BTV Re-installs Belize Plaque on Gracias Adios Border Monument

Two years ago, in 2015, a plaque with the name ‘Belize’ which had been installed on the Gracias Adios Border Monument down south was reportedly stolen. The plaque was installed by the Belize Territorial Volunteers in February of that year but a few weeks later, pictures surfaced showing that the monument was without the plaque. On Saturday, the group returned to Gracias Adios to replace the plaque. Giovanni De la Fuente of the Northern Territorial Volunteers and Wil Maheia, who leads the Belize Territorial Volunteers, spoke on what was accomplished.

Giovanni De la Fuente, Northern Territorial Volunteers

“Everything has gone well so far. We encountered the BDF and the GAF. We have had a successful trip so far. We have accomplished what we have come to do which is to place this plaque on this monument. Four years ago we had place one which was stolen and we have come and placed another one. I just thank God for the opportunity to be here with Belizean brothers and sisters. A nation is always built on the back of regular people.”

Wil Maheia, Leader, Belize Territorial Volunteers

“I am glad that Belizeans on the boat today could have seen that Guatemalans continue to disrespect Belize, bringing their military in front of the Sarstoon island, in front of the BDf base like no one could stop them and do anything to them but we are here today. I look at this place and when I first started to come here almost twenty years ago, this whole area was clean. It seems that our government continues to neglect this area. John Saldivar was here a few days ago and the man could hardly walk in the clean area. We need to development pride and professionalism in our country.”