Courtenay Slams Elrington for “Squatters” Comment

Eamon Courtenay

The comment by Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington on the topic of Belize’s borders and how they have not been fully drawn and accepted, in which he compared Belize’s situation to enforcing “squatter’s rights,” has drawn wide and loud condemnation from several arenas. The Minister has tried to backtrack, saying in the House last week that it was “characteristic” of Said Musa and his opponents to take his words out of context. But Senator Eamon Courtenay said it is Elrington who has taken a characteristic approach to a nagging problem and the rest of Belize, starting with his Senate colleagues should condemn him.

Eamon Courtenay, P.U.P. Senator

“Something is radically wrong – something is radically wrong, Mr. President; and I am challenging the Senators on the other side to condemn the minister of Foreign Affairs! No self-respecting Senator will sit here today and not condemn the calling of Belizeans “squatters.” We say that is mismanagement of our foreign affairs. We go further: how can the Minister of Foreign Affairs say that the maritime areas of Belize are not recognized internationally. Mr. Attorney General, I am asking you, I am begging you – just a lee bit – I am begging you to sit down with your colleague. It will probably take some time, but take your time, go through it slowly, step by step, and enlighten the man.”