They are the ones who normally serve us - but today it was the Belize Defense Soldiers who got served. The BDF's annual Christmas luncheon was held earlier today at Price Barracks in Ladyville. 7NEWS was there for the chow down with the big chiefs.
Keith Swift Reporting,
This afternoon lunch was served to about three hundred soldiers and civilian staff at the BDF headquarters in Price Barracks. Turkey dinner along with soft drinks and black fruit cake was on the menu. Prime Minister Said Musa and Minister of Defense Cordel Hyde played waiters for the afternoon. Musa says the pleasure was his.
Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister
"We need to remind ourselves that we are also servants of the people and even the soldiers, the politicians, every public officer is a servant of the people. We are not their masters."
BDF Commander Lloyd Gillett says this is in continuance of an annual tradition - and for him it is a simple way of saying thanks to the men and women who serve this country daily.
Brig. Gen. Lloyd Gillett, BDF Commander
"During the year the soldiers obey our commands and do the work so that we can contribute to the security, stability, and prosperity to Belize. At the end of the year we have this dinner to serve them. The officers and senior NCOs serve the soldiers and this is a thank you to them for being committed throughout the year. I think it shows them that the leadership of the BDF, the leadership of the country, are concerned about their welfare and we are a family here, the BDF is a family and so Christmas is a time for having a meal with your family and I think this is important for them."
And from the look on the face of the soldiers - the thanks was very much appreciated.
During the luncheon, outstanding soldiers were honored for exemplary service during the year. Similar luncheons will be held at various BDF camps in other parts of the country.
