United States donates ambulance and military vehicles to Belize security forces.

According to news released by the U.S. Embassy in Belize, on August 6, 2020, the United States Government has donated an ambulance, six vehicles, and aircraft and vehicle parts valued at $1 million to the Belize Ministry of National Security in a handover ceremony at Force Headquarters on Price Barracks. The donation was funded by U.S. Southern Command’s Building Partner Capacity and Foreign Military Financing programs through the U.S. Embassy’s Security Cooperation Office.
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United States donates ambulance and military vehicles to Belize Ministry of National Security. (Picture source U.S. Embassy Belize)

The handover ceremony represents the culmination of almost three years of effort and partnership with the Ministry of National Security to purchase the equipment. The donation includes a fully-equipped Toyota Land Cruiser ambulance, six Hino 500 4×4 Troop Transport Vehicles and vehicle parts, and a container of aircraft parts.

“The U.S. Embassy understands how critical these troop transport vehicles are in moving soldiers around the country to secure Belize’s borders and deter illegal activity, including that of transnational criminal organizations,” said Keith Gilges, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. “These vehicles will provide an enhanced emergency response capability dedicated to Belize’s soldiers and sailors of who often take great risk in service to their country.”

The donation of the ambulance to the Belize Defence Force complements a second ambulance donated to the Belize Coast Guard last year. The six Hino vehicles delivered today will join an existing fleet of seven Hino vehicles donated by the United States five years ago. The newly expanded fleet is expected to significantly improve the effectiveness of border security operations.