A Coastguard Outpost in Barranco?

Minister of National Security John Saldivar was in Punta Gorda today and reportedly led a large civilian delegation under joint military and coastguard patrol to the Sarstoon River.  The trip precedes the April tenth I.C.J. referendum and that area of southern Belize remains a point of contention between Belize and Guatemala. Minister Saldivar had proposed a guided excursion upriver to several locations along the Sarstoon but that idea was promptly batted down by Cabinet.  Part of the visit today also included a meeting with residents of Barranco Village, the southernmost coastal community in Belize.  What came out of that meeting is that a coastguard outpost will also be erected, along with the refurbishing of the police station in that community.

Reporter

“This morning you had a meeting with the Minister of Police, what was discussed?”

Stephen Gutierrez, Barranco Resident

“The renovation about the Barranco police station and to make it livable and to make sure that we get it to suit the police who stay in there and next to the coast guard.  So there will be two flats, one for the police and one for the coastguard.”

Reporter

“So coastguard will be stationed here?”

Stephen Gutierrez

Stephen Gutierrez

“Yes.”

Reporter

“Okay, and when will this be expected to take place?”

Stephen Gutierrez

“Right now we are figuring out the estimate for the booth beside the police station and then we’re supposed to start like in a couple, maybe in a week and a half.”

Reporter

“Okay, and any time for completion?”

Stephen Gutierrez

“I don’t know yet, that’s still in the sky.  Maybe in like a month or two.”

Reporter

“Okay.  So Barranco will now have coastguard stationed here.”

Stephen Gutierrez

“Yes sir, according to the coastguard boss.”