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Both the Commandant and the Minister of National Defense emphasized how important this tradition is.

Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard
"It's definitely a special time of the year for us, it's actually a highlight on our calendar of events where we set aside time for us to recognize the efforts of the women and men in the Belize Coast Guard. It's been a very tough year, we had some very difficult operations, we are always challenged in terms of providing maritime safety and environmental protection for our country but the men and women of the Belize Coast Guard saw that through and they performed very well so this time of the year is when we set aside and we recognize some individuals and units as well who were exemplary throughout the year."

Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defense & Border Security
"It is perhaps the most important tradition we have in the Coast Guard and in the Belize Defense Force. These seamen where work 24/7 throughout the year serving our country protecting our maritime borders, it's the very least we can do to show them that we appreciate the sacrifices they do year round. As you know, the work of the Coast Guard is not Monday to Friday 8 to 5, it is 24/7 so when they're out on patrol, they don't have the luxury of 5:00 could clock off and come home. They're out there 24/7 protecting our borders and they also help our civilians in times of need."

"Quite frankly I think this is one of the most important parts of my job. It's ceremonial, it's fun, we know that but it is an important part of the job so that the seamen know that we as a representative of the government appreciate their hard work."

And during the luncheon, some of the officers were awarded based on their performance during the year. Petty officer class 3, Guillermina Pinnock was the first female officer to achieve the Sailor of the Year award. She said this one's for her late brother.

Petty Officer Class 3 Guillermina Pinnock, Sailor of the Year Awardee
"For me, it wasn't difficult, it goes based on your performance for the year and I guess they recognized me for someone who performs well."

"I feel very good, I feel proud of myself because I always come to work and make sure that I give it my all so I feel very good that my hard work and dedication has actually paid off."

"I always try to be a positive role model to my son and my nieces and my nephews I always try to encourage them to work out and try to come into Coast Guard also. I'm just so proud of myself because this was actually my brother's dream to join Coast Guard but he got killed at an early age at the age of 23 and then I just took up the spot to come and join Coast Guard, it was never something that I dreamt about but hey I just decided that I had to take on my brother's career what he wanted to do and I'm glad that I'm making him proud and I'm making my family proud also."

133 officers were also promoted this year.