Anthony Velasquez Named New Commandant of the Belize Defence Force

As Brigadier General Loria prepares to retire, the Government of Belize has officially announced his successor. Captain Anthony Velasquez, previously Deputy Commander of the Belize Defence Force, received formal notification from Prime Minister John Briceño yesterday that he will assume command of the BDF following the retirement of General Loria. Velasquez is widely regarded within the military community as a capable officer, having served alongside senior leadership in recent years. Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, Francis Usher, spoke on the government’s confidence in Velasquez as he prepares to take on the top post in the Defence Force.

Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Defence and Border Security: “Actually, he received his letter yesterday from the Prime Minister. As you know, the Prime Minister appoints the Commander of the BDF, the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Commissioner of Police. And the next Commander of the BDF will be Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez. I think his more than 30 years approximately of service to the country. He has a lot of experience. He’s been commander of the Special Forces. He’s been commander of an infantry battalion. He has been the military attaché to Guatemala. He has served in the headquarters staff, so he has a wealth of experience and a wealth of knowledge and he has been the deputy commander for the last four years, so it was a natural progression for him to then step up and become the commander.”

The change of command is expected to be formalized in an upcoming parade and ceremony later this month, underscoring continuity and stability within Belize’s military leadership