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There have been new developments in Guatemala over the past two days in respect of referendum proceedings on whether its age-old territorial dispute with Belize should be taken to the International Court of Justice for resolution. As we reported earlier this week, Guatemala’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal, similar to Belize’s Elections and Boundaries Commission, voted all […]
According to Ambassador Rosado, at the moment there is nothing on Belize’s table of events insofar as the pending referendum. He says that while the Special Agreement contains a clause which requires both countries to agree to go to the ICJ, should Belize or Guatemala say no, the long-standing claim will live on. Alexis […]
Guatemala, with significant financial assistance from the government of Taiwan, is proceeding with the construction of a road that will span the length of that country all the way to Puerto Barrios. The cost of the infrastructure project is an estimated six hundred and fifty million U.S. dollars, monies which have been granted and loaned […]
Earlier today the Guatemalan Congress approved the holding of a referendum to take its territorial claim over Belize to the International Court of Justice. According to reports in Prensa Libre, a Guatemalan newspaper, the Congress gave the go ahead to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal to poll Guatemalans if they would agree to take the claim […]
Taiwanese Foreign Minister David Lee concluded a three-day working visit to Belize this morning, his final stop being a tour of the Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence on Mahogany Street. As we’ve reported, Dr. Lee was in the Jewel on official business during which he signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation that will […]
Foreign Minister Lee also shared his thoughts on the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute, stating only that it is Taiwan’s wish that both countries eventually arrive at a peaceful solution to the age-old issue. Dr. David Lee, Taiwanese Foreign Minister “Well certainly, you know, we are also advocating peace and we hope that there will be […]
On Thursday, Doctor Lee headed west to Central Farm where he toured the agriculture and tilapia hatchery facilities headed by the Taiwanese Mission. He shared his reaction to what he saw when taken on a guided a guided tour of the location. Dr. David Lee, Taiwanese Foreign Minister “I’m impressed with what I saw […]
The realization of the Sarstoon Protocol has been up in the air ever since the Guatemalan government suspended negotiations with Belize, following the death of Guatemalan minor Julio Rene Alvarado Ruano in the Chiquibul Forest. In the wake of that unfortunate incident, there has not been any significant developments made and there is no timeline […]
There will be a new Guatemalan Ambassador to Belize. While that individual has not been named officially, Guatemala is already in talks with a replacement for Manuel Estuardo Roldan Barillas. Earlier this year, we reported that Barillas, Guatemala’s ambassador to Belize, was recalled for quote, consultations with his bosses. It was never clear why he […]
To go to the ICJ or not to go the ICJ? It is a question that Guatemalans may be deciding on very soon. Earlier this year, we reported that Guatemala announced that it will go to referendum and the Guatemalan press reported that several million dollars were raised for the national exercise. So, will they […]
Taiwanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Doctor David Tawei Lee and his wife, Chih Lin arrived in Belize on Wednesday and were hosted at an event in Belmopan. While the media was not made aware of the official visit by the foreign minister, we did receive an excerpt from the welcome ceremony. An address by C.E.O. […]
Former ambassador to CARICOM, Francisco Daniel Gutierrez has moved up to Washington D.C. where he presented credentials to President Donald Trump as ambassador before the State Department. Gutierrez replaces Patrick Andrews, who is now the C.E.O. in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Gutierrez applauded the role of the U.S. in the preservation of peace and […]
According to Taiwan News, a media outlet in Taiwan, citizens from a number of Caribbean countries, including Belize, are now able to enjoy visa-free travel to Taiwan. It is reported that Taiwan made the decision to ease restrictions to “demonstrate the closeness” between it and its “diplomatic allies” in the region. As a result of […]
The thirty-eighth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) concluded today in Saint George’s, Grenada. The conference discussed the Single Market and Economy as well as CARICOM Human resource Development 2030 Strategy, which proposes a work plan for a Single ICT space, regional transportation security and tourism. Belize […]
Earlier this week, Panama severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan and announced it was forging relations with China. The move angered Taiwan, which later announced that it was closing its embassy and recalling its technical and diplomatic mission. Today News Five caught up with Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize we asked him about the rupture and whether […]
And while Ambassador Charles Liu remains positive and hopeful about the ties with Belize, we asked him if there is any concern that China, with its big coffers, will come knocking on other doors in Central America, particularly countries that rely heavily on foreign aid. Liu believes China’s move was strategic and that while they […]
The Taiwanese Government, through the Primary and Secondary Art Skills Training Centre, launched the Taiwan Cultural Exchange Program in Belize. This is the first of its kind program that aims to educate locals about Taiwanese culture, with a focus on language, food, music and education. Andrea Polanco was at today’s launch and has more about […]
On Monday, Panama severed diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and in the same breath it announced it was establishing ties with the People’s Republic of China. President Carlos Varela said he believes in a one China policy and that there are strong economic interests with China which is the second most important […]
Before we go to break, in foreign policy news…Panama has officially severed all diplomatic ties with the Republic of Taiwan, as of Monday and established relations with the People’s Republic of China. Immediately, Taiwan announced it was closing its embassy in that country and recalling its technical mission. It also ended all bilateral cooperation and […]
The diplomatic and visitor’s visas of Minister Edmond Castro were revoked in May, but the reason remains under a cloud of suspicion. News of the revocation came via a press release from the minister, though there was no reason provided for the cancellation. Now, the minister has been named as a player in a visa […]
In open court, as well as during a recent testimony before the Senate Special Select Committee, Burgess has gone on record to state that the U.S. Embassy is in possession of an audio recording of Minister Edmond Castro. Earlier today, we also asked Chargé d’affaires Adrienne Galanek for a brief comment on the matter. While […]
The Belmopan Bandits recently played its last game in the NEBL Finals. Players and fans of the basketball team owner by Minister of Defense John Saldivar did not show up for the away match in government transportation, namely the Boston Whalers gifted to the Coastguard by the U.S. Government. Instead, they did so privately, following […]
The key for a new health center was delivered today by the U.S. Government to the Ministry of Health. The project was undertaken by the Beyond the Horizon 2017 humanitarian exercise. The new facility in Ladyville will provide comfort to patients in the growing community as well from neighbouring areas. It has a waiting room, […]
News Five has been covering reports from Toledo about incursions by Guatemalan farmers in the villages of San Benito Poite and Otoxha. As we told you on Tuesday, the Belize Defence Force has done its investigations but has yet to catch up to the invaders. It must also rely on the Police Department and other […]
According to Requeña, government should not be burying its head in the sand on the issue and that all government agencies should join in to put a stop to the incursions which are taking away valuable Belizean territory. Isani Cayetano “Have you as the area representative had an opportunity to visit these areas to […]
