Elodio Aragon Jr.: “I stand with them on that decision”
On Monday morning, the top brass at the Ministry of National Security appeared on Open Your Eyes, the first stop in a media round speaking in support of a ‘YES’ vote to take the Guatemalan claim to the International Court of Justice for resolution. Senior officials of Belize’s three security arms, Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Borland, B.D.F. Commander Steven Ortega, and Deputy ComPol Chester Williams accompanied by C.E.O. Felix Enriquez say they would also encourage others to follow suit. Their public appearances are unprecedented since the forces are expected to be neutral and though the I.C.J. issue is a national one, it is also fraught with political implications. Minister of State for National Security, Elodio Aragon Junior says the men enjoy his full support.
Elodio Aragon Jr.
Elodio Aragon Jr., Minister of State, National Security
“I will be frank with you, if there is anybody that has a more expert opinion is that of the National Security Ministry because these are the people who are dealing with the situation in terms of dealing with works on our borders, dealing with the situation on the ground. I mean they are the people who know best and I will tell you, I for one support us going to the ICJ. I do believe that the members of the National Security in terms of the heads that have been out there, they understand the situation well more so that many of our citizens right now. I do believe that have a responsibility to this nation for them to be heard in terms where they stand. At the end of the day it is the Ministry of National Security in terms of the coast guard, B.D.F. and police department that will have to deal with this situation whether it be a yes vote or a no vote. At the end of the day it is the Ministry of National Security that has to b e at the forefront of the challenges and issues that will come about as a result of whatever decision that the citizens of this country make. I do believe that they have a right and they should be looked upon seriously because at the end of the day these are the people that will be at the frontline of all the problems that will come about whether a yes or a not vote at the end o f the day. I support them in their decision and they are out there and I will tell you this right now there is nothing where we are saying that his is the line that you have to tow. These are the people who are making a responsible decision on how they see it for themselves personally and for the benefit for this nation and I stand with them on that decision.”
