Elrington Says Costa Rican President Trying to Shame Countries Into Allowing Transit

Wilfred Elrington

According to Elrington, there has been some indication that Mexico would be prepared to facilitate the passage of the Cubans, but nothing in writing. Belize is not prepared to budge without that written undertaking. In the meantime, Elrington says that Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis will just have to understand that this is the time for clear heads, and not for rash condemnation.

Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“The President seemed to have embarked on a policy – even before we had the meeting – of name and shame. I went there knowing that. But if you know the problems that the Greeks are going through. If you know the problems that the Europeans are going through, you will know that this is no time to take that attitude. This is a time for very careful thought and reflection to work out a problem that is a very difficult one and one that is going to get worse before it gets better. So his attitude was not helpful and he said it, he signalled it even before he arrived…if in fact Belize and Guatemala and Nicaragua don’t come his way…not that we wouldn’t want to help him, but we have a responsibility to our own people. We have to put the interests of our people first. And that is what our government is resolved to do. The Prime Minister is not going to do anything that is harmful to the country. He tries his best to minimize that. I can’t see this having any negative impact on our relationship with Costa Rica. Costa Rica needs to understand that this is a huge problem which needs to be dealt with in a very rational, calm and carefully considered manner.”