Friday, August 07, 2015. Aaron Humes Reporting: The Belize Defence Force (BDF) has added 81 members to its ranks. The new soldiers passed out at a formal parade at the army’s headquarters in Ladyville. Commander Brigadier General David Jones spoke to the level of training they experienced en route to becoming a part of the nation’s fighting force – physical, tactical and operational.
He expects they will contribute greatly to the Force’s defense plans.
Minister of National Security John Saldivar spoke to the efforts his Ministry has made to beef up the capacities of the tri-point of national security forces – Police, BDF and Coast Guard.
Over 1,000 persons have been hired in the three forces since 2012, costing over $10 million, and there is more to come in training, equipment and new bases.
Most of the BDF’s operations have shifted to the border from domestic crime in Belize City.
is the Force prevented from carrying out its duties along the borders in the west and south? Jones says that though they don’t have to, they do check with the Guatemalans on activities in the Sarstoon River but Belize has jurisdiction above the Sarstoon Island in the North.
The CBM speaks to bases in the west, not the south, and it is expected that the two countries cooperate otherwise.