#BelizeDefenceForce

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News from Belize, 6 July

The Belize Defence Force has implemented a physical fitness requirement for soldiers to qualify for yearly increments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good physical and mental fitness.

The Ministry of National Defense and Border Security has altered the process for issuing yearly increments, ensuring that soldiers earn their increments through passing annual physical tests and exhibiting good conduct.

This change in the BDF aligns with the broader public service reform in Belize, where increments will be based on performance assessment rather than being automatic.

2. The investigation into the death of Private Micah Miguel, who took her own life after being bullied, has concluded with an inconclusive verdict.

The Belize Defense Force and the National Women's Commission conducted separate investigations, but no one was held accountable for the bullying.

The BDF's investigation found only circumstantial evidence and concluded that they could not convict anyone in the case.

3. The Belize Defense Force denies abandoning its Forward Operating Base at the Sarstoon and claims that plans are in place to begin construction on a new base.

The BTV claims that the current base remains in deplorable condition and unmanned, while the BDF Commander states that the process to replace the structure is ongoing and necessary.

The Ministry of National Defense and Border Security asserts that patrols from Barranco to the Sarstoon are ongoing, and they are working to ensure the safety of soldiers before re-deploying them to the Forward Operating Base.

4. The Government of Belize has implemented a visa requirement for Haitian nationals due to the increasing number of Haitians entering the country.

5. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development is declaring the Coastal Road Project completed, marking a significant milestone for the department.

The highway, which was rarely used due to poor conditions, especially during rainy weather, has undergone improvements as part of the project.

A special ceremony will be held to commemorate the completion of the project, leading to the closure of the highway for most of the day.

6. The replacement of the Haulover Bridge is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Recent stories:

In other news, accused killer Elmer Nah received partial disclosure in a court hearing for a triple murder case. Two people were injured in a motorbike collision with an SUV in western Belize. In crime news, four men were sentenced for the 2017 chopping death of Santiago Garcia, and Charles Andrew Martinez was sent back to prison after his bail was revoked for a child rape case. Another teen was found murdered in Belize City, and a member of the Belize Coast Guard was attacked during a brawl.