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Back in December, we told you that BDF soldiers were complaining that their rations had been cut. They said their budget was decreased and they were given less rice and more chicken sausage instead of fresh poultry.
When we asked the Minister of National Security about it, he said that the rations weren't cut, they just implemented a healthier meal plan based on the recommendations of a nutritionist.
But the UDP wasn't buying it and they accused the ministry of purposefully decreasing the rations. Today the Minister of State said that that isn't something they'd ever even consider doing.
Oscar Mira, Min. of State, Ministry of Defense & Border Security
"I think that is just mischief. The Rations have not been cut from the Belize Defense Force Soldiers. In fact, if we check the records, the Belize Defense Force is getting more and better quality than what they were receiving in the last 13 years."
"What we have done as the Prime Minister rightly pointed out, that we hired a nutritionist to come and tell us, listen, we are having issues in the Belize Defense Force. It's no secret. We did a study to find out how many of the force was, you know, have those diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. And we found out that we had to change our diet. Now, it doesn't mean that we're cutting down. It just meant that we are now doing more healthier meals and making sure that our soldiers are given that opportunity to have a healthy and nutritious meal."
"The rations that we saw on the media, that was not the ration that was given to that patrol. That patrol which consisted of 13 men for 14 days, got 14 days ration. The commander, after we made the investigation, the commander had put the rest for safekeeping, which is what they normally do, you know, when they are out in the field."
"We would never, ever cut down on rations for our soldiers. I have been there. I know how it is. I have walked the border. I have gone on patrol. And we make sure that we have enough. You know, if we say that soldiers walk on their stomachs. Yes, indeed. Because after a long day walk we want to make sure that we sit down and have a very good meal."
"I made sure that I went to check with the ration stores NCO and the 1033 is there that the commander signed for the ration that is assigned for 14 days. So there was no shortage. Whoever went and took the picture and leaked it out to the media, I believe was out of mischief and there is no truth to us cutting down on the rations of the BDF."
