BDF Provides Update on Pay Scale

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) has issued an update to clarify the situation regarding the salary adjustments for its soldiers.

It said that a nationwide education campaign has been launched to inform all personnel about the discrepancies in the pay scale.

According to the press release, in 2019, an error in the salary adjustment for enlisted soldiers was identified. “To address this, the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security engaged with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment and agreed that the Job Classification and Compensation Unit from the Ministry of Public Services, Constitutional and Political Reform, and Religious Affairs would conduct a thorough reassessment.”

The BDF says this reassessment will take into account rank, years of service, and job specifications to ensure a fair and accurate pay scale. The reassessment will be conducted under the guidance of the Ministry of Finance.

Once the reassessment is complete, the Ministry of Finance will review the pay scales and recommend the next steps. “No soldier’s salary will be adjusted until this exercise is completed. After the review, all salaries will be placed on the new pay scale based on the revised findings.”

The Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, alongside the Ministry of Public Services, is working to establish new allowances for BDF soldiers and officers through the Joint Staff Relations Council. These allowances aim to increase overall monetary compensation and include jungle, maritime, and specialist allowances.