Defence Minister Visits Southern Border Zone to Assess Military Readiness

Minister of National Defence and Border Security Florencio Marin Junior conducted an official visit to Belize’s southern operational zone last Friday.  The minister travelled to the Sarstoon area where he was accompanied by Commander of the Belize Defence Force Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, Coast Guard Commandant Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis, and the commanding officers of the First and Second Infantry Battalions, Lieutenant Colonel Ermil Coh and Lieutenant Colonel Justo Veliz.  The visit allowed senior leadership to meet directly with personnel stationed in the Southern Tactical Area of Responsibility, assess operational conditions, and review readiness along Belize’s southern frontier.  Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez reiterated that the recent visits are a morale booster for all involved.

Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, Belize Defence Force Commander: “Minister Marin went out there to visit the soldiers to raise their morale, to have a word with them, to assess the operational situation out there. And he passed on his…. He personally passed on to our soldiers who were out there, the prime minister’s regard, the prime minister is proud of our soldiers and he admired their hard work and their strength, their courage in the face of aggression. So he went out there and personally thank our soldiers for their duty and for their dedication. And that was another big morale booster as well. “

Officials say the engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to maintain frontline readiness and provide direct support to soldiers tasked with safeguarding Belize’s sovereignty.