Resolving Matter at the I.C.J. Will Make Protecting Belize’s Sovereignty Easier

Steven Ortega

The Belize Defence and the Belize Coastguard are charged with protecting the sovereignty of Belize and its internal security.  The B.D.F. and the Coastguard are both active in the Sarstoon where the Guatemalans have been turning Belizeans back from traversing the river. This morning, the B.D.F.’s Steven Ortega said that it was his view that a ‘YES’ vote in the referendum and resolving the matter at the I.C.J. will make their job easier.  

Brigadier General Steven Ortega, Commander, B.D.F.

“I have been doing some research about this for quite some time and what I have read and what I have seen along the borders has convinced me that in totally that this is something we need to clear up and we need to clear it up right away. From my reading this is the easiest, this is the most peaceful way because we have tried so many other approaches before and nothing worked.”

Marleni Cuellar

“What do you think will change if we take the case to the I.C.J.? What will change at the border?”
Brigadier General Steven Ortega

“The recognition of the international community and our perspective in terms of the military getting the full support from the enforcement side not only from the Belize side but also from the Guatemala side as well. They have that problem as well with the military to military agreements, contacts, dialogues that we do. In terms of their political push down it will have to different. So that is something that will definitely assist us along the border.”