7 News Belize

Why No Radios?
posted (March 11, 2020)

Of course we note that Whatsapp is encrypted while standard BDF radio signals are not.  However, WhatsApp requires the presence of a cellular data signal, which is unavailable - especially in deserted areas where drug planes usually land.  

Those are among the many inconsistencies in mode of communication which the media grilled the general and his minister about yesterday:

Reporter
"Have you in the past, passed on a concern to your higher ups that there was no radio communication available for the men in the airwing and that they had to be relying on Whatsapp?"

Brig. Gen Steven Ortega - BDF Commander
"The ministry has a list of requirements for us."

Reporter
"What does that mean?"

Brig. Gen Steven Ortega
"A list of requirement, resources that is required."

Reporter
"How long ago was that made?"

Brig. Gen Steven Ortega
"We do it every year around the budget time."

Reporter
"And so then no radios were gotten last year, or the year before since the airwing became operational when you got these two helicopters?"

Brig. Gen Steven Ortega
"That answers it."

Reporter
"Sorry?"

Brig. Gen Steven Ortega
"That answers your questions. You have answered your question."

Hon. Michael Peyrefitte - Minister of National Security
"The answer is no."

Reporter
"I am not, I am not"

Brig. Gen Steven Ortega
"No, we have requested what can I say."

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