A Permanent BDF Presence in Otoxha Village

There have been persistent illegal activities in western and southern Belize. The most recent reports was from the village of Otoxha in the deep south. Villagers have complained that Guatemalan nationals cross into Belize unimpeded to clear land for farms. The village alcalde,  Santiago Peck , first sounded the alarm at the end of May and the Ministry of National Security responded by  sending the B.D.F. to assess the situation and prevent further incursions into Belizean territory. Today the Prime Minister said the issue was discussed at the National Security Council and that a decision was made to have increased B.D.F. patrols going forward.

Dean Barrow, Prime Minister

“Yes the B.D.F has been out there and in fact more regular patrols in those areas were discussed at the national Security Council level and agreed. And I think in terms of structures that are already in the area that need to be dismantled. It is just a matter of getting the O.A.S. to complete the verification process and that will be done. But with respect to not…to trying to prevent this from happening all over again increased B.D.F. patrols will be a standing feature going forward.”