PERMANENT GARRISONS
3 Belize
Garrison in Belize (formerly British Honduras) since 1948. Agreed at Independence in 1981 that it would remain for an appropriate period to assist with the external defence of Belize against a potential Guatemalan threat. Role is to deter and, if necessary, defend against possible Guatemala aggression and to support the development of the Belizian Defence Force.
4 Caribbean Area
Defence and security of the dependent territories (DTs);
Support for the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS), through training, participation in exercises and limited operational support
(eg communications);
Assistance following natural disasters, particularly hurricanes and especially in the DTs.
Bu ensharing the security of the region with the US.
FORCE DEPLOYMENT
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1550 strong garrison.
Army/RAF
HQ plus a roulement infantry battalian group, including a Scorpion reconnaisance troop and 105 mm light gun battery. Engineer Field Squadron; logistics battalion; field hospital; 3 Gazelle helicopters; 4 Harriers; 4 Puma heli- copters; 4 Rapier field control units; radar detachment; engineering and supply squadron.
A Royal Navy gun-equipped frigate or destroyer, designated the West Indies Guardship (WIGS), is kept permanently on station within 8 days steaming of Belize.
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- Full cost of garrison in 1990/91 was £43m (additional costs of locating in Belize rather than UK estimated at £7.lm.
One RN frigate on permanent station (West Indies Guardship - WIGS).
RN Loan Service Personnel (LSP) teams in Regional Security System (RSS) States (running Coast Guards, and RSS HQ in Barbados). Jointly funded by MOD/FCO
2 x 2-man RAF teams operating drugs surveillance aircraft in Turks and Caicos Islands and British Virgin Islands funded by FCO.
Defence contingency plans involve elements from WIGS and reinforcement from Belize Garrison.
PROPOSED CHANGES
Belize defence commitment under review MOD. FCO/MOD ultimate objective is full with- drawal of garrison after a Belize/Guatemala
negotiated settlement
Financial pressure on MOD may lead them to propose partial with- drawal eg the Harriers in advance of a settlement.
Following Options for Change WIGS is under review by MOD.
Following Options for Change WIGS is under review by MOD.
JS4ABV