Brigadier General Lloyd Gillett took over command of the BDF in January
2005. His term as Commander has been one of the most high profile because the
general’s media savvy matches his military acumen. But he’s reached
45, which is the age of mandatory retirement for the Belizean military and has
transitioned to the Ceo’s post in the Ministry of National Security. Today,
there was a ceremony to officially handover to Gillett’s successor Dario
Tapia – who has been in the BDF for 20 years. Here’s what the handover
looked like at the Price Barracks in Ladyville today.
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
He led the Governor General on his last inspection of a guard of honour and
with this symbolic handover of the sword of command and the colors to the Governor
General, Brigadier General Lloyd Gillett ended 26 years in the BDF.
General Lloyd Gillett, Outgoing Commander
“Twenty six and a half years ago I walked into the Price Barracks
gate, took the test to be a recruit and 26 and a half years later I leave as
the Commander of the BDF. I 
think that is a wonderful institution that gives
you these opportunities to excel.”
The sword and the colors were taken by new Commander Dario Tapia and the oath
administered by the Chief Justice.
Brig. Gen. Dario Tapia, BDF Commander
“I will continue to ensure that the Force stands ready to serve the
Belizean public during disasters, maintaining our sovereignty and territorial
integrity, supporting the other law enforcement agencies. Until the security
of this nation changes, I don’t expect to see the soldiers being withdrawn
from the streets.”
And while his BDF stay on the streets, they’ll also maintain friendly
relations with their Guatemalan counterparts.
Brig. Gen. Dario Tapia,
“So we’ll continue to engage with the Guatemalan armed forces,
we will continue to meet them on a regular basis. We will continue, if they
so desire, to participate in their courses as well as we will invite them because
it is only by both militaries working together that we will give the confidence
to both the Guatemalan and Belizean public that if the military are able to
engage in a friendly manner then there is no need for this continued unfounded
claim to Belize.”
General Lloyd Gillett,
“I think we in uniform always say that if you can win the battle without
firing a shot, then that is the way to win the battle.”
And the men winning that battle will be these new soldiers, fresh out of 16
weeks of training.
Roy Garcia, Recruit
“I learn how to control myself and to get around people much.”
Jules Vasquez,
Give me an example of that.
Roy Garcia,
“Well I was in Dangriga I was doing nothing and getting into trouble.”
Joel Salazar, Champion Shot
“This means a lot to me because in the all events that happened, the
night shooting and the range activities, I did the best and all I did was apply
what the instructors taught us.”
At the end of today’s event – the soldiers displayed other skills
and specialities that they learned in the 4 month basic training.
That was recruit intake number 50.
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