command upon the retirement of General Jones. So General Jones is currently on pre-retirement leave and so Colonel Ortega is holding over until then and at the end of that leave, Colonel Ortega will be installed as the new general and promoted.”

John Saldivar

Duane Moody

“Sir is there a process in determining who is the person to replace [him]?”

John Saldivar

“The first part of that process is for the general to make his comments upon his officers and their fitness to take up this position; that is taking into consideration by the ministry, the Prime Minister and the National Security Council. And once we agree on it, it is forwarded to the Governor General. Colonel Ortega is the most senior person in the B.D.F. at this point.”