In Belize City - particularly on the Southside - too many of us have had to get used to the sound of gunshots. But even the most hardened city resident from the hottest 'hood, couldn't have sustained the sound from barrage of bullets that were fired.
But, it wasn't a crime, it was practice! It happened at the BDF range near Hattieville - and we have video of a most unusual type of competition.
Jules Vasquez reporting
How fast can a shooter lock and load, unload and reload?
That's what's being measured in this annual marksmanship challenge where the BDF invites civilians from pistol clubs to see who shoots best:
Lt. Col. James Requena - Acting Chief of Staff, BDF
"Today marks a very important event for the BDF. It's a time for us to compare our shooting capability with shooting clubs in Belize and also it's a competition within the force to see which is the best unit. The pistol competition has been a tradition from the military. It started back in 1978 since the formation on the Belize Defence Force and the competition initially was only open to military personnel. Since 1998 we have open it up to the pistol clubs of Belize in order to test our skills and also to promote shooting as a sport in Belize."
And the best at that sport - for the third year running is Anchor Security:
Gary Gentle, Anchor Security - FIRST PLACE
"To be a security company to represent Anchor Security and to come in the biggest competition ever held in Belize. I am proud. We are doing very well. We compete against the best B-SAG, Kings Park and other security companies and at the end of the day we came out on top and so it makes me feel good and to us it's very important."
And while the victory is one thing - the BDF is after the discipline:
Lt. Col. James Requena
"Shooting is a very good sport. It's part of precision and also part of self-discipline. So we come out for competition. The perfect shot depends on employing the marksman principles, First of all the rifle or pistols has to be pointing naturally at the target, your breathing has to be control, your shot or your follow through has to be precise and the rest becomes a skill as you go over the time. The more you shoot the better you become."
And in the whistle and crack of live rounds being fired - and so much hardware on display - for a minute it seems that maybe guns aren't so bad - it may be that it's just how they are used.
Whether the objective reality and the subjective application can ever be divorced, though, is doubtful.
B-SAG, the Belize Special Assignment Group also known as the DF special forces won the march and shoot event.
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