Minister Explains Increased B.D.F. Presence Along Rio Hondo  

The Belize Defense Force has ramped up its presence along the Rio Hondo River to ward off cartel elements operating along Mexico’s southern border. The Belize Police Department is heading this operation. Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa and Minister of National Defense and Border Security Florencio Marin Junior recently conducted a tour of the security sites along the river. Earlier today, we spoke with Minister Marin who told us more about that visit.

 

Florencio Marin Jr. , Minister of National Defense

“Well you it has been in the news some time with the increase of cartel activities in the southern Mexican border, that we are concerned of it spilling on the Belize side. Hence the prime minister directed us to be able to work together. Of course this is law enforcement so it is a police led operation under Minister Musa, as his ministry. But it helps us to get a good perspective of what is happening on the ground, the challenges the policemen and soldiers face to be able to do their work effectively.”

 

Paul Lopez

“What role does the Belize Defense Force play in these joint ventures?”

 

Florencio Marin Jr.

“The Belize Defense Force are experts in patrolling, and they also have a river training, riverine training, so they bring that to the table. They bring firing support if needed and thankfully it is not needed today.”