BDF takes delivery of new equipment
It has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months, for its behaviour during the Tower Hill riot as well as its growing role in police work. But today the Belize Defence Force focussed on its core mission: that of defending the sovereignty of the nation. The occasion was the arrival of some badly needed new equipment.
Jorge Espat, Minister of Nat’l Security
“The principle of achieving a strong defence for Belize is based on having a military that is well led, well trained and well equipped. And to compliment the highly trained and motivated leadership of the Belize Defence Force, government is fulfilling its commitment to upgrade equipment and to provide resources to enable the Belize Defence Force to communicate, move and shoot.”
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
Those resources came in the form of three military vehicles. A locally made thirty-six foot patrol craft fitted with full communication and radar surveillance equipment, close to five thousand pieces of field equipment and supplies including a jungle boots, were handed over this morning at Price Barracks in Ladyville.
For his part, Brigadier General Cedric Borland says a professional army is not easy to equip and maintain.
Brigadier Gen. Cedric Borland, Commandant, BDF
“Those who provide the supplies and equipment have done their part. We the officers and soldiers must continue to do our part to sustain the growth and development. A professional and well-respected armed force is one that is disciplined and well trained. A significant part of our discipline and training is in the management and husbandry of our supplies and equipment. While there are policies and procedures in place to manage the resources, personal care and attention must be given to ensure the items are used appropriately.”
And these items were not the only donation made this morning to the B.D.F.
Jorge Espat
“I am also pleased to present a wallet of one hundred, fifty thousand dollars for the purchase of vehicle and motor spares, and the acquisition of household appliances to uplift the quality of life or our men and women in uniform.”
Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
The donation of vehicles, boat and field equipment to the BDF is valued at eight hundred and forty-five thousand dollars. Funding was provided by the governments of Belize and the United Kingdom.
