Belize to Send Troops to Haiti to Assist in Fight Against Criminal Gangs

Belize is preparing to send troops to Haiti to assist in the fight to free the country from criminal gangs. The international community has agreed to form a multi-national task force that will be led by Kenya. The United Nations Security Council recently approved the endeavor and Belize has been asked to render aid. Today, Minister of National Defence & Border Security Florencio Marin Jr explained that members of the Belize Defence Force and the Belize Coast Guard will be deployed to the island nation. However, Marin says that the logistics are being finalized to ensure that the Belizeans sent to Haiti are kept safe. 

Florencio Marin Jr, Minister of National Defence: “Not everything is decided as yet. That Belize will participate, yes. But if you’re asking for the details, we have not gone through that as yet. What we’re hearing is that Kenya will lead the delegation with the support of the United Nations and other big countries. But we don’t have all the specific details as to when and yet. However, our Belize Defense Force and our Coast Guard are beginning to make the necessary preparations for when the time comes.”

Reporter: Any idea how the troops will be selected or not as yet?

Florencio Marin Jr, Minister of National Defence: “I’ll leave that up to the General and the Admiral to make that decision who best will go. Part of the decision for that will be on the mission that has been defined as to why will troops be going to Haiti. What role will they play? From there the General and Admiral Bennett will be able to decide who are the best soldiers and sailors to go.”

Reporter: I understand that you’ve begun putting together somewhat of a budger or in terms of what it will cost, no? 

Florencio Marin Jr, Minister of National Defence: “Yes, we are beginning to make all the necessary preparations right now. They’re planning as to what is needed, the cost, the training, the equipment. All these works have to be going before we can actually deploy the troops. For right now, it is hovering about 50. Don’t be surprised if it changes, maybe a little bit more or a little bit less.”