Minister of National Security applauds diplomats

In the case of both the new settlements and those identified months ago, it is the Belize Defence Force which bears the brunt of the work–in the first instance, discovery and as a last resort forcible expulsion. On Monday we asked the BDF’s boss, Minister of National Security Jorge Espat, if he’s happy with progress at the negotiating table.

Jorge Espat, Minister of National Security

“I think all of Belize can be pleased to know that our position has been vindicated. The Guatemalan government recognises that the three illegal settlements must come to an end. In fact the agreement that the Guatemalans and the Belizean authorities have signed provide a mechanism where and after seven days of the signing that the commission will be going into the three settlements to begin the process for removal. It is our hope that the illegal settlers will voluntary remove themselves and continue the process of reaching a final settlement between Belize and Guatemala.”

Jose Sanchez

“If the settlers decide not to move, are you prepared to remove them with force?”

Jorge Espat

“The agreement reached is that those who move voluntarily will be given a cash stipend by the Guatemalan Government. Those who refuse will be removed involuntarily by Belizean Authorities.”

In the case of Machaquila, the settlers who first cleared the bush in 1990 were evicted in 1996 and their houses burned to the ground by the BDF. Presumably the dwellings will again be destroyed once the residents vacate the area.