Coast Guard Commandant: Any “Belligerent Force” Will Be Confronted “With No Fear”

Belize Coast Guard Commandant Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis says any force that threatens Belize’s sovereignty “will be confronted with military professionalism, courage, discipline, and absolutely no fear.” The message comes as another standoff between the Belize Coast Guard and Guatemalan Navy vessels in Belizean waters occurred.

The standoff happened this morning at the forward operating base. Soberanis was on board a Coast Guard vessel as it “held its ground” in the face of Guatemalan Navy vessels in Belizean waters.

In a statement on Tuesday, Soberanis said that personnel “continue to stand watch along Belize’s maritime borders.”

“Any belligerent force that threatens Belize’s sovereignty will be confronted with military professionalism, courage, discipline, and absolutely no fear.”

“We will stand firm, united, and resolute in the defence of our nation and its sovereign interests.”

Soberanis tells the Coast Guard it is on the frontline of Belize’s maritime borders and responsible for the security and safety of citizens. “We are Belize’s maritime guardians, entrusted with the sacred responsibility of protecting our maritime borders, our people, our economic interests, and our natural resources.”

He says the Coast Guard has a duty to defend the nation against “all threats, foreign and domestic, while upholding the rule of law.” He told personnel how they must act.

“Our actions must always be worthy of the uniform we wear and the nation we serve.”

“As we stand watch at our nation’s maritime gates, remain steadfast in your duty, loyalty, courage, and commitment to the cause. The watch is ours to keep, and Belize depends upon us.”

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