3 settlements receive official notice on Wednesday

Meanwhile, the process of removing three previously identified illegal settlements continues. Beginning Wednesday, representatives of Belize and Guatemala will visit the settlements of Machaquila, Rio Blanco and Valentin Camp to notify residents of the need to vacate the premises. The Belizean team consists of three employees of the Central Statistical Office: Elizabeth Talbert, Englebert Emmanuel and Andrea Coc. They will be accompanied by Inspector of Police Noel Leal, BDF Lt. Colonel Peter Parchue and an observer from the Human Rights Commission of Belize. According to the Washington protocols, if the settlers fail to accept Guatemala’s offer of monetary compensation to leave voluntarily, they will be removed forcibly by the BDF.