And when it comes to the SmartStream screenshots suggesting insider enrichment at the Ministry of Defence, the Brigadier General said he did not know where their rations were being sourced, but when he found out about it, he was very disappointed in the way it was being procured:
Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, Commander, BDF
"Okay, first of all, I don't know where the goods come from, right? I know that we receive vegetables and food for the Belize Defense Force. And my concern, my chief concern as commander of the Belize Defense Force is that our soldiers receive the proper food for their nutrition, okay? So as long as we do not receive rotting vegetables, for example, or substandard food or vegetables, then I am happy, okay? And the procuring process occurs at the ministry level, okay? So I don't know where they come from, but my key and only concern is that we receive the proper and the best food for our soldiers."
Reporter
"Were you somewhat concerned or disappointed when you saw all the releases?"
Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez
"Yes, definitely. Any citizen of this country would be concerned. However, my primary concern as commander of the Belize Defense Force is the morale and the welfare of my soldiers, of our soldiers. And based on that, I will ensure that they receive the proper food and nutrition that they deserve."
Reporter
"And have you had cases recently or since you've taken over to know where you've noticed that goods have arrived that were substandard?"
Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez
"Not to any huge extent. Not to any huge extent, no."
Reporter
"Do you believe that all the information that's been recently released, that that has affected the morale of the soldiers?"
Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez
"Like I mentioned before, as a citizen of Belize, yes, it's concerning. To the extent of affecting the morale of the soldiers, I would believe that the same thing as a citizen of Belize is concerning."
