PM Briceño Chimes in on Political Upheaval in Guatemala

Prime Minister John Briceño

PM Briceño also gave a comment on the civil unrest in Guatemala. He was asked if any travel advisories will be issued to Belizeans for Guatemala and if he has reached out to his counterparts in the country. Here is what he told us.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“First of all of course we are very concerned. WE want to ensure that Guatemala remains a democracy. Secondly I spoke with President elect Avarelo about three weeks or so ago and we had a very good meeting. In our discussion and phone call he was the one that was brining up that he wants to continue the process with the ICJ and he said whatever the ruling he will abide by it. More importantly he said he want to ensure that we can strengthen the relationship between Belize and Guatemala in the economy, in trade, sports, culture, medicine, education, so many things. He is very appreciative that Belize has welcomed thousands of their citizens from Guatemala to come to Belize and become Belizeans citizens. He understand there is this connection between the two countries. He recognizes that every morning we have several hundred students, young kids, crossing the border from Petén to be able to go to Mount Carmen to be about to study in our school system and to be able to learn the English language. So there is so much more that joins us than what divides us.”