Is Belize Prepared to Welcome US Troop Under Shield of America?

Belize is open to strengthening its security partnership with the United States, but Prime Minister John Briceño says the country will not commit blindly. The proposed Shield of the Americas initiative comes as transnational criminals and drug cartels continue to threaten the region, making greater cooperation increasingly important. But after meeting briefly with U.S. Ambassador André Bauer today, Briceño made it clear that Belize must first understand what the initiative requires and whether it fits the country’s needs. Technical officials will now examine the proposal and determine what level of support Belize can realistically provide without compromising its national interests.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well we just had a brief discussion just now with the ambassador and the colonel. And what we’ve just talked briefly about it and I’m having the technical people to meet. We’re asking the CEO for National Security along with the Commandant for the BDF and the admiral for the Coast Guard to be able to meet with them and to see what can, what is workable. We know we need help. We’ve been always saying that we need – there’s more training to be able to control any kind of attempt from the cartels, especially in Mexico to be able to come into Belize. So we will see what can work and whatever that can work in our interest and in the interest of the region, we’re prepared to do our part.”

 

Reporter

“The other countries are rejecting and in the case of Guatemala, saying that their constitution does not allow foreign troops coming on soil, would we disallow that too?”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well, as, as I said, let the technical people speak first, and then after that I’ll be able to answer you better.”

 

President Donald Trump held a high profile meeting with Latin American and Caribbean leaders for the Shield of America launch in Florida in March of this year. Belize was not invited.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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