Did Guatemalans Detain Mennonites Near El Pilar?

As we bring you the news tonight, Cayo Police are still trying to verify very disturbing reports at the farthest regions of their jurisdiction near the Guatemalan border. Unofficially, News Five understands that two Mennonite farmers were clearing a fire-break with a bulldozer on their farm near the El Pilar archaeological site. That’s when we are told that they were accosted by at least ten Guatemalan persons who allegedly marched them about three-quarters of a mile into Guatemalan territory. We’re not sure exactly what happened then, but both men managed to make it back into Belizean territory safe. Unconfirmed reports are that one of the men was released after he allegedly told their captors that he was a Canadian national and only visiting Belize. Further details are sketchy, and neither the Police nor Ministry of Foreign Affairs are prepared to provide information until they have ascertained the facts. Late this evening News Five managed to speak to Roger Plett who was at the Police Station giving a statement. He was still doing that at news time, so was unable to provide us with any information. This is a story we’ll certainly be following over the weekend, and we’ll have more information for you in Monday’s newscast.