U.S. Watching Bandits’ Use of Coast Guard Boats

Could Minister of Defence John Saldivar be in for a reprimand from the U.S. government? The U.S. Embassy in Belize is said to be gathering information about reports of inappropriate use of boats gifted to the Belize Coast Guard by the U.S. Government. The Embassy was asked about reports that Coast Guard vessels were being used by Saldivar’s Belmopan Bandits Sporting Club, consisting of a football, basketball and softball team, for transport to Ambergris Caye to compete in games on the island.  According to the Embassy, the primary purpose of the vessels donated to Government is for detection and interdiction of criminal activity, particularly to support counter-narcotics efforts. But as many as three boats at a time, operating on U.S.-donated fuel and manned by Coast Guard personnel, have been seen escorting the teams, family members, management and friends to San Pedro Town, contradicting the standard procedure for use of the vessels. Neither Saldivar nor C.E.O. in the Ministry of Defence Felix Enriquez has commented.