Tag:
Belize Defence Force
Government
High Level Belizean Defence Leaders Discuss Strategy and Cooperation with US Counterparts
A high-level delegation of senior Belizean defence leaders led by the Minister of National Defence and Border Security, Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., returned to Belize this weekend after a series of meetings with US defense officials in the National Capital Region last week.
Community and Society
Belize Port Authority Hosts Maritime Summer Camp
The Belize Port Authority (BPA) hosted a week-long summer camp for the youth of Ambergris Caye from August 5th to August 9th. The camp took place at San Pedro Lions Den and attracted 28 children. The program aimed to involve the campers in enriching maritime experiences and provide them with insight into the BPA's daily activities.
Accidents & Disasters
Wildfires threatening Belize’s eco-tourism on the mainland
As of May 26th, wildfires have severely impacted several locations in Belize, including the Toledo District and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Cayo District. In Toledo, large tracts of agricultural land have been destroyed, while national parks and even communities have been affected in Cayo. Volunteers and officials from government and non-governmental agencies have been collectively battling the flames that displace wildlife, destroy habitats, and threaten the livelihood of thousands in the tourism industry in western Belize.
Crime & Violence
San Pedro Police staying vigilant following State of Emergency declared on the mainland
Since March 26th, a state of emergency (SOE) has been implemented in some regions of southside Belize City, Hattieville Village, and Roaring Creek Village in the Cayo District. The motive behind this was to prevent any retaliation following three murders, one of which was a police officer. The police officers and Belize Defence Force soldiers have been targeting possible gang members in these areas. Therefore, many of them have fled to other parts of the country, including San Pedro Town. In the past week, the San Pedro Police Formation detained and removed several of these suspected gang members from the island.
Government
Belize troops training in Jamaica for possible deployment to Haiti
A group of 31 soldiers from the Belize Defence Force (BDF) and 20 Belize Coast Guard (BCG) members, along with their commanding officer, BDF Major Ermil Coh, are currently in Jamaica for a month-long training program. The purpose of the training is to prepare them to join a multinational force that will be deployed to Haiti, which is currently experiencing an escalation in violence. The multinational task force comprises troops from various CARICOM member states, intending to support the Haitian National Police Force in restoring security in the country.
Government
Cabinet Brief for January 25, 2024
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met on 22nd January 2024.
Conservation
Cultivation of Narcotics and Deforestation reported in the Chiquibul National Park
The Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), the guardians of the Chiquibul National Rainforest Reserve in western Belize, have reported the cultivation of narcotics, including Marijuana and coca plants, in the national park. The finding is worrisome as the activity is reported deeper in Belizean territory. Another problem is deforestation, which threatens the national park.
Crime & Violence
Over 900 illegal firearms destroyed by law enforcement officers
A record number of firearms were destroyed on Friday, January 19th, at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan City. The 900-plus illegal weapons were seized from across the country throughout the past years. The Firearm Destruction Initiative is a collaborative project between Belize's law enforcement agents, the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS), the Mine Advisory Group (MAG), and the British High Commission.
