BDF Calls Allegations of Vehicle Misuse “Mischief”

Concerns have been raised over the reported personal use of a Belize Defence Force (BDF) vehicle by a commanding officer in Toledo, sparking questions about whether military resources were being misused.

BDF Commander Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez addressed the issue, saying the officer is fully authorised to have the vehicle at all times due to the demands of his role.

“The commanding officers have a vehicle assigned to them for them to be able to move whenever the BDF calls on them,” Velasquez explained. “That officer is certainly within the rules of the BDF to have that vehicle 24/7 because he has to react. He is in charge of 400 soldiers in the Toledo district and has to move from point A to B at a moment’s notice, day and night.”

The officer has also been serving voluntarily on the board of an educational institution, which some critics cited as a potential conflict of interest. Velasquez dismissed those concerns, clarifying that the participation is purely voluntary and generates no personal profit. “The BDF has always been active in community service throughout this country. So there is no issue so far with that,” he said, calling the allegations “mischief”.

The BDF maintains that its resources are being used appropriately and that the allegations amount to unfounded speculation.