PM Serves B.D.F Soldiers Lunch

The annual serving of Christmas lunch by the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense to the rank and file of the Belize Defense Force has been in place for decades now. Today, that courtesy was extended to the soldiers at the B.D.F. Hangar and News Five was on hand to capture the moment. It’s the third year that Prime Minister John Briceño has been invited to do the honours and today he and the Minister of Defense, Florencio Marin, Junior, and B.D.F. Commandant, Azariel Loria spoke about the symbolism of the gesture.

Prime Minister John Briceño

Prime Minister John Briceño

“To me it is just a small gesture of us showing the appreciation of the work of the B.D.F., because many times you don’t think about the work that they do.  They’re not only protecting us from the border, but they’re protecting us against drug trafficking, destroying drugs that they find out in the jungle. They do so many things. In the city, whenever there’s a flare-up, you know, amongst rival groups, they would also walk along with the police to try to be able to create some peace. So, you know, when Brigadier-General Loria then asked if I would be prepared to come, well, three years ago when I was first asked, I said of course. I must could find some time to be here and to serve them, and I find great satisfaction in doing that.”

Florencio Marin

Florencio Marin, Junior, Minister of Defense

“They’re the ones out there in the field. They’re the ones doing all the hard work, you know. I mean, we’re just the ones who give the directives, so the least we can do is just to show our appreciation to them annually.”

Azariel Loria

Brigadier-General Azariel Loria, Commandant, B.D.F

“It’s a pleasure for me to serve at least for one day my N.C.Os and my subordinates for the year. So we are elated to have the leadership of the country here today as well with us helping the B.D.F and the officers to serve the soldiers for what they have done through the course of the year.”