Journal of Belizean Studies chronicles Guatemalan claim
It is known that the Guatemalan Congress has not given the green light to take the Guatemalan claim to the International Court of Justice. In Belize, the government has given its support but the jury is still out in respect of how Belizeans feel about going the I.C.J. way. In both countries the question must go to referendum simultaneously. Joining the debate in this passionate and national issue, is St. John’s Junior College which today published an edition of the Journal of Belizean Studies dedicated to the dispute. The special issue contains historical information, and questions and answers on the dispute and referendum. The school has been publishing research journals for the past thirty years and according to Co-Editor, Nigel Encalada, this edition is particularly relative to the ongoing debate about the I.C.J.
Nigel Encalada, Co-Editor, Journal of Belizean Studies
“About a year ago, we realized that the Guatemala claim was a part of our national psyche, I guess. We decided to do a special issue on it and it just so happen it coincides with what’s happening now and as a result we sought the contribution of some of the leading thinkers and negotiators, people that have been involved with this issue for some time. What it does, we attempt to give some historical perspective of the claim—why we haven’t been able to resolve this thing to this point. And then it offers some opinions, some of the contributors, Lisa Shoman and Godfrey Smith offer some opinions as to why it will worth our while to go to the I.C.J. Certainly, they present the pros and the cons, but it’s basically intended to educate Belizeans, just as it’s done anywhere else, about this crucial issue so we understand what it’s about and what are its implications for us because sooner or later, this year or whenever, we will get to that point where we have to decide.”
Duane Moody
“Is it only targeting the Belizean public. You know there is a lot of people that might want to know what’s happening in Belize and all of that. Do you intend for it to spread along to international waters?”
Nigel Encalada
“That’s a good question. Actually, we already have a number of subscribers, both international and local subscribers. So, this is mailed out to people internationally, Belizeans and non-Belizeans. And certainly it’s available to anyone who wants to have access to this information. We also intend to use it in our classroom in terms of an educational tool. It’s one of the beginning places in helping us understand the intricacies of this claim.”
The journals are currently available at the Angelus Press, the Image Factory and the Bookstore at St. Johns College for fifteen dollars.
