B.D.F.EXPLAINS PROCEDURES OF PRIVATE’S DETENTION

October 03, 2006

The Belize Defense Force issued a news release explaining the procedures when dealing with a soldier who absents himself without leave.  The issuance of the release follows the detention last Friday evening of B-D-F Private John Gough.  Gough was reportedly sent to study at a medical school in Mexico for four and a half years, paid for by the Belize Defense Force.  Gough, it is alleged, returned to Belize earlier this year, and absented himself for more than 21 days. Such an action results in a penalty of stripping the soldier of his rank and reverting him back to being a private.  Gough, according to the news release, was a Captain, who was tried, found guilty, and sentenced.  The B-D-F then forwards the verdict to the Security Services Commission for review.  The Commission then confirms, reduces, increases or rescinds the sentence.  Each individual has a right to appeal the decision under section 144 one and two or section 145 one, two, three, or four of the Defense Act.  The B-D-F release says absence is a prevalent offence and such an offence committed by an officer with the rank of a Captain is not a good example to his or her subordinates.  Serving members of the volunteer or regular element of the B-D-F sign an attestation paper to enlist.  This commits them to the B-D-F for 12 years.  This can be served in segments of three and nine years, or six and six years, or nine and then three years at a time, or 12 years.  Love news spoke today with Doctor George Gough who told us the family has sought legal advice and is in the process of preparing a release to give their side of the story. He said this should be done by some time tomorrow.

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