Last year October, 42 guns were stolen from the BDF Price Barracks Compound and two months later, the Deputy Commander of the BDF, Colonel (Cornel) Javier Castellanos was summarily dismissed from the BDF by the Security Services Commission.
The second in charge of the BDF, gone, just like that: no press release issued, no public announcement made, even Castellanos was never told why he was discharged.
He appealed his dismissal to the Belize Advisory Council where his attorney Godfrey Smith argued that he was dismissed without being given any real reason, and without being given a chance to rebut any allegation against him.
Well, the Belize Advisory Council met on July 13th to consider Castellanos's appeal - and they agreed with Smith. The five member body voted - unanimously, we are told - to set aside the decision of the Security Services Commission.
In a letter dated July 24th, the Council orders that, quote, "Col Castellanos is to be reinstated as Deputy with all benefits," end quote.
It's a remarkable reversal or fortune and a sharp come uppance for the brass in the Ministry of National Security. Castellanos told us today that he is elated and relieved to have his position vindicated by the Belize Advisory Council. But, not so fast…Castellanos shouldn't start ironing those military fatigues and spit shining those officers' shoes just yet.
CEO in the Ministry of National security George Lovell told us this evening that the Ministry will be seek an urgent court order to quash the decision of the advisory council…meaning, they don't plan to re-instate him.
We'll keep following the story.
