Speeches

Donation of Military Uniforms to Belize Defence Force - February 23, 2006

(L-R) Belize Defence Force Commander Brigadier General Lloyd Gillett and U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter

Commander Brigadier General Lloyd Gillett, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning. 

It is my great pleasure to present these donated items to the Belize Defence Force (BDF) on behalf of the United States Government.  I know they will be put to excellent use.   The items include such things as tents and camouflage nets.  However, the bulk of this donation is individual soldier items like Battle Dress Uniforms, boots, and rain gear.

These items were provided through the Excess Defense Articles program and funded by Foreign Military Financing or FMF - a program of grant assistance intending to support the modernization and maintenance of defense forces in developing countries with firm democratic traditions. This program has been used in the past to provide weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and other items.  In the near future the FMF program will also provide M4 carbines, body armor, radios, and other mission essential equipment that will assist the BDF in fielding a Counter Terrorism platoon.

It brings me special pleasure to donate these particular items today because they will be issued directly to the most essential element of Belize’s security - the BDF soldiers. The Battle Dress Uniform, or BDU, has passed the most critical test: gaining the soldiers' acceptance. They have proven to be functional, rugged, and comfortable. 

Let me close by saying that I look forward to continuing our close relationship with Brigadier General Gillett and the Belize Defence Force.  I continue to be astonished at the operational tempo, and the breadth of missions that the BDF executes on a daily basis in support of the Government of Belize.  It is personally gratifying to have this opportunity to assist this highly trained professional force in some small manner.

I also want to acknowledge our Military Liaison Office: Col. David Treleaven, Major Virginia Cordery, Chief Andrew Smith, Natalie Fuller and Eammon Gillett for their assistance in making this possible.

Thank you.