Twelve Soldiers Axed Amid BDF Disciplinary Shakeup

The Belize Defense Force is confronting turbulence on two fronts, inside its ranks and along its northern flank. This week, the BDF dismissed twelve soldiers with disgrace after investigators confirmed a string of serious breaches of military conduct. The rare mass expulsion comes as the force simultaneously tightens its posture in the north, where cartel‑linked violence in Mexico has pushed security concerns closer to home. Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez told us the dismissals were necessary to protect the integrity of the institution, even as troops focus on monitoring cartel fallout across the Río Hondo and reinforcing Belize’s readiness.

 

Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, Commander, Belize Defense Force

“The Belize Defense Force is a disciplined organization and when members break the rules, they either get punished administratively. Either they are punished and returned back to the ranks or if what they committed was grave enough they get discharged. And discharging with disgrace means they get no benefits and they are not allowed to reenlisted into the BDF whatsoever.”

 

Paul Lopez

“We understand that a part of their discharge had to do with alcohol abuse. How true is this?”

 

Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez

“Well, being discharged with disgrace encompasses many different charges, actions they committed. Alcohol abuse is one of them definitely. It is women’s month, so these allegations that were happening in the past constantly are one of them, reasons why people would get discharged. Soldiers would get discharged for many reasons, like failing to show up for duty or causing the loss of a life or weapon. So, there are various reasons why a solider would get discharged, including alcohol.”

 

And tonight, General Velasquez says the BDF will stay disciplined and focused, removing anyone who undermines the force while keeping troops ready for whatever unfolds at the border.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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