Hon. Florencio Marin, Minister of National Defence and Border Security, and Hon. Oscar Mira, Minister of State, visited San Vincente, Toledo District to meet with the village council. The purpose of the meeting was to address the issue between the Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldiers stationed in the village, following an incident which occurred on November 29, 2020.
The Ministers and the community leaders held a frank but cordial discussion and agreed to continue working together to maintain border security and enforce COVID-19 security measures. Minister Marin reminded those present of the critical importance of maintaining BDF presence in the border region and maintaining a respectful and collaborative relationship with community leaders.
New protocols for communication and engagements between the BDF and community leaders will be put in place to ensure a positive and effective relationship between the troops and villagers. Mr. Eriliano Cal, Alcalde, and Mr. Salamon Ical, Chairman of San Vicente, reaffirmed their community’s support for the presence and work of the BDF in their community.
The Ministers were accompanied by Brigadier General (Ret’d) Dario Tapia, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry; Brigadier General Steven Ortega, Commander of the BDF; and Hon. Oscar Requena, Area Representative, Toledo West.
