Wil Maheia Says Forward to Sarstoon River!

All was quiet today at the adjacency zone as well as in the Sarstoon where Guatemalan troops have been deployed. But are the Belize Territorial Volunteers being defiant by staring in the face of clear warning from Prime Minister Barrow not to venture into the Sarstoon?  Given the military presence in the area, government has advised the BTV against a planned expedition to that remote location this weekend.  BTV however, is throwing caution to the wind and is prepared to proceed with or without the Prime Minister’s blessing.  According to organizer Wil Maheia, the trip to commemorate the hundred and fifty-seventh anniversary of the signing of the 1859 treaty will be a peaceful event.  Maheia says the only way he will desist from traversing the area is when Belize’s security forces have successfully put an end to Guatemalans pillaging our fisheries near the southern border.

Via Skype: Wil Maheia, Leader, Belize Territorial Volunteers

“So far I’m encouraged by the support that we are getting, that we should, you know, remain strong.  And I just got a call from the N.T.U.C.B. who just confirmed that they will be in attendance.  We have a lot of Belizeans who are saying that it’s no time to back down because at the end of the day they’ve had many, many years to work this thing out and we continue to lose territory.  We have to show this nation that we cannot afford to lose Sarstoon Island or any part of the 8867.  So at the end of this week, like I said, the N.T.U.C.B. has committed, we have had some calls from a few other organizations as well and we are going.”

Isani Cayetano

“Might this not be seen as sort of a form of aggravating an already hostile situation?”

Via Skype: Wil Maheia

“I don’t know what would be called or defined as aggravating a hostile situation when in fact no one on our expedition carries guns, not even knives and this time not even alcohol.  We are going as peaceful citizens, it’s inside of the 8867 square miles.  We have a priest’s declaration, we have preachers who have committed to go along with us to do prayers as we go and as we meet at the dock.  It’s nothing but a peaceful event to commemorate a very significant day in Belize’s history.  One hundred and fifty-seven years since our borders were defined.  The thirtieth of April, 1859 is very significant in our history and it’s a time to commemorate and celebrate the fact that we still have 8867 square miles, at least that is the hope that we have 8867 square miles without giving up anything.  So we will not, and I will assure the people that I have been there myself many times, I know where the border line is at and our side is the deepest point of the Sarstoon River, the midpoint and, you know, as is stated in the treaty.  We will not venture into Guatemala.  We will not even go on the line itself.  We will stay on the Belize side and as far as I am concerned, Belize is for Belizeans and we should not be discouraged by Guatemalans who want to tell us where we should go inside our country.”

Isani Cayetano

“Does this take into consideration the fact that forward operating base at the mouth of the Sarstoon and the officers who are assigned to that particular location will essentially have to work sort of overtime, in a manner of speaking, to ensure that all goes well with you guys seeing as though you’re going to be in there in an unwelcome situation?”

Via Skype: Wil Maheia

“I would say all this would not have to happen if the forward operating base and the people there and the government would just stick to what they have preached.”