Coast Guard Expands Capabilities, Announces Plans for Canine Unit

As the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) inches closer to almost two decades of existence, the agency is working at capacity building for its seamen while having additional intakes.  The BCG was established on November 28, 2005, toprotect and patrol the country’s maritime areas. Since then, the military organization has grown by leaps and bounds.  Rear Admiral Elton Bennett announced new plans for the force, including the establishment of a canine unit. 

RADM Elton Bennett, Belize Coast Guard Commandant: “Our second fleet will be taking shape, expanding its three-dimensional nature with additional drones and new vessels that will be coming online next year. We will have an inject into our dive team and we will be developing a new capability, a K-9 team, which will significantly increase our interdiction ability. Our efforts to develop our senior leadership also flashes brightly on the Coast Guard radar. Where Vice Commandant Captain Soberanis is scheduled to return from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., Lieutenant Commander Freddy Cook is scheduled to return from the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom, whilst Lieutenant Commander Monima and Lieutenant Commander Roque Canul will be returning from the Senior Staff Course in Mexico. Our investments in leadership is crucial to the continued success of our Belize Coast Guard and this is why we have also expressed our interest in securing a space at the Inter-American Defense College that is administered by the Organization of American States. The Coast Guard radar is also indicating a recruiting drive for next year. That’s right, we are optimistic about recruiting, increasing our numbers to ensure that we can meet the operational demand of our nation. Ladies and gentlemen your Belize Coast Guard is very ambitious, a very ambitious organization, one that remains dedicated to the service of the nation. And you may be wondering how an organization that is appropriated only $13.7 million is able to provide such a vital service to the nation. That is a phenomena that the leadership team at the Ministry of National Defense and Border Security has managed well.”

The BCG says it will make official recruitment announcements soon.