Border incidents increase but forces remain calm

The diplomatic mission to Guatemala comes at a time when border tensions between the two countries are running a bit higher than normal. Recently a Guatemalan army patrol was met by a Belize Defense Force patrol in the area of San Vicente, a tiny settlement in Toledo just south of the Columbia River Forest Reserve. According to our Ministry of National Security the Guatemalans expressed doubt as to the location of the border. With the help of a map and computerized GPS the B.D.F. demonstrated exactly where they stood and — just to make sure — stayed in the area for several days. According to the Ministry, meetings between the two forces are routine and relations between the Guatemalan and Belizean military remain cordial.