General Ortega on Retirement

Steven Ortega

The Belize Defense Force was first to take command of the Joint Intelligence Operation Center when it was established a few years ago.  Since then, it has led JIOC on two occasions before the post was rotated between the Belize Police Department and the Belize Coast Guard.  Commented on JIOC in an exit interview we conducted with him.  He also touched on his retirement coming at the end of a four-year tenure as commander.

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega, Commander, Belize Defense Force

“We were actually the first commander for the Joint Intelligence Operation Center.  It started off with us and we did, I think, two tenures because at the time the coast guard didn’t have anybody with the rank to fulfill that spot.  And so, we did two tenures and then it had always been on a rotational basis.”

Reporter

“So then rotation, but lasting how long?  How long is that period for?”

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega

“It depends on the C.E.O., but normally, no less than two years.  I am not being pushed out.  If you read the S.I., it’s four years as commander of the Belize Defense Force and December twenty-first is my fourth year.”

Reporter

“But has it ever happened that people get retained on contract after?”

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega

“No, it has always been [four years].  That was the new S.I., previously, it was on the discretion of the ministry.”