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Belize is moving forward with plans to send additional troops to Haiti as part of an international security mission, but concerns about financial allowances for soldiers have sparked debate. According to some local media in Belize, while a deployment date has not been finalized, the Cabinet is set to review the state of readiness next Tuesday.
Last year, 31 Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldiers and 20 members of the Coast Guard underwent training in Jamaica for the Haiti mission. However, since then, only two BDF soldiers have been deployed to Haiti to join the Kenyan-led effort aimed at stabilizing the embattled Caribbean nation.
Reports from local media outlets have highlighted concerns among soldiers over the adequacy of the allowances allocated for their deployment. Soldiers have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that the proposed amounts are insufficient to meet the demands of the mission.
In response, Prime Minister John Briceño reassured the public that the government is addressing these concerns.
“We will be paying them the allowances, and we have made the allocation within the budget for that deployment,” Briceño said. He also noted that preparations to supply soldiers with the necessary kits are already underway.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis in Haiti and Belize’s commitment to assisting the Haitian people. However, he emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Belizean troops.
Minister of National Security Florencio Marin Jr. is expected to present a detailed update to the Cabinet next week regarding the readiness of Belizean forces. According to local reports, this briefing will address logistical details, safety measures, and the finalization of deployment plans.
While Belize moves closer to sending additional troops, the government faces mounting pressure to ensure that the concerns of its soldiers are resolved, ensuring their readiness and morale for the mission ahead.
