There have also been reports that several soldiers were disgracefully discharged. Those reports suggested that the soldiers may have been abusing alcohol, which led to their dismissal. Commander Velasquez confirmed today that was one of the reasons.
Brig. Gen. Anthony Velasquez, Commander - BDF
"Well, the Belize defense force is a disciplined organization. And when members break up the rules, you either get punished administratively, you either get punished and return back to the ranks or if what they committed was grave enough, they get discharged. Discharge with disgrace means that they get no benefits and they are not allowed to reenlist into the BDF whatsoever."
Reporter
"We understand part of their discharge has to do with alcohol abuse, how true is this?"
Brig. Gen. Anthony Velasquez, Commander - BDF
"well being discharged with disgrace encompasses many different charges, different options that they committed. Alcohol abuse is probably one of them. Definitely. This is women's month, so these allegations that were happening in the past constantly are one of the reasons why people would get discharged. Soldier will get discharged for various reasons, for failing to show up on a duty or causing the loss of a life or the loss of a weapon. So various reasons why a soldier would get discharged including alcohol."
