Today over 500 BDF soldiers took a break from their duties and enjoyed their Christmas luncheon at the Price Barracks in Ladyville. It's an annual
luncheon where these soldiers get to unwind, spent time with family and interact with their colleagues in a calm and relaxed environment. General Jones
told us what the luncheon means for these soldiers.
Brig. Gen. David Jones - Commander, BDF
"The Christmas luncheon is a once a year event. It is an event we use to say thank you to our soldiers who have been serving the BDF for their career
here. And we do that by having the senior officers, which ever minister of CEO turns up to serve the troops their lunch during this time. We serve
their food, we serve their drinks and we say a big thank you to them for the hard efforts, the sacrifices they have been providing for the country;
putting their lives on the line, maintaining the territorial integrity and patrolling along the borders 24 hours a day. So we take this opportunity
once a year to say thank you to our soldiers and we personally as officers and leaders, we serve them their meal for that day, which is today."
Those soldiers who are stationed at the border and couldn't make it will also be getting their food and drinks when they complete their duties.
Now while today was about recreation, it was also about reflecting on the challenges and accomplishments of the force
George Lovell - CEO, Ministry of National Security
"It is that time where we sit down as Christians and we all celebrate the birth of Christ; but it is also an opportunity for us in the ministry and in
the BDF to reflect on the year in review and for us to plan for the upcoming year. They were many things that we have achieved over the last year in
terms of capacity building. As you know, the BDF have been out on our borders and they had provided us with, in my mind, a very safe and tranquil
environment. The force has been strengthening with it human resources to that established strength that the commander needs in order to effectively
carry out his mandate. By February when we have the intake pass out, we should be at that magic number he always wanted. I'm not going to talk to the
figure, but there was a number he had asked we help to recruit until he can establish that number."
Several soldiers were also awarded for their outstanding performance in training during the year.
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