2005 Speeches

Belize Defence Force receives fleet of vehicles from U.S. Government - October 31, 2005

(L-R) BDF Commandant BG Lloyd Gillett, Minister of Defence Vildo Marin, and U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter

Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning. 

It is my great pleasure to transfer these 10 troop-carrying trucks to the Belize Defense Force on behalf of the United States Government.  I know they will be put to excellent use. 

The Belize Defense Force is a light infantry force.  Unlike the “heavy forces” of many countries, the BDF does not ride into battle in armored combat vehicles.  Transport is critical to its tactical mobility and logistical re-supply in times of contingency and is essential to executing the manifold peacetime missions that Belizeans expect from the BDF. 

These vehicles are provided through Foreign Military Financing (FMF), a U.S. Government program of grant assistance intending to support the modernization and maintenance of defense forces in developing countries with firm democratic traditions.  It also gives me great satisfaction to confirm today that Belize enjoyed a surge in 2005 FMF support.  Belize received $680,000 US in funding this year in response to its firm commitment to expand maritime security and law enforcement within its vast littoral waters.  Our Military Liaison Office, headed by Lt. Col. David Treleaven, will work closely with the relevant agencies to ensure that essential equipment such as radios, outboard motors, weapons, night-vision equipment and radar are procured and delivered as quickly as possible. 

I had the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time with Brigadier General Lloyd Gillett in Louisiana while reviewing the BDF's partnership program with the Louisiana National Guard.  The BDF is in great hands! 

Let me close by saying that I look forward to working closely with the Belize Defense Force and its leadership in the future.  I have been truly impressed at the operational tempo and the breadth of missions that the BDF executes on a daily basis in support of the Government of Belize.  I note especially the recent search and rescue operation to recover the 4 missing divers.  We are all grateful for that outstanding effort and I applaud all involved.

It is personally gratifying to have this opportunity to assist this highly trained professional force.  I look forward to continuing the traditional close cooperation between the U.S. and Belize in national defense and in all other areas.

Thank you all.