Chairman of Otoxha Says Why Wait to Clear Border?

Olario Ical

The villagers say they are concerned about not being able to defend themselves from possible attacks, although they have made it clear that the Guatemalans are not welcome to farm in the area. PGTV’s Wil Maheia, who is also leader of the Belize Territorial Volunteers, is offering his assistance. Village chairman Olario Ical says they do not want to wait much longer.

Manuel Ac, Villager of Otoxha

“I was going to ask you a question, because I asked the same question for the Alcalde Association: if they can put a pillar there…”

Reporter

“Yes, because there used to be pillars there before.”

Manuel Ac

“Yes. If they can put a pillar maybe every half a mile, then we would know exactly where Belize is.”

Reporter

“And you think the villagers would be willing to go out and help to clear the line?”

Manuel Ac

Manuel Ac

“According to them; ask them?”

Reporter

“Would you guys be willing to go out and help clear the border line along your village? (Murmurs of assent) All those who would go raise your hands, who are ready to go. (Hands raised, murmurs) When we are going to go, that is the question, we will have to work with the Alcalde Association.”

Manuel Ac

“Will you be getting people like your leader from Corozal, all the way down to Sarstoon?”

Reporter

“Yeah; once the villagers agree to go, our people will come.”

Olario Ical, Chairman, Otoxha Village

“Good, but he said it depends on the Alcalde Association; but I tell them if we wait for them, they will not give us a date, so it’s best that we should give them the date that we’ll not ask them, we won’t be waiting for them to give us a date. We set the date and we tell them.”