Failed Foreign Policies to Blame for B.T.V. Confrontation, Says V.I.P.

Paco Smith

At a press conference held this morning, Vision Inspired by the People presented its position on what transpired in the Sarstoon over the weekend.  According to Paco Smith, the confrontation between the territorial volunteers and Guatemalan armed forces is the result of a systematic failure on the part of the Government of Belize.  He says that G.O.B. is acquiescing to Guatemala.

Paco Smith, Member, VIP

“What took place this past Sunday is undoubtedly a manifestation of successive G.O.B. administrations failed foreign policies.  It is important to maintain matters in the appropriate perspective because, as you know, the compromis and the accompanying so-called Adjacency Zone have absolutely nothing to do with Sarstoon Island.  Yet, as a result of the incessant cuddling and pampering of Guatemala on every given occasion by the Barrow Administration, Guatemala has become so emboldened that they have advanced their expansionist agenda to the extent that they entered our territorial waters and used their navy to forcibly inhibit Belizeans from visiting a part of our nation that for all intents and purposes did not form part of Guatemala’s spurious claim.  This is significant because it demonstrates not only a failure of the G.O.B.’s policy but also lends insight into the potential course the Guatemalans may very well take in so far as physically exerting their claim via some similar actions in adjacent areas.  Sunday it was Sarstoon Island, quite possibly, in short order, it could very well be Barranco.”