The Brigadier General explained that funding for these destinations comes through a partnership with OAS. He explained that the rainy season also makes it difficult for them to access the destruction zone, and, by his telling, the environment is quick to recuperate from the impacts of the disposal.
Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, Commander, BDF
"To coordinate the OAS team that visited, it took it happen overnight. It took many months to coordinate that visit. And the only window that we had was that time that we did it. So the two experts that came from the OAS were here in Belize for a certain time and certain period."
"So we had to do it then. Okay? That's the first thing. And secondly, during the wet season when it's raining, the roads are very, very difficult and almost impossible."
Reporter
"Even now or you mean all the way there because there have been improvements."
Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, Commander, BDF
"Well, the road is very difficult even now. I was there Friday and it was a very bone-jarring experience to drive out there. So during the wet season, the roads are very, very difficult and almost impossible for a truck."
"And to transport unexploded device in the back of a truck is kind of dangerous. So we had to take it when the roads are good. And it coincided with the fact that the team had to be here in May."
"Now, in terms of the fire, the fire burnt out as of Friday. It did no damage to property any at all. So it was just a wildfire."
Reporter
"When you say property, you're talking about private property."
Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, Commander, BDF
"It did no damage to any man-made structure whatsoever."
Reporter
"But land and forest, yes."
Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, Commander, BDF
"Of course, it burned bush and it burned grass in the savannah."
Reporter
"Vegetation. Ecologically important."
Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, Commander, BDF
"That vegetation will grow back in a matter of months."
"No pine trees. Well, no great area of pine was destroyed. It was mostly brush and some open land, yes."
Reporter
"But you accept that the fire was the result of BDF activity?"
Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, Commander, BDF
"The fire was the result of the explosions, the coordinated explosions, the safe explosions, and the fire was a result of sparks and embers and due to the high winds as well."
