On 12 February the Belize Defense Force and the Belize Coast Guard received equipment, valued US $432,000, from the United States Government for the counter-narcotics operations.

One of the two Ford F250 pick-up trucks donated to Belize (Picture source: US SOUTHCOM)

The equipment includes two Ford F250 pick-up trucks, one video borescope/wireless inspection camera, one radio tester, one sight compass, one fuel quantity tester, one SMARTECH smart board, four Continental boat trailers, two Hamilton waterjet engines, two pneumatic fuel tank cleaning systems, six 250HP Mercury lower units, 50 ballistic floatation vests, six 40HP Yamaha motors, and 50 ballistic high cut helmets. The US Government also provided material and equipment, valued at US $50,000, to upgrade the Main Entry Control Point to the BDF base at Price Barracks.

This donation is part of a sustained effort by US SOUTHCOM, the U.S. military, and the United States’ partnership with Belize. By this present, the US Government demonstrates its continued commitment to the stability and security of Belize.

The equipment will help enhance the readiness posture of the defense forces of Belize by keeping previously donated equipment upgraded, updated, and effectively functional. It will also strengthen existing capabilities and establish new capabilities in the fight to counter the activities of transnational criminal organizations.

This project was a partnership between the BDF’s Light Engineer Company, the Louisiana Army National Guard, and the US SOUTHCOM’s Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Section, which provided the funding. The project will help to enhance the security of infrastructure, equipment, and personnel at Price Barracks.