Pay Raise and Benefits Boost Coming for Soldiers and Coast Guard

Members of the Belize Defence Force and the Belize Coast Guard will see significant improvements to their salary packages.  During yesterday’s budget debate, Minister of National Defence and Border Security, Oscar Mira, confirmed that wage increases and expanded benefits are allocated for in this year’s budget, and will take effect as early as July 2025. 

Oscar Mira, Minister of National Defence: “Since 2019, and when we came into government in 2020, there has been a standing issue with the salary for members of the Belize Defence Force. For far too long, members and soldiers of the Belize Defence Force have been receiving their wrong salary. It has gotten to the point where we have approved, and thanks to cabinet, we have approved jungle and maritime allowance and bush allowances to every member of the Belize Defense Force. However, we need to fix their salaries. This is from 2019 you know ?Well, I’m happy to report, Mr. Speaker, that these irregularities will be corrected and they will be corrected by the end of July. In the end of July, we will receive, dear just salaries and the two allowances that have been approved. We have now put together a number of staff that will be solely responsible to making sure that members of the Belize Coast Guard get their salaries adjusted and get their true salaries by the end of this year.”

In addition to salary increases, the government will implement new maritime and bush allowances for every active member, acknowledging the demanding and often hazardous conditions under which these officers operate. These allowances aim to provide extra financial support for those serving in remote jungle environments or on extended sea patrols.

Oscar Mira, Minister of National Defence: “In this financial year, the welfare of the soldiers and sailors will be taken care of through 1. The Belize Coast Guard Pension Plan. I must give thanks to Cabinet who have already supported and approved the rollout for the members of the Belize Coast Guard who have valiantly served our great nation to be entitled to the very same established pension plan that exists between within the Belize Defence Force. This is not just a small thing for the sailors of the Belize Coast Guard. For so many years they have been advocating and all what they want is to get what is due to them. I must say that this pension plan is a small but monumental token of appreciation that did not exist before. For those in the Coast Guard who have served our great nation but this mighty plan, Belize 2.0, is fulfilling the mandate given by the people, recognizing the need for it and now the members of the Belize Coast Guard and the BDF can enjoy the same pension package.”

The long-awaited decision comes as a morale boost for military personnel who have been advocating for fairer compensation in line with the risks and responsibilities of their roles.