Is Belize ready for border dispute referendum?
Alexis Rosado
The date for the territorial dispute referendum has been set for October sixth, 2013. That date was confirmed by Belize’s Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington who along with negotiators met with Guatemalan Foreign Minister Harold Caballeros at the Organization of American States office in Washington, D.C. If successful in both countries, the simultaneous referendum about Guatemala’s territorial, insular and maritime claim may be pushed forward to the International Court of Justice. This would mean that the territorial dispute could be on the road to a final solution. According to the C.E.O. in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this will only happen if the citizens of both countries agree.
Via Phone: Ambassador Alexis Rosado, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“There is an effort by the parties, Belize and Guatemala working together with the OAS, to formulate an action plan and a budget so that we can prepare the ground for the referendum—that will include public awareness campaign and education campaign that should serve at least in Belize to inform the Belizean public about all the issues related to the subject so that when they go to the polls for the referendum, they will be fully informed in order to be able to make a decision, an educated decision.”
Jose Sanchez
“Going to the International Court of Justice—the referendum process itself—do both countries have to fully agree during the referendum process itself? Can one country say no and the other say yes to continue forward?”
Via Phone: Ambassador Alexis Rosado
“Oh no, no. Both parties, both countries, both peoples have to say yes for it to be able to go through.”
Jose Sanchez
“What then would happen if one of the countries says no? Do we start all over again?”
Via Phone: Ambassador Alexis Rosado
“Well I won’t want to get there now. My interest is to make sure that we put all the—cover all our bases and make sure that the people are fully informed first and foremost. It will be the people’s decision at the end of the day. The Belizean public will exercise their full democratic rights and sovereignty after all when they go to the polls and decide in a referendum. Now, umm, we don’t know what will happen chu? But we don’t want to speculate what may be the situation after that. The government is committed and we hope to engage all the stakeholders, the people of Belize in an honest, frank and open dialogue and discussion about all the issues involved. We hope that the debate, the discussion could be kept at a certain level that will be fair and objective. I know people have very strong views on it, but at the end of the day if we could all listen and learn and respect the different points of view and at the end of the day, it’s the people that will decide.”
What difference does a referendum on independence make, if no GOB will defend the border and keep out the Guat invaders?
Referendum or no, THE JEWEL IS BEING INVADED, and we will INEVITABLY be taken over by the quiet invasion if we do not stop it SOON and deport those already here. There are nearly 15-million people in Guatemala, outnumbering us 50:1. How much longer do you think it will be until we pass the tipping point, and Guatemalans outnumber Belizeans?
Referendum yes, and vote to stay free.
BUT CLOSE THE BORDER, TOO!
I think GOB should organise large numbers of volunteers to supplement the BDF in watching and patrolling the borders to make sure they are secure.
NO, and it will never be, I know Belize has 8,867 sq miles. Do not know what it will be after judgment is passed by some European judge. I know what I have now. Do not know what I will have after judgment. Please be inform that Belize is in serine in the Guatemalan constitution and the Guatemalan congress will not have it taken out.
So then what would happen to Belize if Guatemala wins? What should Belizeans expect to happen to their lifestyle, country security and their citizenship?
Do you actually belive that people will vote YES i whant the GUATS to take halve of BELIZE? If so the rest of the country should get adopted by MEXICO, but thats just a dream because none of the two will never happen. Then Chakaron could run for president.
I was born Belizean and want to die as a Belizean.
no se puede
WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY. WHY IS THIS EVEN BROUGHT UP FOR DISCUSSION/REFERENDUM? CLOSE THE BORDER!! NOT AN INCH OF LAND TO BE GIVEN AWAY TO THESE SAVAGES!!!!!!!!
why the gangbangers instead of killing each other don.t go to the border line to farm and shoot at the guates when the incursions occur.fu we whole country dah like wah shaleye pikney. such a major decision and no press conference, but when some George Street thugs get beat up the Prime rushes back to Belize to adress the nation. like I said we have we priorities squewed.
I want the option in the referendum to let Belize take over Guatemala. Fair is fair!
We are independent!!!
Voting yes to go to court only means we can loose – nothing to win!!!
8,867 SQ Miles!!!!!
We are betther off now. They can claim for another 100000000000000000000000000 yrs –
Belize and Guatemala if we would join the Central American economic superpower, between larger a country is better. opened a major economic exchange. I do want to join Guatemala. unfortunately for breaches of opportunity in my beloved BELIZE tube to migrate to Guatemala for three years ahead, to study for a university degree