B.D.F. Adds Over 100 More Members to its Ranks
This evening, the sixty-sixth passing out ceremony since the commissioning of the Belize Defense Force in 1978, was held at Price Barracks in Ladyville. Over a hundred recruits spent the last sixteen weeks engaged in intensive training in military discipline, defensive and offensive operations, transitional operations, internal security, drill, weapon handling, and map reading. They now join the rest of the members in a career in military service. Four outstanding recruits received awards for excellence. News Five’s Marion Ali was present and filed this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Today the Belize Defense Force welcomed to its ranks one hundred and eighteen new soldiers who successfully completed sixteen weeks of rigorous training in military discipline. The sixteen females and one hundred and two males conducted their training under the supervision of Major Ivan Locario. Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, Francis Fonseca advised the recruits to use the B.D.F motto, “Shoulder to Shoulder” for more than just lip service.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology
“The Belizean people have come to depend on you, to expect greatness from you, to respect you for all you do on behalf of our nation. The motto of the Belize Defense Force is shoulder to shoulder. Please remember this at all times, and make sure that you not only say it, but also practice it in your daily work and lives. You are now brothers and sisters of the Belize Defense Force. You must value each other, respect each other, uplift each other, and honor each other.”
Champion male recruit, Gerald August was awarded for his top performance in physical training, and champion female recruit, Alberta Coh was recognized for the same award in the female category. For them, the training was tough but perseverance paid off.
Gerald August
Gerald August, Champion Male Recruit for Physical Training
“It was very hard and I have to keep myself motivated through the whole training because it was both physically and mentally challenging, but I just kept my spirit up.”
Alberta Coh
Alberta Coh, Champion Female Recruit for Physical Training
“We all managed to overcome all the challenges.”
Marion Ali
“Was the sun ever a factor?”
Alberta Coh
“Yes, it was. It was. All instructors were there to motivate us all, so, we just keep ourselves motivated and manage to be here now.”
Meanwhile, champion male recruit overall went to Adriano Ack and for the female category, that award went to Shona Cal.
Adriano Ack
Adriano Ack, Champion male recruit
“From day one when we reached here on training up to today’s date. Training wasn’t easy, it was very rigorous, but we all pushed through, you know, and here we are to the final day.”
Marion Ali
“Yeah, this must make your parents proud.”
Adriano Ack
“Yes, mom, for sure.”
Shona Cal
Shona Cal, Champion female recruit
“My aim was to complete it. And I am right here, going to pass out my other intakes. I’m happy to receive this award.”
Minister of Defense, Florencio Marin, Junior told the media that the interest in joining the B.D.F is significant, and that it is a matter of pride to do so, as he too once did.
Florencio Marin Jr.
Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Defense
“We had a lot of interest because I know, ’cause we, as politicians, we were asked to give recommendations and all that. So there was a huge amount of interest. There’s a lot of Belizeans who have this national pride. They want to be soldiers, they want to serve the country. I mean, I did it in my time. I it, I did it because I wanted to have that pride that I, in my time, in my youth and my strength. I serve my country.”
Marion Ali for News Five.
