B.D.F. Soldiers Awarded at Traditional Christmas Luncheon

There are many holiday events at this time of the year, but one of the most festive is the traditional Christmas luncheon at the Price Barracks. News Five’s Duane Moody joined the B.D.F soldiers today.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Today, senior officials of the Ministry of National Defense and National Security along with representatives from the various law enforcement agencies in Belize gathered at Price Barracks in Ladyville for the annual luncheon hosted by the Belize Defence Force. The traditional event recognises the work of the B.D.F. and honors their efforts.

Col. Azariel Loria, Acting Commander, B.D.F.

Col. Azariel Loria

“Another year has gone by as challenging as last year because we have not been operating under normal circumstances and in a normal environment. Some would say we have been battling a global biological war in addition to regional transnational threats that we are currently facing. Our magnificent soldiers, even in the thick of it, you have remained focus; you have remained professional in the execution of your military tasks. You have been conducting bi-national link-up patrols along our borders in the so-called adjacency zone with the Guatemalan military patrols. You have been contributing to the counter narcotics efforts and have been extremely successful in the interdiction of drug planes, its cargo and putting a large dent in the emaciations of the cartels that persist in using Belize as an in-transit route.”

At around midday Prime Minister John Briceño arrived at Price Barracks and after a brief presentation of the guard, by a complement of soldiers, the official ceremonies began. The PM says that showing appreciation to security forces is only fitting because the force keeps Belize and its citizenry safe.

John Briceño

Prime Minister John Briceño

“As the Prime Minister of this country, I think it is important for me to show a sense of appreciation to all our service personnel, all security forces – from the police, B.D.F. and the coast guard. It was unfortunate that I could not have attended the [police] passing out parade last week Friday, but today I made a special effort to be here with the B.D.F. I was way down in Sarteneja so thanks to the B.D.F. that I managed to get here early on time. It is just a simple gesture, at least on my part, that we can serve them today because they have been serving us valiantly every single day of the year. And whilst we may be at home safe and sound, enjoying the comforts our beds and our families, they are out there in the bush, in the deep jungles and the mountains and even in our urban areas in helping us keep Belize secure.”

During the ceremony, several awards were also issued to soldiers for various accomplishments.

Duane Moody for News Five.