Chamber of Commerce Says Trade Relations with Guatemala Must Continue
Arturo ‘Tux’ Vasquez
While a crisis of military proportions has been averted in the days following the death of thirteen-year-old Julio Alvarado Ruano, there is still a level of unease between Belize and Guatemala as it pertains to diplomatic relations. One area of concern that is seemingly overlooked is the trade relation between the neighboring countries. There has been a call for a shutdown of the western and southern borders, as well as the ceasing of trade. The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also issued a release on the current situation and advises against such extreme measures since the private sector shares a mutually beneficial relationship with its counterparts in Guatemala. President Arturo ‘Tux’ Vasquez expands on the role of the Chamber of Commerce in the ongoing dispute.
Arturo ‘Tux’ Vasquez, President, BCCI
“I think the Chamber has another role to play. The Chamber’s role really is to make sure that the trade continues. Now I’ve heard comments about the trade should discontinue and we should close the borders. I’m not sure that that is the best solution, I think in a situation like this everybody has a job to do. The diplomats have the diplomatic approach they need to do, the military has the military approach that they need to do and the Chamber has that trade and business approach that we need to do. In December, as you know, we met with the Guatemalan chamber in Guatemala and we signed up an agreement to say that we will try to foster relationships. Now with all of what has happened, to be honest, if nothing had happened over the weekend our next approach would be for us to contact our counterparts to say to them listen, we have done this release on our side, what are you doing on your side to try to speak to your government to say trade has to continue? We have not gotten to that point; I’m not saying that it is not necessary yet. If it becomes necessary the Chamber of course will do their side when it comes to trade and the counterparts which is the Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala will say what is being done on their side.”
It is obvious that there is no difference between the rich ruling class in Guatemala and that of Belize. What Tux Vasquez and the Chamber is most concerned about is the bottom line. They could not care any less about the realities on the ground. I think both oligarchs would get the sense if Belizean consumers boycott or at least limit trade and commerce with that bully to the west. But guess what, knowing my people, it ain’t happening.
Tux Vasquez and the chamber is confident that this too: ” wah blow ova like ah lee breeze”.
The chamber is only doing half it’s homework.
We expect the diplomats, the military, and the chamber to be nationalistic. So far, we are only seeing it from the military.
It is the chamber’s responsibility to come up with ideas on how Belize can become less dependent on trade with Guatemala and to gradually replace it almost fully as a trading partner. We have very good neighbors also. For example, if we work smartly and from now, can we replace Guatemala by trading almost everything with Mexico? The chamber is the expert on this, and should advise the government. Maybe some tax incentives for imports from elsewhere?
Expect the people of Belize to make our own efforts. We are nationalistic, and are willing to do some sacrifice to achieve this. After all, we have a tremendous problem, we expect tremendous efforts and sacrifice on our part. For example, I went to the store to buy a shoe polish. I had the option of buying a Guatemalan shoe polish for $2+ and a SMALLER Honduran shoe polish for $2+. I bought the Honduran shoe polish. Despite some monetary loss mainly due to the difference in size, I went home satisfied I did the right thing. I was even happy when I used the shoe polish and realized that the Honduran shoe polish is smoother and of higher quality than the Guatemalan shoe polish I always used to buy.
IT IS NOT A MATTER OF REVENGE OR LASH BACK, IF WE DO NOTHING THE GUATEMALANS WILL ASSUME THAT WE LIKE THEIR AGRESSION. AND IF SOME OF US THINK THAT THIS IS A LAUGHING MATTER, THINK AGAIN, I WILL REGRET IF ONE MORNING I WAKE UP TO SEE A GUATEMALAN FLAG INFRONT OF MY HOUSE.
I AM…I AM BUYING MEXICO`S PRODUCTS AND NO NO GUATEMALAN PRODUCTS, UNLESS THE GUATEMALAN MILITARY GET THEIR ASS OUT OF SARSTOON !!!
I WILL NOT …I WILL NOT RIDE THE MERRY-GO-ROUND AT THE SHOW GROUNDS !!!!
Steve I thank you for your patriotic approach. I also have decided to boycott guatemala products and I’m seriously considering finding a non Guatemala imported worker to build my garage and fence. I will actively implore everyone i know not to buy school uniforms in melshore this year.