Finally, the Belize Defense Force will have its own helicopter. Since the pullout of the British Military Training unit in 2012, government has been going around cap in hand begging their partners in the US, the UK and Taiwan for assistance in getting a helicopter. But at eight to 12 million US dollars for one helicopter, there have been no takers, so now the Barrow Administration has found a multi-million dollar deal, for not one, but two helicopters - and they announced today that they are taking it. National Security Minister John Saldivar was the first to speak at a press conference this afternoon where it was called a glorious day for Belize:..
Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security
"Our desire for a helicopter is about to become a reality. We were in discussions with the British, the US, the Canadians and the Taiwanese, however, none of these have borne fruit."
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"Now, what we are looking at is a cost of 4.1 million dollars for two refurbished helicopters; a smaller one and a bigger one."
Brig. Gen. David Jones, Commander, Belize Defence Force
"This is welcome news for the Belize Defence Force when it comes to fruition. It has been a vision for us for a few years now and the decision by Cabinet to make this a reality is going to be most welcome to the men and women of the Belize Defence Force. These two helicopters are Bell 206; a small one is the Jet Ranger; a bit larger one is the Long Ranger. These two platforms will assist and aid us in regards to troop transport to the various observations posts along the border, insertion and extraction of our troops because as you are aware our soldiers have to walk for days into the Chiquibul and other parts of our jungle to reach the conservation posts and having the helicopter will be able to insert them in a matter of two hours instead of 3-4 days. We will be able to do search and rescue missions. We will be able to do reconnaissance missions after a hurricane. When in times of natural disasters we will be able to assist NEMO and any other organization which includes the Coast Guard out at sea to do further reconnaissance and troop extraction."