By: Omar Silva, NP Staff Writer

Belize City, Tuesday 28th March 2023

The Ministry of Economic Development, in consultation with the Ministry of Defence have embarked on a major investment in the Belize Defence Force (BDF) on March 27th, this was celebrated with a ground-breaking ceremony. The Belize Integral Security Programme's Project Execution Unit oversaw the event, which commemorated infrastructural investments made to assist the BDF at the Price Barracks in Ladyville.

The investment, which comes from a direct contributory loan from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), totals BZ$3,771,900. Its goal is to strengthen citizen security by investing in infrastructure and equipment of the public institutions responsible for national security. It also aims to improve the quality of life of Belizeans and support Central American efforts to combat crime.

The BDF will receive two new accommodation buildings at the completion of the project, totalling BZ$2,696,400. Each building is 5,400 square feet and will be able to accommodate around 50 soldiers each. Additionally, a fully equipped, state-of-the-art kitchen will be constructed with mess halls of 6,200 square feet, capable of seating 250 soldiers. The wastewater disposal system at the Price Barracks will also be upgraded through this programme to provide an environmentally friendly way of disposing of wastewater.

The total investment in the BDF at the end of the project will be approximately BZ$16,664,608. Infrastructural works will also be carried out at Fairweather Camp in Punta Gorda and Camp Belizario in the Cayo District.

Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Finance; Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minster of National Defence and Border Security; Retired Brigadier General Dario Tapia, Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Defence and Border Security; Dr. Osmond Martinez, Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Economic Development; Brigadier General Azariel Loria, BDF Commander; and Mr. Elvis Requeña, Project Coordinator for the Belize Integral Security Programme, were all present at the groundbreaking ceremony.

The ministry thanks CABEI for its continued support and looks forward to continuing collaboration on behalf of Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment.