5 days ago
9
Belize’s 45th Independence Day celebrations featured a spectacular military display that symbolised the growing partnership between Belize and Guyana. Members of the Guyana Defence Force Parachute Company travelled to Belize to perform an aerial demonstration during the official Independence Day ceremony in Belize City. The display was followed by a special presentation recognising the friendship between the two nations. Reporter Paul Diaz has the story.
Belize’s 45th Independence Day celebrations reached new heights as members of the Guyana Defence Force Parachute Company descended from the skies over Independence Hill in Belmopan City before citizens gathered for the official national ceremony. The precision parachute display performed alongside the Belize Defence Force added an international dimension to this year’s celebrations while showcasing the strong military ties that continue to grow between the two Caribbean nations. The exercise highlighted months of cooperation between the Belize and Guyana Defence Forces whose personnel have worked closely together through regional training, joint exercises and professional military exchanges. For Belize Defence Force Commander Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez, the participation of Guyana’s paratroopers represented more than an aerial display, it reflected the enduring partnership between the two countries.
Anthony Velasquez, Commander, Belize Defence Force: “The Belize Defense Force is all about partnership, all about training and partnership and joint military cooperation with our valued partners like the Guyana Defense Force. The jumpers came to Belize to participate in our 45th anniversary. I’d like to thank Brigadier Khan for taking the time out of your busy schedule for coming to celebrate with us and sending your parachute jumpers. From since 1981, Belize has been sending officer cadets to Guyana to train to become officers. It is an invaluable relationship and partnership. Without that partnership and relationship the Belize Defense Force would not be the professional force that it is today. So we highly value that relationship. And again, we thank the Guanyese Defense Force for that. It is a historic moment and a valued moment. Like I mentioned before, we value greatly our partnership and it’s a sign that our partnership is strengthening. It’s going from strength to strength. So I’m very grateful for that. thanking the Guyanese Defence Force once again.”
The Guyanese contingent was led by Brigadier General Omar Khan who said it was an honour for his country to take part in Belize’s Independence Day celebrations and demonstrated the close relationship shared between the two Defence Forces. He noted the regional cooperation remains essential as Caribbean nations continue to strengthen their collective security and military readiness.
Brigadier Omar Khan, Commander, Guyana Defence Force: “You know, it’s a wonderful experience, but first of all I want to wish the general here, General Velazquez, his officers and ranks of the Belizean Defence Force and the government and people of Belize happy anniversary. I am honored. My officers and ranks are honored to be here to celebrate this milestone independence with you. The relationship between the Guyana Defence Force and the Belize Defence Force is excellent and it’s improving as the day unfolds. We have done so much with respect to training and as the general mentioned since 1981 we’ve been welcoming officer cadets from Belize to train with our officers in the Guyana Defence Force. To the point where over the years you would have seen those same officers some of them elevated to the rank of general and also the chief of defense staff of the Belize Defense Force. Following the successful parachute demonstration the ceremony concluded with a symbolic gesture of friendship Brigadier General Omar Khan presented Belize Defense Force commander Brigadier General Anthony Velazquez with a commemorative Guyana Defence Force Challenge coin. The presentation served as a lasting reminder of the shared commitment between Belize and Guyana to the regional cooperation military professionalism and the bond of friendship forged through service.”
Brigadier Omar Khan, Commander, Guyana Defence Force: “So General Velazquez, I want to give you this token on this 45th anniversary. For me to you, it’s a General’s coin with our emblem, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan and this is a personal motto of myself that I share with my officers and I believe you may find merit in reading it. “Awareness, adaptability and agility, this is our map.” To you my friend, congratulations on this milestone.”
Belize celebrated 45 years of independence. The exchange underscored how partnerships across the Caribbean continue to strengthen both security and unity through the region.
English (US) ·