And while Ortega may be more tolerant than his colleague Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, he's also on his way out retiring from his post as Commander of the BDF ahead of his 55th Birthday.
This morning we asked him whether he's being pushed out, but he bristled at the suggestion and set the record straight:
Cherisse Halsall:
"There's a perception that you're being pushed out of the BDF, you're not yet 55, is there any bitterness about retiring at your age?"
Brigadier General Steven Ortega, Commander Belize Defense Force
"No, no, no. I'm not being pushed out. If you read the S.I. it's four years as Commander Belize Defense Force and December 21st is my fourth year."
Reporter:
"But did you expect, has it ever happened that people get retained on contract after?"
Brigadier General Steven Ortega, Commander Belize Defense Force
"No, we have always been, well that was the new S.I. previously it was on the discretion of the Ministry."
Reporter:
"When was that S.I. from?"
Brigadier General Steven Ortega, Commander Belize Defense Force "2017."
Ortega also told us now that he intends to rest and is excited to turn off the phone that's been buzzing day and night for the last 15 to 20 years.
