B.P.P. is Disappointed in PM’s Response to O.A.S. Release

Paco Smith

Earlier you heard the N.T.U.C.B. take a stand on the release issued by the Organization of American States in which it prematurely “repudiated” the death of Julio Alvarado Ruano at the hands of the B.D.F.  Today, the Belize Progressive Party expressed disappointed with PM Barrow’s response to the O.A.S. statement. News Five spoke with B.P.P. Chairman Paco Smith.

Paco Smith, Chairman, B.P.P.

“It’s very unfortunate, but most unfortunate though was the fact that the Prime Minister actually said that he was satisfied with the job that the O.A.S. is doing. Again, it is not surprising, but it is very disappointing. When you look at the facts in terms of the many egregious moves taken by Guatemala over the years since the signing of the compromise in 2008, where they’ve fundamentally moved the proverbial goal post on numerous occasions and as a government, Belize ahs simply allowed them to do so. Now we have this unfortunate situation coming to a head with regards to the unfortunate death of the Guatemalan minor, but we all know that there is more to it than that in terms of just a minor being shot and killed. Definitely the B.P.P. is of the opinion that the Belize defense force has the right to defend themselves; there’s no question about that. But with this matter coming to a head in relations to that incident; seeing how the O.A.S. immediately jumped to repudiate Belize and our defense forces, that alone should signal that there is something wrong. There have been many occasions where Belizeans have either been accosted and/or shot and killed—I need not remind you all of the unfortunate case of Danny Connorqui, who was killed at the Caracol Maya Site. And did you see the O.A.S. immediately jump and condemn Guatemala? They did not.”