We know that the Volunteer Battalion can play an important part in the country's goal of strategic responsiveness. The Belize Defense Force must not only be organized and trained for the defense of Belize. It has to play an increasingly greater role in the development of Belize. The support of Belize's diverse communities is an important part of the mission of our army. We wish to work in cooperation with communities across the country.
Good relations require understanding, communication and involvement.
The emergence of cross-border crimes, illegal activities and broken communities has added new obligations to the political, social and military equations. I am pleased to know that the training exercise permits the BDF to employ methods that are adapted to our unique circumstances as well as to undertake community projects in the Toledo District - painting the Toledo Community College and Elderly Citizens Home buildings and constructing a fence at the Anglican Church. History has shown that the security of Belize has been closely tied to the support of the United Kingdom government. Now that we are responsible for the defense and territorial integrity of Belize, we must ensure that nothing is done that might prejudice national and international support for our sovereignty. We can maintain the peace with the defensive promotion of our strategy and the comprehensive coordination and cooperation with our partners in security and democracy.