Brigadier General Responds to Lack of Communication Equipment

Back to the press conference on the B.D.F. helicopter crash. As you’ve heard at the top of the newscast, the issue of communication onboard the chopper that morning of the tragic crash remains a matter of contention. Both the Minister of National Security and the Commander of Belize Defense Force have expressed concerns about the B.D.F. not having the equipment that they need to work with it. Today, Commander Steven Ortega responded to questions about equipment needs, specifically, radio communication.

Reporter

“Have you in the past, passed on a concern to your higher ups that there was no radio communication available for the men in the air wing and that they had to be relying on WhatsApp?”

Steven Ortega

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega, Commander, B.D.F.

“The ministry has a list of requirements from us.”

Reporter

“What does that mean?”

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega

“A list of requirements; resources that is required.”

Reporter

“Meaning that you have made a request to the Ministry for such equipment; for appropriate equipment?”

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega

“Various equipment. Various equipment.”

Reporter

“Did radio include one of them? How long ago was that made?”

Michael Peyrefitte

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega

“We do it every year around the budget time.”

Reporter

“So, then no radios were gotten last year or the year before since the airwing became operational, when you got these two helicopters?”

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega

“That answers it. That answers your question – you answered your question. We have requested.”

Michael Peyrefitte, Minister of National Security

“The answer is no!”

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega, Commander, B.D.F.

“We have requested. What else can I say?”