From October 28 to 29, 2021, the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security hosted the 6th Multinational Security and Cooperation Conference at the Price Barracks in Ladyville.
The main objective of the conference was to share Belize’s vision, accomplishments and requirements from a national security perspective with allied and partnered nations including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Mexico. Discussions focused on security cooperation and capacity building requirements for the Belize Coast Guard, Belize Defence Force (BDF) and Joint Intelligence and Operations Centre.
The keynote speaker was Hon. Oscar Mira, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, who highlighted the ministry’s vision and strategic direction of Belize’s security forces. The Belize delegation was represented by Brigadier General (Ret) Dario Tapia, CEO in the ministry, and Admiral John Borland, Chief of Defence Staff. Colonel Azriel Loria, Acting Commandant, BDF, and Captain Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard, also participated in the conference.
The heads of delegation included Brigadier General David Bickers, Senior UK Representative; Colonel Alain Veilleux, Canadian Military Attaché; Major Anissa M Johnson, Bilateral Affairs Officer for the Security Cooperation Office, U.S. Embassy Belize; Captain Roberto Bravo Granados, Mexican Naval Attaché; and Colonel Pedro Mandujano Balbuena; Mexican Military and Air Attaché.
