What are the Political Implications of the Ministry of National Security Saying ‘Yes’ to the I.C.J.?

Taking such a public position is unprecedented because the I.C.J. vote is a controversial and emotional issue with political implications. The position of the top brass of the security forces begs many questions: what if the officers and rank and file feel differently? Have the security forces taken a political position, and given up their neutrality? If there are demonstrations against the I.C.J. vote or any type of civil disobedience, how will the security forces react?  Today, former B.D.F. Major, Lloyd Jones gave his perspective on the statements made by the commanders.

On the Phone: Lloyd Jones, Former B.D.F. Major

“I could not understand and I still cannot understand how the chiefs of the security arm could have allowed themselves to be dragged into what, for all intend and purposes, is a political issue. The security forces are defined by the constitution as disciplined forces and clearly they hold the responsibility for the security of Belize both external security as well as internal security in the case of the police department. They have no place, absolutely no business in political matters. If the Ministry of National Security was interested in forming and formulating an official position on the I.C.J. as the C.E.O said they were, then there is no harm in getting the staff of the security forces, the chiefs of the security forces to have input into that official position. But having formed that official position it was the duty of the Minister and his C.E.O. to share that with the Belize people not the heads of the security forces. I am inclined to believe that this is a clear demonstration of the level to which politics has permeated our security forces and I am disturbed by it to be very honest with you.”

Monday’s OYE segment will be repeated on Wednesday evening at nine o’clock at the request of many viewers.