THE BDF – CELEBRATING 32 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR NATION

Every Belizean should know the story of Sergeant Ramon Aguilar; it is one of courage, determination and is a testament to the quality of the Belizean soldier.

For nine days the entire country waited in anticipation to hear any news on a lost soldier in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. So on October 16th, 2006, when Sgt. Aguilar was found by his colleagues safe and sound, all Belizeans were happy and proud of his determination and resilience.
Sergeant Aguilar survived because he is a soldier highly trained in jungle warfare. He explained in a television interview that it was simple. He drank water from a stream, for food he ate Jute, frogs and even a snake and he sheltered in safe places.  He applied the skills he learnt in jungle warfare courses and never lost faith in the belief that his colleagues would never abandon him in the jungle.

Last Saturday, the Belize Defense Force celebrated its 32^nd Anniversary, and while Belizeans still think of the BDF as professional men and women trained for war, the BDF is much more than that.   In fact the mission statement of the BDF calls on this institution: “… to support Civil Authorities in the maintenance of Order in Belize and other duties as may from time to time be defined by the Governor General.”

In 1994, then Prime Minister Esquivel asked the Governor General of Belize for assistance from the BDF to help patrol with the Police in the streets in Belize City. Since that time, our government has asked for help from the BDF countless times.

Presently they are assisting the Police in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye in maintaining order and help to protect our citizens and tourists.  There is another request from the Village Council in Caye Caulker to help patrol the area along with the Coast Guard, the Belize Tourism Board and the Police.

Of course, whenever a national disaster strikes, the BDF is the first to be patrolling our streets and helping with the rebuilding efforts. We have seen them in action during Hurricane Mitch and also in the Corozal district when Hurricane Dean hit the North in 2006.
While they have helped us locally, the BDF has also assisted in the region. In 1994 during the civil unrest in Haiti, the BDF was deployed, first with Caricom and then with the United Nations to help restore law and order. Likewise, when Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras in 1998, the BDF was sent to assist in the rebuilding efforts of the beleaguered country. Presently, there are plans to once again send our soldiers to Haiti to assist after the devastating earthquake.
Today the BDF faces many challenges; resources are scare, demand for their assistance increases both locally and internationally. The timely procurement of supplies and uniforms are not keeping pace with the needs as the force becomes more active and engaged.

Internationally it’s even more difficult. The BDF has always depended on countries like the United Kingdom and Canada for assistance with training, equipment and scholarships. With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, these countries are cutting back their international aid. Luckily, the United States government has been assisting with donations of equipment and scholarships.

The BDF has a bright future; they are developing a National Security Strategy for Belize and working in strengthening regional and international security integration.

It is also exciting that the BDF is working with Belizean youths to build a strong cadet system; they believe strongly in youth enhancement.  At the same time, the Force is working to develop a positive resettlement plan for retiring soldiers.

Soldiers are required to retire at 45 years; after soldiering for more than 20 years, many of our BDF soldiers have no marketable skills other than to be a security guard. That is why the BDF has started a program called “Development of Positive Resettlement Plan.”  Under this plan, retiring soldiers are assisted in making career choices and being educated plumbers, mechanics, engineers and yes, as lawyers too.

Our soldiers are highly skilled in their field; they are talented and well trained. The Belize Defense Force is an exemplary force.

When I reflect on the contributions of the BDF, I am often reminded of something a former Minister, Jorge Espat, once told me about the BDF, he said: “It’s a pleasure working with such a highly trained and disciplined body like the BDF!”

As we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the BDF, I join others in saying congratulations to our Commandant, Brigadier General Dario Tapia and all our soldiers who put their lives on the line for all of us.

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