Maritime Threats Test New Coast Guard Leader

Belize’s maritime frontlines are heating up, and the country’s new Coast Guard Commandant is stepping into the role at a critical moment. From growing drug‑trafficking activity along the northern border to ongoing tension and intimidation from Guatemala’s navy in the south, the challenges span both ends of Belize’s waters. Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis says protecting Belize’s territorial integrity and sovereignty will be front and center as he takes command. Here’s what he says he’s up against.

 

Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“Those are some of the things that we’ll be looking at to ensure that our national enzyme is flying high at all, not only Hunting Caye, but all of our forward operating bases and station. That is important. It speaks to our sovereignty and it speaks to our national identity. So yes, flags will be flying. Those national enzymes will be flying at our forward operating bases. As it relates to issues that we face with Guatemala, those are issues that really is at the strategic level. It’s addressed by our ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And based on decisions by the Government of Belize, they direct. They are the ones who derive these policies that the Coast Guard will operationalize, not only the Coast Guard but Belize Defense Force as well. We work closely with our with the Belize Defense Force in the southern sector. And really it’s not for us to escalate the situation there. It’s for us to establish and assert our presence because it is -Sarstoon and that area is an area for us that we will continue to maintain presence as long as the Government of Belize directs us to do so.”

 

The new Coast Guard Commandant says asserting Belize’s presence at sea is non‑negotiable. Rear Admiral Soberanis says the Coast Guard will maintain a strong, visible patrol across Belize’s waters, working closely with the BDF and following government direction, to uphold sovereignty and avoid unnecessary escalation, especially in the Sarstoon.