117 New Soldiers Join Belize Defense Force in Passing Out Parade

One hundred and seventeen new soldiers have officially joined the ranks of the Belize Defense Force. The passing out parade for intake number sixty-six was held today at the Sir Colville Young Parade Square at Price Barracks in Ladyville. The group consisted of a hundred and eleven men and six women, who braved seventeen weeks of intense physical training and mental conditioning. Giving the keynote address at today’s ceremony was Minister of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, Francis Fonseca. In his address to the new soldiers, Fonseca reminded them of the responsibility they have taken on to serve, and the level of honor that comes with such a responsibility.

Following the passing out parade we spoke with Minister of National Defense and Border Security, Florencio Marin Jr., who gave an outline of the training that the new soldiers endured.

Marin added that the new intake was sorely needed as the work of the BDF is ever-expanding, creating a greater demand for personnel.

The BDF was established on January 1, 1978.////