O.A.S. is Aware of Guatemalan’s Pillaging Belize’s Natural Resources

Eamon Courtenay

Senator Eamon Courtenay, this morning expressed dismay at the O.A.S. pointing out that the organization is well aware of the plunder of Belize’s resources in the Chiquibul by Guatemalan nationals. He said that the circumstances deserve a stepping up of diplomatic work.

Eamon Courtenay, Opposition Representative

“In my experience, the O.A.S. does not issue statements like this without the knowledge of the relevant countries. I took a look at that statement and I was struck by the language that was used by the O.A.S.  It points in my view to…let me be clear, if that document that statement was shared with Belize before it was issued, it points to the continuing mismanagement of this matter by the government. I am surprised that the O.A.S. would issue a statement like that particularly at this time. The Secretary General just left Belize and the Secretary General is well aware that Belize is not looking for any military confrontation with Guatemala; he is well aware of the raping of the Chiquibul and the areas along the western border by Guatemalans. The Secretary General and the O.A.S. are well aware that the government of Guatemala is in breach of its obligation to take effect steps to dissuade its people from coming across. Everybody is saddened by the loss of life, but to suggest or to imply that the B.D.F. was somehow at fault I think is a matter of concern for me; it is a matter of concern that the O.A.S. would begin to think that way and we have to ramp up our diplomatic efforts to get our side of the story out and to ensure that people know the truth.”