Groundbreaking for Sarstoon F.O.B. is Coming in December

John Saldivar

Minister of National Security John Saldivar also made a huge announcement today during his address at the coastguard anniversary celebration.  On December ninth, the Government of Belize will be breaking ground on the Sarstoon for the Forward Operating Base that has been a bone of contention between Belize and Guatemala and that has increased sustained military aggression by the Guatemalan naval military. This move, among many other infrastructural and technical improvements, says Saldivar, is part of a fifteen-year strategic plan by the ministry.

John Saldivar, Minister of National Security

“The coastguard will continue to develop based on the strategic plan which is about to commence its last five years and of a fifteen years… it calls for an increase to …a range of law enforcement, military and humanitarian missions. The construction of one sector headquarters and three additional stations with FOBs to include sector south, Big Creek…North Ambergris Patrol Base, station Punt Gorda and FOB Consejo. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, the coastguard will be partnering with the Belize Defense Force with the construction and the manning of the joint services Sarstoon Forward Operating Base which will commence with groundbreaking in two weeks time on December ninth.”

An Amendment of the Coast Guard Act and Regulations is also expected to be passed into law and enter into force by the end of this year. This is to strengthen the legality of the coastguard command and operations and to reinforce its disciplinary code.