MFA C.E.O. Says Plett and Ayala Were Elusive

Roger Plett

So that’s where we were at that point – verification from no less than the O.A.S. that the Belizeans detained had been released. And that’s where the confusion comes in. What exactly are Belizean authorities waiting for? We’re not sure exactly what the problem is, although it is clear that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs certainly does not seem to believe the account of the men, whom C.E.O. Sylvester says were elusive when he wanted to debrief them. Interestingly, Sylvester says that the men took a very long time on Friday to reach the Police Station. He says that’s unusual. Apparently he didn’t know that on Friday the men were with Police near the site of the detention for much of the day.

Lawrence Sylvester, C.E.O., Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“I found that the individuals were rather elusive in making themselves available for this debriefing and it wasn’t until about – it was after close of normal business on Friday that some type of debriefing or statement…that they made themselves available to give a statement at the San Ignacio Police Station. Ambassador Guerra would have been there to listen in, and an official from the organization of American States was there to listen in. So as far as we were concerned the necessary processes to ascertain the facts were being put in place, albeit the unusual delay from the Mennonites in making themselves available or in reporting it to the Police. There are Police in Spanish Lookout. There are Police in Georgeville. There are Police in San Ignacio.”

Reporter

“You are a man of words and I find the use of the word elusive interesting. Have you met with any of these persons? Mr. Ayala or Mr. Plett? Have you personally met with them?”

Lawrence Sylvester

Lawrence Sylvester

“Let me repeat myself. I was in Belize City. Call still continued to come in saying that one fellow was detailed. We dispatched no less in seniority than Ambassador Guerra to get in touch with them and to have a proper debriefing done. I can’t carry the whole government on my back. I can’t be everywhere at one. I am coordinating things happening in multiple hemispheres.”

Reporter

“Why the use of the word elusive Sir? I ask because when you use a word like that it seems to cast blame on these persons like if for some reasons these persons are trying elude or trying to evade the Police.”

Lawrence Sylvester

“Sir I will not get into that. I will not get into that. How long does it take to travel from Belmopan to Spanish Lookout? And the people didn’t make themselves available until late afternoon. I would have thought that perforce they would have reported this unfortunate circumstance to the Police.”

Manuel Ayala

Reporter

“Were you aware that they were actually on the scene with Police and that is why they were delayed?”

Lawrence Sylvester

“No. No. No. But I don’t need to get into that.”