Calls for O.A.S. and CARICOM must to defuse political tension

The Caribbean is also weighing in on the territorial dispute. An article in the Trinidad Express calls on CARICOM and the Organization of American States to step into the fray to defuse political tension between Belize and Guatemala—political tension which has resulted, according to the author, from Guatemala’s surprisingly hostile act to circulate a new passport with a map that reaffirms its claim to Belizean territory. According to the Trinidad Express, the need to act is urgent, especially since Guatemala will be hosting the annual meeting of the O.A.S. which is scheduled for June, and elections for the top job at the organization are also due. A Guatemalan is among the contestants for the post of Secretary General, to succeed Miguel Insulza. The post of Assistant Secretary General is also up for election and Guyana, Mexico and Belize are vying for the post. CARICOM collectively represents a bloc of fourteen votes among the thirty-four member countries of the O.A.S.