BDF Commander Azariel Loria Confirms Retirement Plans, Possible Extension

At the start of the year, our newsroom reported that the Belize Defense Force (BDF) would undergo a change in command as General Azariel Loria approaches retirement, with Colonel Anthony Velasquez set to take over. On Friday, BDF Commander Azariel Loria confirmed that his contract is indeed set to expire on December 21 of this year, though it could be extended if he chooses to do so. Our newsroom had the opportunity to speak with Commander Loria about his thoughts on what the future holds for him.

Azariel Loria, BDF Commandant, Brigadier General: “The Commander of the Belize Defence Force is bound to a contract of four years. I started my contract about three years and a couple of months now going. It should finish on the 21st of December of this year, after which it could be extended if I decide to ask for an extension or the ministry decides to keep me back, the Ministry of Defence. But that will be negotiation thereafter, right? I am talking about my tenure here. Four years, there will be a change of command, of course. I don’t think I will be asked to extend as the commander of the Belize Defence Force. So that will be coming for sure but then we will be productive until the last day. I am a public servant first and foremost and I have to give my utmost best for the benefit of Belize to ensure that we have a good organization in order that we can provide a service which is to secure the borders and the territorial sovereignty of Belize.”

During the conversation, the topic of his accomplishments was raised. Loria reflected on his tenure, expressing pride in the progress made across various areas. Notably, he successfully restructured the force. He emphasized that he wishes to be remembered as someone who empowered the soldiers, adding that he seeks no personal recognition for his efforts.

Azariel Loria, BDF Commandant, Brigadier General: “I don’t want to be remembered for what we have accomplished. We have accomplished quite a bit. We have been trying to restructure the force. We are still in the process of instilling more discipline. We acknowledge that there are disciplinary concerns in the Belize Defence Force, particularly in the Belize Defence Force. I’m going to talk about the Belize Defence Force and not the security forces. It is something that we want to continue to ensure that, we’re not quite there yet when it comes to the discipline and that we can be called. Yes, we have a professional disciplined organization we still have some little work to get done when it comes to that. And I have always mentioned whatever we have managed to accomplish here it’s not about me because I’m just another one, just another person. It’s the soldiers that make it happen. It’s them. I don’t want any recognition, none whatsoever. I wish that the soldiers, the officers and the soldiers be recognized for whatever accomplishments we have made so far. And we will continue. We will continue in the areas of restructuring the infrastructure developments, ensure that we have better communications, arms and ammunition, etc”.

Brigadier General Loria was sworn in on January 21, 2022.