Major Jones Says BDF Soldiers Are Being Shortchanged

Retired BDF officer Major Lloyd Jones says soldiers are being treated like an afterthought, arguing that the issue with military rations points to deeper problems within the system. Jones told News Five that the difference between the money allocated for rations and what eventually reaches soldiers’ plates suggests there may be leakages along the supply chain. “I think what happens is that it starts at the top as we are seeing now, which is the troubling part for me,” Jones said. “But all along the supply chain, starting with the ministry and for every door it enters the ration gets smaller and smaller.”

He added that the gap between spending and delivery raises questions about how the system operates, saying, “if you look at what is being spent on the rations and what is on the soldier’s plate, somehow there is a huge gap.” Jones said that while he was not accusing anyone of wrongdoing, problems at senior levels can influence the behavior of others throughout the chain. “If people see people at the top ‘feeding’, then when it reach their level they also feel like I should get a little too,” he said. “And then it finally reaches the plate of the soldiers and he is wondering, what happened here.”

Jones also criticized what he described as a lack of appreciation for the BDF, saying many capable individuals have left the force out of frustration. He further questioned whether Ministers Florencio Marin Jr. and Oscar Mira still have the confidence required to lead their ministries.

Responding to those comments, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Defence Francis Usher said he respects Jones’ experience but does not share his assessment. “I think that Major Jones is a very experienced individual. I think he is more than capable of drawing his own conclusions,” Usher said. “I would not go as far as saying that, but I do understand his position, and he is free to make his opinion.” Marin and Mira remain on administrative leave from their respective ministries.