Tensions along Belize’s southern border have flared once again after video emerged showing Guatemalan military vessels aggressively confronting a Belize Defense Force patrol near Sarstoon Island. The incident, which the Government of Belize has condemned as an incursion into Belizean waters and an act of intimidation, is the latest in a series of confrontations in the disputed area. While Belizean authorities say the BDF acted with restraint and professionalism, additional BDF and Coast Guard assets have since been deployed to the Sarstoon as the government prepares to lodge a formal protest with Guatemala and report the incident to the Organization of American States. Today we spoke with CEO in the Ministry of National Security, Francis Usher, who explained how Belize is navigating the repeated infractions.
Francis Usher
Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Security
“The most recent incident began on Saturday morning, where after a routine patrol up the river, as we do, we patrol the entire Sarstoon River all the way to Cadenas, and coming back down, we go through the southern channel. So we patrol both the northern and southern channels of the Sarstoon River and upon coming back through the southern channel, that’s when we were approached aggressively by the Guatemalan Armed Force vessels. Our coxswains from the Special Boat Unit of the BDF skillfully maneuvered, ensured everyone remained safe and secure. And throughout the videos, you could clearly see that the Guatemalan vessels were clearly within Belizean waters. So there were incursions there, and we condemn those wholeheartedly. It’s important for us to document and report on every single instance where they have violated our or incurred on our territorial waters or our terrestrial lands, whether it be along the western or southern border. We have to document these things to the international community, and we have to further solidify to everyone and demonstrate to them that we are a country of laws, but more than that, we are a country that abides by international laws. We are not the aggressors.”
Tag: Following the incident, senior leaders from the Belize Coast Guard and Belize Defence Force traveled to the Sarstoon to meet with deployed troops and assess conditions on the ground. There, commanders commended personnel for their professionalism and readiness, encouraged them to remain vigilant, and reaffirmed their commitment to providing the support needed to safeguard Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Belizean Soldiers Refuse Guatemalan Military Provocation at Sarstoon
Belizean soldiers faced an aggressive confrontation on the Sarstoon River, but refused to take the bait. U.S. Ambassador Andre Bauer is praising the Belize Defense Force for remaining calm and professional when two Guatemalan military vessels allegedly entered Belizean waters and approached its patrol. He says that restraint prevented a dangerous escalation as both countries await their day in court.
Andre Bauer
Andre Bauer, US Ambassador
“So, I’ve spoken with one of the individuals personally. When I started this journey and the president nominated me in 2020, I knew this was an issue dating back to the 1850s. We have been blessed, I say we because I feel like I’m part of Belize, I’m a resident here. In March, we’re going to have a chance to have an intermediary listen to this case and hopefully bring finality to this issue that has gone on for far too long. First off, I want to recognize that for a bunch of young people that are tasked with keeping this country safe, to not react, is a big deal. For young people to conduct themselves and not respond back but to keep themselves professional, I think we all Belizeans and people that live here, as part of Belizean, we should be very thankful that that did not escalate. My understanding is that this happens often and so, to have a demeanor, to have a professionalism to say, “No, we’re not gonna respond. We’re going to wait and have our day in court.” So, I’m excited about what that’s going to do for how people feel about their country, to know that this is finally over and they can move forward because it’s gone on for far too long.”
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
Watch the Full Newscast Here:
