Soldiers honored at annual B.D.F. Christmas Luncheon

The annual B.D.F. Christmas luncheon took place today at Price Barracks. Brigadier General David Jones was in high spirits; the force has had a good year having received a number of gifts to boost their work. The soldiers were also in a celebratory mood, a number of them were honored for service. Duane Moody was also on hand for the celebration.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Hundreds of soldiers of the Belize Defense Force were treated to lunch this afternoon and honored by the top brass of the B.D.F. It is a way for the officers and senior staff to show their appreciation for the soldiers. Outstanding officers in 2013 were also awarded during the ceremonies held at Price Barracks. According to Brigadier General David Jones, 2014 will also be a good year, but a busier one.  Jones asks his officers to maintain their integrity.

Brigadier General David Jones, Commander, Belize Defense Force

David Jones

“The year 2013 has been kind to us as we have received a great deal of gifts: boats, vehicles and many other equipments that has increased our capacity and operational effectiveness. Despite our achievements this year, in order to achieve my vision for us to have a credible defense force to respond to the needs, challenges and threats facing our nation. My main message to you today is to keep your integrity and don’t ever have it be put in question. Despite our challenges, we are willing to continue that journey to the path of achieving our vision.”

Private 227435 Deela Garnett has been a soldier with the force for the past six years and has been working with the force police. And today, as one of the few females in the ranks, she was elated to be awarded as Best Female Soldier 2013.

Deela Garnett

Private Deela Garnett, Best Female Soldier 2013

“At my department what we do is ensure that the soldier is properly dressed on base and properly dressed also working downtown Belize and ensure that they are doing the right things on camp.”

Reporter

“What advice would you give to other females out there that would like to join?”

Private Deela Garnett

“I would encourage them to come and join the Belize Defense Force because it is very nice; hard training but everything just goes with your mind. It’s a mind game and you just have to put hard effort in what you do to become a female B.D.F. soldier.”

Gilberto Coh

Platoon Sergeant 227185 Gilberto Coh is a training instructor in the force. With nine and a half years of service with the Belize Defense Force, Coh and several others used their experience to their advantage and were awarded for the annual physical fitness test for which they received perfect scores overall.

Sgt. Gilberto Coh, Physical Fitness Awardee

“The annual physical fitness test is a test that composes of three sections. You have to be able to do an amount of sit ups a certain time, pushups as well and a two-mile run. These fitness tests come with a lot of work out if you want to achieve a hundred percent.”

Elijio Tzub

Private Elijio Tzub, Physical Fitness Awardee

“Like how I just finished my assistant physical training inspector course, it was not much as difficult for me. But I have to maintain that physical standard in order for me to keep up my physical standard.”

Reporter

“What advice would you give to those young men who really don’t have any other aspirations in terms of career? Would you advice them to join the B.D.F.?”

Private Elijio Tzub

“Yes, I would advise them to join the B.D.F. It is an adventure. You do learn other new things like military tactics, everything. Mostly, you will learn new things.”

George Lovell

C.E.O. in the Ministry of National Security, Retired Colonel George Lovell, took the opportunity to thank those in attendance for the services to the security of the country.

Col. George Lovell (Ret’d), C.E.O., Ministry of National Security

“It is occasions like these that offer me the opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you and your spouses and your family members for the tremendous sacrifice that you have given to this government and people of Belize in order that our territorial integrity remains intact and Belize remains generally free and safe from all the threats that confront us.”

During the ceremonies, a moment of silence was held for officers who perished throughout the course of the year. Duane Moody for News Five.