B.D.F. soldiers appreciated for outstanding performance

They often go beyond the line of duty and are relied upon to defend our territory and keep our sovereignty intact and today the soldiers that make up the Belize Defense Force were given recognition at their annual Christmas party. Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, was on hand.

Today’s even was complete with all the trimmings and to top it off, soldiers who tirelessly displayed dedication throughout the past year received gifts. Prime Minister Barrow said while the gesture is displayed only once a year, it is important to show appreciation for the hard work rendered by the soldiers.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow
“We all talk about the tremendous sacrifices that we know the soldiers of the Belize Defense Force make in order to keep us safe, in order to preserve our territorial integrity. When we get a chance to offer a gesture such as today’s, I think it’s very, very important indeed.”

“All of us would have taken note of the fact that their patrols are becoming increasingly forked. They have been shot at in a number of occasions and so in a very real way they literally put their lives on the line. I think it’s very, very important that they be told and they be shown that as a nation we are extremely grateful.”

Marion Ali
“You also brought up the issue of the I.C.J. earlier.”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow
“Yeah, because I’m saying that we couldn’t have reached this stage had it not been for them. If they hadn’t been so effective in maintaining our territorial integrity we might not have had a country today. In any event, they will be called upon now to continue to act as soldiers, continue to defend us, but to be particularly sensitive in view of the way the relations are developing between us and Guatemala. So they’re soldiers but they’re more than soldiers.”

Brigadier General Dario Tapia
“It’s something that the soldiers look forward to every year and the officers look forward to every year. The tradition is that this is the only time that the officers would serve the soldiers a meal; normally it’s the reverse order. But part of the tradition is that we thank the soldiers for heeding to our command throughout the year and this is our thank you. And we are saying thank you to them for giving us their support and heeding to the orders over the last year. It’s a tradition that is important to them and we intend to keep it that way for as long as we can.”

Marion Ali
“Tell us what comes at a time, at least this year, when Belize goes—at least the proposal is there—when Belize goes to the I.C.J. with Guatemala.”

Brig. Gen. Dario Tapia
“Well, yes, the compromis are signed and we certainly have a role to play; the Belize Defence Force, in maintaining our border and maintaining what’s along the border.”

Marion Ali
“Okay, and the presence there, is it a touchy one along the borders? What’s the feeling like with our soldiers along the border with Guatemala?”

Brig Gen. Dario Tapia
“Well, they know that it’s their job to be along the border, to be in operation along the border and to be watchful. It is their job, I don’t think they are anything other than patriotic and we the officers and members of the headquarters certainly feel that that is our task, it is part of our duty and we will ensure that we do it to the best of our abilities.”