Former B.D.F. still trying to get his job back

Javier Castellanos

Former Deputy Commandant Javier Castellanos remains a private citizen despite a recent decision taken by the Belize Advisory Council to have him reinstated in the Belize Defense Force.  The judgment reverses the decision of the Security Services Commission in which Castellanos was wrongfully terminated from the B.D.F. in the wake of a break-in at the weapons bulk store at Price Barracks.  An arsenal of forty-two high powered weapons was stolen during the burglary which resulted in the release of four ranking officers.  Castellanos, who won on appeal, told News Five last Friday that the Ministry of National Security intends to challenge the ruling of the Belize Advisory Council in an attempt to prevent his return.  According to attorney Godfrey Smith, who is representing Castellanos, the ministry has a window of opportunity during which it can file an appeal before the Supreme Court.  Castellanos is now awaiting that motion before proceeding with the matter.