Private Micah Miguel’s Death: Ministry of Human Development Now Investigating
Micah Miguel
The Court of Inquiry, an internal process by the Belize Defence Force, into the circumstances under which B.D.F. Private Micah Miguel took her own life continues. When the incident came to light back in early August, allegations of sexual assault of the former soldier also surfaced. Since then, the Belize Police Department has been investigating and there was a request from the Ministry of Human Development to join the process. Today, when the media caught up with Brigadier General Azariel Loria, he was asked for an update on the internal investigation. He disclosed that the findings cannot be shared publicly.
General Azariel Loria
Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander, B.D.F.
“We are about to conclude our court of inquiry. It started Monday with the Ministry of Human Development where they have started their interviews with certain members of the force. So that is how we are going. It is unfortunate that the Court of Inquiry is classified and I will not be able to share the actual contents of the investigation because one of our doctors is heading it and we realise that because of the sensitivity of what transpired, a doctor would be more than qualified to conduct that confidentially. If there was foul play, she will be able to communicate it to me and me to the ministry. If there are any wrongdoings, then we will proceed to correct the issues. But at this point in time, I more or less have some findings that the doctor has briefed me about, but I cannot say here what the actual results of the investigation were.”
Reporter
“After the Court of Inquiry concludes, what’s the next step after that?”
Brigadier General Azariel Loria
“The next step, we will be waiting for the results of the investigation conducted by the Ministry of Human Development. And from there, they will submit their findings and recommendations and whatever recommendations they forward to us, we will have to see what it is and take action.”
