Belmopan, September 29, 2025.
On Friday, September 26, 2025, the Ministry of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management recognized fifty-one members of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) and the Belize Police Department for their outstanding service and contributions to the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony held in honour of National Service Day.
The ceremony, which commemorates the life and legacy of the Father of the Nation, the Right Honourable George Cadle Price, is a cornerstone of the September Celebrations. It reflects the values of patriotism, unity, and community service that Mr. Price embodied and instilled in generations of Belizeans.
In recognition of their role in ensuring the successful execution of the event, the brave men and women were presented with awards and later hosted at a luncheon at the Price Barracks Family Association Building. The luncheon was made even more meaningful as the awardees were personally served by Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management, together with Hon. Oscar Mira, Minister of National Security and Border Defence.
This initiative was the vision of Minister Usher, who deemed it important to formally thank the security forces for their commitment and involvement in various aspects of the ceremony, including the participation of the BDF’s band. Several of the awardees recently completed the BDF’s Senior Non-Commissioned Officers
(NCO) Drill Course, while others have been faithfully supporting the National Service Day activities for over a decade, a testament to their enduring discipline, loyalty, and devotion to country.
During his remarks, Minister Usher commended the awardees for their professionalism and national pride. He underscored the Ministry’s appreciation for their unwavering support during the September Celebrations and reminded them of the teachings of the Right Honourable George Cadle Price, whose example of humility, service, and devotion to country continues to inspire Belizeans today.
Also in attendance were Mr. Rolando Zetina, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management; Brigadier General Asariel Loria, Commander of the Belize Defence Force; Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Garcia, Acting Deputy Commander of the Belize Defence Force; and Major Ivan Locario, Force Adjutant.
The Ministry of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management reaffirms its commitment to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Belize’s public officers, servicemen and women. Their dedication not only ensures the success of national events but also strengthens the spirit of service and solidarity across the nation.
Ends
