2008 Speeches

Handing Over Ceremony for GPOI Equipment and FMS Cessna Engine to the Belize Defence Force (January 29, 2008)

Price Barracks
Ladyville, Belize

(L-R) U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter speaks with U.S. Military Liaison Office Chief LTC Tammy McNamara and Belize Defence Force Deputy Commander Colonel Dario Tapia

Good Morning. 

It is my great pleasure to represent the United States Government today at the handing over ceremony of equipment donated to the Belize Defence Force under the Department of State’s Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative, otherwise known as GPOI.  A selection of the items received are displayed behind us and range from large generators to rain ponchos, field packs with frames, jungle hammocks and 5 gallon water jugs to name just a few.  This is just the first shipment of equipment to arrive.  The total cost all equipment ordered for delivery to Belize under GPOI is valued at approximately US $500,000. 

GPOI is a presidential initiative to increase the capacity of countries to deploy to international peace support operations (PSO).  It is a five-year program that began in 2005, and is addressing key gaps in global peacekeeping capacity by:  1) training 75,000 peace support troops worldwide; 2) increasing the number of constabulary police units deployable to international operations; and 3) facilitating deployment of PSO units by helping to provide equipment, transportation, and sustainment in the field.

We are also here to turn over a Cessna aircraft engine that was purchased through the Foreign Military Financing program.  The Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program provides grants and loans to help countries purchase U.S.-produced defense equipment, defense services, and military training.  This engine cost approximately US $34,000.  I am pleased to see that this Cessna aircraft will now be operational and once again in service to assist the BDF air wing as it carries-out its mission to combat transnational threats.

Let us not forget that this equipment is being provided to the State Department by the people of the United States for us to transfer it to the BDF to assist you in carry out your mission to protect the security of the people of Belize.  It is a people to people initiative. 

I am proud of this donation, and proud of the U.S. Mission’s work with the Belize Defence Force.  It is another example of good work through partnership.

Let me close by saying that I look forward to continuing our close relationship with the Belize Defence Force.  Thank you all for attending.