Tonight, Belize's BDF Airwing is, as always, at the ready in the defence of national security. And that's more true than ever after the donation of a Cessna Caravan 208 aircraft, one that US Ambassador Michelle Kwan called, quote: "tried and true."
It constitutes a $7.84 million donation from the US southern command that represents a major upgrade for the BDF's Airwing, making it far better equipped to assist with reconnaissance, search and rescue, and military operations throughout Belize.
7 NEWS attended today's handing-over ceremony at the Willamson Hangar, and here's what we found out about the plane's capabilities.
The Ministry of National Defense today through its BDF Air-wing at the Willamson Hanger Complex in Ladyville was granted a first-of-its-kind air asset donated through the United States Foreign Military Financing Program.
A beaming Ambassador Kwan made the Impressive handover, one of her first in her role as Ambassador.
Michelle Kwan, U.S. Ambassador To Belize
"Today's donation of the Cessna aircraft ranges about 7.84 million USD. It helps the Belizean defence force and the inter agencies with aerial reconnaissance and so as in my remarks I said the next time you look uo it is possibly the aircraft making sure that Belize is safe and secure."
"This has been years in the making, um, and I. I Am thrilled that today I get to be a part of this handoff, physically giving the keys to Prime Minister John Bricenco."
And this afternoon BDF Commander Loria told the assembled crowd what a difference the aircraft will make in ISR capabilities.
Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander BDF
"This occasion marks the first time that the United States of America is granting an air asset to the Belize defence force. The commission into service of this aircraft contributes to the Avant Gard process of the Air Wing acquisition of modern technology. The aircraft is equipped to function as a multi-role that will bring about new mission capability to fill the gaps in the current fleet. The leading role of this new aircraft is the ability to offer intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance."
"Therefore the Belize defense force will be better poised to combat transnational organized crime, primarily narcotics trafficking, also the information gathered using this asset could be shared with our. Local and regional partners in the fight against transnational crimes."
And the man receiving the keys Prime Minister John Bricenco, after taking a tour of the aircraft expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador and to President Biden for such a capable gift.
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"We're certainly very pleased and exited to recieve this plane I mean this is what Minister Marin called a game changer especially for us in the fight against the narcotraffickers in Belize and for any other activities for instance if there is a hurricane doing you know, um, emergencies or even forest fires, there are so many things that we can use it to be able to help us."
"It certainly means a lot for that the United States, one of our most important partners can join us in helping in the development of our country."
Today's donation package also includes training, spare parts, and on-site maintenance support.
