BDF receives new equipment
While Guatemala tries to deal with the relocation of the three illegal settlements of Machaquila, Rio Blanco and Valentin Camp, as well as the recently discovered encampment at Edwards Central, the Belize Defence Force remains active in the border area as the guarantor of the nation’s territorial sovereignty. Today the man who holds the portfolio for Belize’s security sent the message that the army will not be left under-equipped.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
Minister of National Security Jorge Espat spoke with his checkbook today to eliminate any doubt that the BDF lacks the means to guard our sovereignty. This afternoon he presented over four hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars worth of equipment to enhance the military’s defensive capabilities.
Cedric Borland, Commandant General
“We have received a large track of training ammunition, some VHF radios, four outboard engines with two hundred horse power. We also received some auxiliaries for the maritime wing in addition to some field ration, and some digital cameras that we will be using out in the field.”
Jorge Espat, Minister of National Security
“It is indicative of government’s seriousness and commitment to investing in the Belize Defence Force because we are committed to having a professional and well equipped army. And I think this is the first of many deliveries we are going to provide to the Belize Defence Force.”
Paul Garcia, Warrant Officer, BDF
“The equipment along with the ammunition definitely will benefit us. We do have, but we’re looking to get more because of the size of the force.”
Private Elwin Willoughby
“I think that the generators will be good to operate in the Mountain Pine Ridge area to support the soldiers with lights, and play some music when you are in the jungle. They will come in good right now because I am looking to head into the Machaquila area to deal with the situation out there.”
The arrival of the equipment is timely because the BDF might play a pivotal role in the removal of Guatemalans from the illegal settlements of Valentin, Rio Blanco and Machaquila, not to mention any additional incursions.
Cedric Borland
“Right now, I believe they are working on the diplomatic front to see if they can be removed from the area through that means. I have of course have considered my role if there is a need to use military intervention, but I’m afraid I’m not going to disclose it at this time.”
Jose Sanchez
“What kind of communication if any does the BDF have with the settlements?”
Cedric Borland
“Presently we have VHF communications, so we are able to speak from this headquarter directly with the troops on the ground. As a matter of fact we were speaking with them about five minutes ago. The next equipment we have received, what we are going to do is transmit images straight from the field right back to the headquarters. We have just received some new digital cameras, and to go along with the cameras will be this new radio equipment. They will be given a laptop out there and they will be able to shoot the film out there and transmit it through the radio system back into the headquarters. So within a few seconds we’ll be having the image on our computer in force headquarters. That will enable us to make timely decisions for situations that arise, particularly on these patrols out in the fields.”
Reporting for News 5, Jose Sanchez.
Espat said that more equipment will be arriving over the next few months.
