Guatemalan Vessels Enter Belizean Waters on Independence Day

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed to News Five that Guatemalan Armed Forces vessels entered Belizean waters on Independence Day, right in the Sarstoon area. According to officials, the Belize Coast Guard quickly approached the vessels and informed them that they were inside Belize’s territory. The Guatemalan boats left shortly after, and both the Ministry and Coast Guard Commandant Elton Bennett say there was no confrontation. But not everyone is taking it lightly. Founder of the Belize Territorial Volunteers calls the incident a slap in the face to Belizeans.

 

Wil Maheia, Founder, Belize Territorial Volunteers

“Yes, it’s disrespect to Belize. It’s on our Independence Day. We are busy celebrating our Independence Day. We are celebrating Independence Day. They disrespected Belize again on our Independence Day, which is a slap in the face. And, you know, I believe that it’s time for us to take a harder stand. This diplomacy or diplomatic thing is not working. Belize need to widen its grip. Belize need to show more of a presence. Belize need to reach out to its international partners. I’m happy to see the Commonwealth and CARICOM made statements. But again, we had the Organization of American States General here. Why didn’t they bring him to the Sarstoon? I mean, he was making the rounds. He went to the Benque Viejo, which nothing is going on there. If it is so secure, then why didn’t he come to the Sarstoon? I mean, he could have asked for help. We would have been willing to take him to the Sarstoon. But he had the government officials who was always with him too. That’s where he should have gone.”