By: Omar Silva, NP Staff Writer

Belize City, 22nd April 2023

The recent discovery of a military base being built by the Guatemalan military in the Adjacency Zone has raised serious concerns about their intentions towards Belize. The base is located in the Santa Cruz area of Guatemala, opposite the BDF base in Jalacte, Toledo District, and was discovered by the Belize Defence Force during a routine patrol.

This is a clear violation of the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) that the Organization of American States (OAS) brokered between Belize and Guatemala. These measures prevent both countries from erecting any new structures, particularly military structures, within the Adjacency Zone.

The fact that the Guatemalan military has ignored these measures and proceeded to build a military base so close to Belize's borders raises serious questions about their intentions. Belize has always maintained a peaceful and diplomatic relationship with Guatemala, but this action by the Guatemalan military is a clear provocation.

The Minister of National Security and Border Defense, Florencio Marin Jr., has stated that they are in communication with the OAS to verify the location of the military base and determine whether it encroaches on Belizean territory. However, action needs to be taken promptly, as this violation could spiral out of control and into a full-blown military conflict between the two countries.

Belizeans must stand united in condemning this aggressive action by the Guatemalan military. It is a direct threat to our national security and sovereignty. We must demand that our government takes appropriate action to defend our borders and ensure the safety of our citizens.

Furthermore, we urge the international community to intervene and hold Guatemala accountable for violating the CBMs. The OAS, in particular, must take swift action to address this violation and ensure that such actions are not repeated in the future.

In conclusion, the Guatemalan military's construction of a military base in the Adjacency Zone is a clear violation of the Confidence Building Measures, and a direct threat to Belize's national security and sovereignty. We demand that our government takes immediate action to address this issue and ensure the safety of our citizens. We also call on the international community to hold Guatemala accountable for their actions and prevent any further provocation or aggression towards Belize.