P.U.P. Toledo says no to ICJ

Mike Espat

Both the government and opposition have now firmly rejected the Guatemalan proposals in respect of the October sixth referendum which would have determined whether the population had any desire to ultimately have the ICJ determine Belize’s boundaries. While it seemed that is the general public sentiment, we narrowed it down to the two area representatives from the south, the area most affected by the territorial dispute. Oscar Requeña, Toledo West Representative and Mike Espat, from Toledo East, say that their communities’ are also dead set against judicial settlement.

Mike Espat, Toledo East Representative

“Most of the people we talking to are saying no. they are just saying that if they have to vote, they will vote no to the referendum of going to the ICJ.”

Oscar Requeña, Toledo West Representative

Oscar Requeña

“I think really when you talk to the people on the ground, mean, I think they go back, a lot of them go back to listen we are an independent country. In 1981 in our constitution it clearly defines our borders. And I will tell you they are also skeptical that Guatemala; that they are going to be supported by other countries and that Belize will be at a disadvantage. That is the feeling that they have. We are simply relating what people are telling us on the ground. They are saying if we have to vote, we wah vote no.”

Mike Espat

“I have made my position clear and my position is no.”

Oscar Requeña

“I am of the same position.”