Today, the soldiers at Price Barracks celebrated the start of the construction of a new and much needed building. For years, they have been dealing with leaky roofs and deteriorated conditions, but the plans for the new building include dormitories and a mess hall.
Today at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Minister of National Defense spoke about the importance of this new project, funded by CABEI.
Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Defense
"When we came in 2 years ago, the quarters that were here were what were left about a quarter century ago and then really in poor and horrible shape, it leaks when it rains, constantly under state of repairs, the soldiers didn't have adequate beds, they didn't have adequate places where they could put their stuff so we felt the real need to be able to start invest in infrastructure, here and with the Coast Guard. We also had the Cabei loan that was stagnant for a while but now with Minister of State, who you guys just interviewed, he pushed it so we now have this major investment going on. Why this is also important, if you remember Hurricane Lisa, where the soldiers were instrumental in helping Belize City, we just fixed up several bathrooms here in the camp, the soldiers, during the height of the hurricane, had to shelter in those bathrooms, so this is absolutely critical, we actually needs for this and we need much more."
Christopher Coye, Minister of State, Ministry of Finance
"When the Briceno Administration took office in 2020, the 60 million dollar Belize Integral Security program with Cabei, was one of the projects which we found severely lagging behind in implementation."
"Today, with the support of financial resources rom Cabei, we celebrate the start of the construction of two much needed accommodation buildings at a cost of approximately 2.7 million dollars for a combined livable space of 10,800 square feet to accommodate some 100 soldiers."
"In addition to these two buildings, work will commence simultaneously on a modern, well equipped kitchen with mess halls that can sit between 250 and 350 soldiers at a cost of approximately 1.1 million."
"Out troops lay life and limb on the line for our safety on a daily basis, they deserve nothing less than being provided with clean, comfortable living conditions."
Brigadier Gen. Azariel Loria, Commander, BDF
"These buildings were constructed some 60 years ago and were in use by British forces prior to its handing over to the BDF. It would mean that those buildings withstood the wrath of perhaps more than 12 hurricanes resulting in severe deterioration. The BDF has been trying to replace this building since more than ten years ago but the waiting is finally over and the moment to start rebuilding has arrived."
In addition to this building, a medical center will also be built at Fairweather Camp.
