B.D.F. says cleared fields not made by Guats, but by Belizeans

There have recently been reports in the media that Guatemalans have once again encroached on Belizean soil and cleared vast areas of forests and reserves. It’s not an unusual occurrence, but this time the alleged encroachment in the San Jose/Edward Central area was claimed to have gone unchecked by the Belize Defense Force. It was a serious allegation that, according to the B.D.F., is not true. Instead, the B.D.F. says it recently completed reconnaissance missions by land and foot and the land that was cleared, was apparently farming land for Belizean farmers on Belizean soil.

Lt. Col. Ganney Dortch, Chief of Staff, B.D.F.

ganney dortch

“We have deployed two Ariel reconnaissance mission and also some foot patrols in the area to verify the claim. So far, the Ariel reconnaissance have revealed that yes indeed there is slash and burn in the area but not in Edward Central. I most emphasize that, it is not in the Edward Central area. This area where slash and burn is occurring is an area north of San Jose village, an area where we believe that farmers of the area, is presently preparing their farms for cultivating crops.”

Jose Sanchez

So this is actually Belizeans farming on Belizean land not Guatemalans?

Lt. Col. Ganney Dortch

“Yes it is Belizean farming on Belizean territory and as it relates to the reserves. The Edward Central area there is no such illegal encroachment. There is no land being cleared in the Edward central area as claimed.”

Jose Sanchez

As part of your reconnaissance mission you also look at areas that use to be known Xatero hotspots, right?

Lt. Col. Ganney Dortch

“That’s correct. Our foot patrol also reveals that there are indeed signs of illegal xatero activities in Edward central areas. This we verified by seeing xate plants have been cut; but, however, and intense search of the area revealed or came up with no one.”

Jose Sanchez

And the bushes are overgrown at least?

Lt. Col. Ganney Dortch

“Well all the areas of concern that once had in the past in the Edward Central Area are presently occupied by secondary jungle, which means that there is no sign of persons actually taking down or cutting down the forest. The areas that we found of concern were the xateros coming into Belizean territory harvesting xate leaves that is our concern as we speak, and as a result of that, we have up-tempo or patrols. We are now stepping up measures to ensure that anyone that are engaged in illegal activities are detained and eventually handed over to police or proper authorities.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ganney Dortch, B.D.F.’s Chief of Staff, said that the soldiers also made queries about persons who allegedly witnessed horses being stolen by Guatemalans. The soldiers could not find any witnesses who actually saw the crime. Dortch, however, maintained that thefts should be reported to the police.