Guatemalans Remain on Belizean Land

Two Guatemalan families remain settled on Belizean territory along the western border. They are residing in an area known as Barrio el Juda and the property belongs to businessman Jorge Espat. Espat has asked the Guatemalans to skillful diplomacy to avoid an international incident. The O.A.S. has verified that the Guatemalans are in Belizean territory. Official representatives from both governments have visited the area, informing the residents that they need to relocate, but two families have resisted.  Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington provided an update today. 

Wilfred Elrington

Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“The last meeting we held there were suggestions that two families that were there and we continue to work with the Guatemalans, our counterparts, to see how best we can have them removed. That is the last I have heard of it.”

Hipolito Novelo

“Have more visits been conducted so far?”

Wilfred Elrington

“I am very much aware that the B.D.F., police and the forest rangers are doing their best to ensure the pace is monitored. It is pretty an expansive area that they have to cover but they are doing their best to ensure that the area is covered and to prevent any recurrence from that to happen.”