Encroaching Guatemalans ordered out

As facilitators trying to settle the Guatemalan claim prepare to deliver their recommendations, the situation on the ground continues to produce irritation on the border. One of the outstanding issues at last month’s meeting in Washington, D.C. was that of the illegal actions of the mayor of Melchor de Mencos. The politician had distributed lots to his constituents that just happened to be in Belizean territory. Tonight News 5 understands that for the past week, surveyors accompanied by B.D.F. soldiers and representatives from Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have visited the area to ascertain how much of the land is in Belize. This morning, sources tell news 5 that as many as eight people who were in the process of building thatch houses were handed orders to leave. Those Guatemalan settlers are seeking to occupy a strip of land on the outskirts of the town of Benque Viejo near the Xunantunich ancient Maya site. Belizean authorities are monitoring the situation to ensure that the would-be residents do not take root on Belizean soil.