Salvation Army expels Belize Commander

For the better part of eight decades, the Salvation Army in Belize has been a beacon of hope and comfort for the indigent. And while public support for the organisation has been unwavering over the years, a major transgression by the man selected to lead the local congregation has put a blemish on the Army’s service to the country. According to reports just now being made public, Regional Commander, Captain James Garth has been dishonourably discharged, stripped of his rank, relieved of his duties and banished from public service in Belize. This follows several reports of financial and personal improprieties, which forced a visit from the Territorial Commander in mid-August to investigate the charges. Apparently satisfied that that Garth’s actions were serious enough to undermine the work of the Army, he was sent packing. The disgraced leader left Belize quietly two weeks ago on a one-way ticket back to his home territory of Puerto Rico. But in his wake, he left a long list of questionable deeds and thousands of dollars in personal debts accrued in the name of the Salvation Army, which the soldiers and remaining officers will nowhave to clean up. Until a new regional commander is appointed, the task of carrying on the Army’s work, which includes a primary school and homes for the elderly and homeless, has been placed on the shoulders of retired Major Hortence Tennyson.