What is the Prensa Libre Saying About Belize?
While the Belizean media observed the Guatemalan military to be well within Belizean territory, the Guatemalan press says the reverse. An article in Prensa Libre on Saturday boldly declares that “Guatemalan forces prevented an invasion by Belizeans in Livingston.” The article goes on to say that the navy as well as representatives from the Immigration Department thwarted the invasion on Saturday by a group of Belizeans of Izabal, an island close to the Sarstoon, at Lívingston. According to the article, Commander Boris Castillo, confirmed that the navy was in the area on routine patrol to ensure that Belizeans do not enter illegally with their boats. The article goes on to confirm that after Belizeans returned to Belizean waters, their patrol of the area continued. But the Guatemalan Foreign Minister, Carlos Raul Morales asserts sovereignty over the Sarstoon saying that in its totality, it belongs to Guatemala, but because Belize is claiming half of it, it now forms part of the territorial dispute. Morales added that even the Government of Belize had warned the group of citizens led by Wil Maheia, not to proceed on the visit because it would affect relations. But the group continued with its planned trip and so the Guatemalan navy had to intervene in a courteous manner and asked them to return to Belizean waters. Now this assertion by Guatemala goes back to October 1999 when in a diplomatic note it declared a sovereign claim from the Sibun River to the Sarstoon, all the Cayes except St. George’s Caye.
There you have it, Belizeans. You tolerated the sale of the Prensa Libre at the western border. Then you allowed it at Benque Viejo, then Succotz, then San Ignacio. Now, all the way to Belmopan, Belize City, and San Pedro. How are they successful at this? Two reasons: Belizeans (both government and citizens) are sheepishly tolerant to the Guatemalan claim; and, Belizean politicians fell into the Guatemalan game of having their people come to live among us and vote for them, but retaining their Guatemalan nationality and patriotism. The Prensa Libre is not only tolerated in Belize now, but sought by many “Belizeans”. The Guatemalans were right when they once said that they would take over Belize in a peaceful manner and not one shot would be fired.
I agree with you Steve, from now on gov. should ban all prensa libre and diario news papers coming into Belize and tighten immigration papers coming into Belize. We have to do something because thsi gov si walking with it’s tail between the legs. When i was a kid when the BRITS WERE HERE I FELT SAFE NOW WITH THIS FOOLS IN GOV. WE BELIZEANS FEEL LESS SAFE FROM GUATS INVADING OUR TERRITORY.
Can’t you figure out something belizean pride….compare a black man and a guatemalan by a simple thing..e.g. Farming… Can a black man plant beans…or corn..or veggie from where you think all of veggie that you put on your plate…they come from aliens which we belizeans call lets give a round of appluase to those hardworking aliens….for feeding us with those nice and juicy veggie