Four BDF soldiers - including the deputy commandant - remain on administrative leave six weeks after 42 firearms were stolen from Price Barracks. Tonight, reports suggest that the Security Services Commission may have made a decision to terminate one or more of the soldiers.
Today the BDF's Chief of Staff told us he will not comment on whether the Commission's decision has reached his office, only to say that the men are still on administrative leave.
Jose Sanchez - Channel 5 News
"I understand that a decision has been made by the Security Services Commission regarding the officers who were recommended to be placed on suspension regarding the missing weapons."
Lt. Col. James Requena - Acting Chief Staff, BDF
"Well, there was a meeting by the Security Services Commission, however, our office has not gotten anything written as yet, and until that happens, and we are unable to comment on it."
Jose Sanchez - Channel 5 News
"But though a decision has been made regarding their status, you can't comment since they haven't officially informed or whether or not, they're still being kept on staff?"
Lt. Col. James Requena
"No, I cannot comment on the fact the decision from Security Services has not reach the Belize Defense Force Headquarters as yet."
Jim McFadzean
"Are all these officers getting paid while being on administrative leave?"
Lt. Col. James Requena
"Well, when an officer or soldier they'll be receiving the benefits that they deserve. Administrative leave is given in order for investigations to take place and that there is no interference from that officer or his position."
Jim McFadzean
"Can you describe for us what happens? Discuss for us the process."
Lt. Col. James Requena
"Well, after administrative leave, if you are cleared, or whatever Security Services decide, you may return to work, or you may be recommended to be discharged."
Jim McFadzean
"Can these men be charged criminally?"
Lt. Col. James Requena
"Any member of the Belize Defense Force can be charged criminally if the Belize Police Department sees that there is enough evidence that a crime has was committed. Even myself as Chief of Staff, I could be charged criminally, but that decision would have to be - well the recommendation would be made by the police department to the DPP's Office. The BDF doesn't charge people criminally. That is entirely for the civil authorities."
Jim McFadzean
"So there is a parallel investigation going on, one internally by the BDF, and one by the Police?"
Lt. Col. James Requena
"Whenever there is any incident that involves property or items of national security, the police is called in immediately. We do our own internal investigation to ensure or try to minimize any reoccurrence. The police is brought in so that if there is any criminality, the persons can be processed. And we, the BDF, do not interfere with that."
Requena says the officers will have the right to appeal any decision.
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