B.D.F. Light Engineering Company helps Haiti in time of need
Normally it’s the Peace Corps or the Red Cross that is deployed around the world in times of disaster. But last year the Belize Defense Force sent a Company to assist Haitians in their recovery effort. It’s a year later since the earthquake and there is still much more to be done for residents of the island nation. And that is why the Belize Defense Force’s Light Engineering Company has been deployed once again to Haiti. B.D.F.’s Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel David Jones told us more about the work the Company will be doing.
Lieutenant Colonel David Jones, B.D.F. Chief of Staff
David Jones
“We had thirty members of the light engineering company who were deployed to Haiti yesterday. There will be two contingents. The first one left yesterday and will return on the twenty-eight of next month and the second contingent will deploy on the twenty-sixth of May and will finally return on the twenty-fifth of June. They have deployed to take part in the humanitarian assistance that is going towards Haiti because of the earthquake that occurred in their country. They will be working on schools, clinics, latrines and basic engineering projects that either the government or people of Haiti might require from us.”
Jose Sanchez
“How often does the troop go to Haiti? I know that you’ve done it before.”
Lt. Col. David Jones
“In regards to humanitarian assistance, this is the second tour for the B.D.F. engineers. We’ve had tour last year that started in June and ended in September. We had three contingents that went through—each of them did a thirty day rotation. This time we are only sending two rotations. This is only the second time we are doing Haiti in humanitarian efforts. Since we had the light engineering company, of which has skills such as plumping, masonry, welding electrical, all the engineering skills that you need within the unit, they possess it. And last year when they deployed they did an exceptional job. The government and people of Haiti were very appreciative, the Louisiana National Guard and members of the U.S. Army were very much impressed with the Belize Defense Force soldiers. So they’ve asked again if we can go back. So the guys are gaining some valuable experiences as well because they are interacting with the people, they are learning what are their trials and tribulations and they see the appreciation in their face and they are learning different cultures and they feel the appreciation to be performing such a humanitarian task.”
Jose Sanchez
“And it also helps to prepare them in case for future disasters in Belize.”
Lt. Col. David Jones
“And if a disaster does occur in Belize—be it hurricane or whatever natural disaster—this is the primary unit that we will be relying on. The light engineering company because they have a variety of skills, they have the necessary resources to respond to any disaster to lead the country into any recovery efforts.”
The contingent returns in May when another will be deployed for one month. According to the B.D.F., the mission will assist the force to broaden its training opportunities, which will come in handy in the event of any natural disasters in Belize.
Good experience, good will, good karma. Three cheers for the BDF!
We need help here in Belize why are they going to Haiti I’ll tell you why because this pm is nothing mrs than a lackey for the us gov. They are forcing Belize to go help there because they don’t want to do it and since this pm is obamas lap dog we are sending our people who are desperately needed here in our country. Resign barrow you are a failure and a lap dog.
It is good for Belizean ego to hear that our boys are carrying overseas humanitarian efforts and it is good for the B.D.F. engineering wing cause they get first-hand experience. Please correct me if wrong but, I understand that this Belize military wing was financed and trained by the U.S. of A. to respond and serve when and go where uncle Sam calls and sends. What I cannot understand is why up to now G.O.B. has not used this asset to build the Kendall Bridge. The rainny season is a month away and Belizean brothers and sisters along with tourists will be stranded for days on the Southern Highway and at the mercy of the mosquitoes. People may think I am insensitive and sarcastic but I thought CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME.
AND…………WHAT ARE WE GOING TO SEND TO THE JAPANESE?????????
They had a MAJOR TRAGEDY……………..
HAVEN’T THEY BEEN GENEROUS TO US????????????????
WE NEED TO SEND THEM SOMETHING…….. even if it’s only symbolic.
Rod my dear.. u need some HELP! lol.. poa thing
what they need to do is explain what happened to the money that the got to give to the guys to take as pocket money and y is it that they obnky got 200 us when they got about 1000 belize dollars for each soldier that they were to get to take alomg with them. this is the third rotation my husband is going on and its a shame what they did to these guys this trip… its a darn shame…. thats what they should be talking about……….