Guatemala to send new envoy to Belize

George de La Roche

On the diplomatic front…Belize has been without a resident ambassador from Guatemala since Manuel Estuardo Roldan was recalled to his Ministry for consultations. Relations were strained following the shooting death of young Julio Rene Alvarado in the Chiquibul in April 2016. Guatemala is now proceeding with the appointment of career diplomat George de la Roche to succeed Roldan who has now been named Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. The new Ambassador has held other diplomatic appointments including one in Canada. The Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington today spoke about that appointment.

Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Wilfred Elrington

“While we were in Washington, present with us there was ambassador designate to the country.  I think we have already accepted him as the ambassador and I think we have signaled that to Guatemala.  His name is George de La Roche and I think he is related to the Gegg’s in Belize and I think that the information that I got also is that he had his earlier education right here in Belize, so that he is very familiar with the country.  He is scheduled to arrive here sometime later this month, by the fifteenth of February he should here.  I think it’s a good development in the relationship and we look forward to his coming.”