The Maple LeafThe Maple Leaf

July 2012
Vol. 15, Issue 07
Latest IssueDownload PDFArchives

CF donate surplus equipment to the Belize Defence Force

CF MGen Richard Foster, Deputy Commander, Canada Command (right), Col Steven Ortega (left) of the Belize Defence Force, and CF Maj Anthony Fulmes inspect a military utility vest in Belize City, Belize, Central America.
CF MGen Richard Foster, Deputy Commander, Canada Command (right), Col Steven Ortega (left) of the Belize Defence Force, and CF Maj Anthony Fulmes inspect a military utility vest in Belize City, Belize, Central America.

Photo: Sgt Frank Hudec

The CF is continuing its support of Canada’s Americas’ Strategy and broader commitments to support Central American countries in their efforts to address the regional security situation. The CF donated 2,000 surplus utility vests to the Belize Defence Force (BDF) June 12.

The utility vests have multiple functions and comprise pockets for arms and additional pockets for alternative use, such as carrying small radios and first aid kits.

The donation is in response to a BDF request for CF assistance with the acquisition of vests, and will support BDF operations and training. The support for Belize is a tangible example of Canada’s efforts to meet its objective, under the Americas’ Strategy, of addressing lack of security and of advancing freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law through capacity-building.

Canada and Belize share a Commonwealth history, many values and cultural ties. Belize has been a member of the Military Training and Cooperation Program since 1983 and Canada and Belize have shared positive bilateral relations since its independence.