It was expected that like in Belize, Guatemalans would also be vocal and passionate about the territorial claim. Several articles have appeared in the local media in that country and one of those persons expressing his opinion is none other than former Foreign Minister of Guatemala, Gabriel Orellana, a known hardliner on the topic and […]
If you’re transiting through Mexico this holiday season, here are some tips for a smooth ride. Belizeans are advised that they will be required to present certain documentation on entry at Subteniente Lopez on the northern border. The Mexican Embassy is advising drivers entering the state of Quintana Roo including Chetumal, Bacalar, Mahahual, Tulum, Playa […]
The Government of Belize and the United States of America today signed a memorandum of understanding. The document will enable Belizean law enforcement authorities to utilize the gun tracing facility available at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms at the United States Department of Justice. The signing took place today at the Headquarters of […]
If you listen to the local airwaves, there is growing opposition to the compromis signed in Washington D.C. on Monday which sets out the parameters that could take the Guatemalan claim to Belize to the Hague. But before this happens, there has to be a public education campaign and a referendum. News Five’s William Neal […]
Fresh off a plane from Washington D.C., this evening Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington addressed the nation on the issue of the compromis. Elrington says the briefing is part of the government’s commitment to keep the public informed and educated on the Belize/Guatemala process. During the lengthy conference that concluded at six this evening, […]
But while the decision to go to the I.C.J. rests in the hands of the people, G.O.B. believes it is the way to go. Elrington says he cannot come up with another means of settling the dispute save for picking up arms and for Ambassador Fred Martinez, Guatemalan’s constitution says it has ownership of Belize […]
And while there is still quite a way to go before the Guatemalan claim to Belize reaches the International Court of Justice… if it even does. In the meantime, O.A.S. Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza, who has been involved in the process for years, is keeping his fingers crossed that it will work out and […]
The compromis has been signed. Just after ten this morning, Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington, Guatemalan Foreign Minister, Haroldo Rodas, and OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza put their signatures on the bottom line of the special agreement in which both countries agree to go to the I.C.J. to settle Guatemala’s claim to Belizean […]
The P.U.P.’s were not the only ones to receive a copy of the special agreement. After weeks of speculation by Belizeans as to what was contained in the document, the secrecy came to an end with the nine-article document that was finally emailed to press this afternoon. The four-page document begins with a preamble stating […]
Going to the I.C.J. will cost in the range of twenty million dollars, according to members of the negotiating team. And where is this money coming from? Government will be relying on various sources, including the “Group of Friends” which is a number of countries, member states of the O.A.S. and others who have been […]
While politicians are seeing the decision to go to the I.C.J. as a necessity to end the Guatemalan claim, many Belizeans are not sure. So far the N.T.U.C.B. has publicly said they do not think the I.C.J. is the way to go and late this evening the Maya Leaders Alliance of Southern Belize let its […]
But there is one way to stimulate the economy and that is through trade. And while there are historical ties between Belize and Mexico and there has been constant interaction, there is now a window to develop and strengthen trade relations and to open new business opportunities. Today representatives from both countries met for the […]
Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, it’s the countdown to the signing of the compromis or special agreement in Washington DC this coming December eighth, which would land the Guatemalan claim to Belize before the International Court of Justice in the Hague. The agreement will be inked by Foreign Ministers Wilfred Elrington of Belize and Haroldo […]
Our two countries have always enjoyed excellent relations and now Mexico wants to further strengthen these ties. And to do that, the Mexican Embassy says it also wants to improve its relationship with the local media. Today Ambassador Luis Lopez Moreno hosted the press to a luncheon to highlight the areas his country wants to […]
Belize is awaiting word from the Guatemalans for the signing of the compromis which sets out the question to be asked in the referendum in respect of the Guatemala claim to Belizean territory. That is the latest from Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington. According to Elrington, once the Guatemalan version of the Cabinet gives […]
Last night the United States Presidential debate between seventy-two year old John McCain and forty-seven year old Barack Obama was watched all over the world because as the adage says when America sneezes we catch a cold. The pundits said the senior Republican was at his best but the polls said it was the young […]
Prime Minister Barrow tried hard to explain today, the release of four Mexican soldiers who were nabbed by police for an undeclared and unlicensed firearm. According to Barrow, the decision was taken on the advice of the Ministry of National Security which today in a release quotes articles one, two, twenty-two and a hundred and […]
Much time was devoted today to the ground work to take the Guatemalan claim to Belizean territory before the International Court of Justice. According to Barrow, members of the head negotiating team are currently finalizing the “compromis” or agreement which will govern what is put to the ICJ. Prime Minister Dean Barrow “The Minister of […]
Four Mexican soldiers are on their way back across the border after they were released by police. The four were apprehended just before ten on Monday night on the Northern Highway when they were found with an undeclared weapon. The soldiers reportedly arrived at the Burrell Boom checkpoint in a white Mazda four-door car bearing […]
And to show appreciation for the continuous assistance from Cuba, Belize today deployed its second shipment of supplies to the island that was ravaged three times in a matter of just months by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike and Tropical Storm Fay. The recovery process is well underway but since every ounce helps, today’s supplies will […]
And while on the governor general, Belize House in Belmopan announced today that Sir Colville Young will be attending the annual Conference of CARICOM Heads of State. Sir Colville leaves the country on Sunday October fifth for the Bahamas and during his absence, the Secretary of the Cabinet, James Murphy, will be performing the functions […]
Special Olympics is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit and productive members of society through sports training and competition. This evening Special Olympics signed an agreement of cooperation with the government of Belize to strengthen ties and to provide more opportunities and recognition for disabled youths. Signing […]
And special needs children in Belize have their first ambassador. At today’s press conference, the Managing Director of Special Olympics North America signed an agreement with the Prime Minister to introduce Kim Simpliss as one of its Global Ambassadors. Simpliss joins the ranks of notable ambassadors such as Bon Jovi, Bono, Muhammad Ali, Yao Ming […]
If you thought that all the news was bad today, there is one issue that is certainly positive and it involves one country in this hemisphere that over the years has shown solidarity and support for Belize – it is Cuba. And today Belize stepped up to the plate and handed over two thousand pounds […]
Media reports coming out of the Republic of China indicate that Belize and Taiwan will sign an oil exploration agreement. The announcement came at a diplomatic reception in Taiwan and was made by Ambassador to Belize Joseph Shih. The signing is said to be set for September twenty-ninth and will be between state-owned C.P.C. Corp […]
