… Belize’s Shameful Retreat from the Hague Group

By: Omar Silva

Editor/Publisher: National Perspective Bz – Digital 2025

www.nationalperspectivebz.com

 Belize City: Friday 7th March 2025  

Prime Minister John Briceño: "Well, with this, I don't think it's a secret. I think what's important to understand that our principles have not changed. Our stance with Palestine has not changed. Ours, we still maintain the suspension of diplomatic relationship with Israel, but we have a reality called Donald Trump. And as much as we are independent nation, we need to be able to navigate very carefully because we don't want to pick a fight with this gentleman. We don't know what to expect from him.”

This latest revelation about Prime Minister John Briceño’s justification for Belize’s withdrawal from the Hague Group and South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel exposes a shocking display of spineless leadership and diplomatic incompetence. It confirms what many have suspected all along: that the PUP administration prioritizes appeasement over principles, submission over sovereignty, and personal political convenience over the national interest.

With his own words, Briceño admits that fear of Trump dictated this decision—not a well-thought-out foreign policy strategy, not a genuine reassessment of Belize’s stance, but a sheer, unfiltered fear of upsetting Washington. This sets a dangerous precedent for Belize’s standing in the international arena and raises a chilling question:

If Belize abandons Palestine today, will it be abandoned when the ICJ rules on Guatemala’s claim tomorrow?

Belize’s Self-Inflicted Diplomatic Weakness

By caving to the colonial coercion of US foreign policy, Briceño is signaling that Belize will sacrifice its integrity whenever faced with external pressure. This is precisely the kind of weakness that emboldens adversaries like Guatemala—a nation that has never truly abandoned its territorial ambitions over Belize. The ICJ’s upcoming ruling on the territorial dispute remains one of the most significant moments in Belize’s history. By showing that Belize is willing to back down from commitments under external influence, the government is actively weakening its own legal standing.

The Inevitable Consequences of Briceno’s Weakness

Should the ICJ deliver an unfavorable ruling in the Guatemala case, Belize may find itself completely isolated on the world stage. After all, if Belize has proven that it will betray allies when pressured, why should any nation stand with Belize in its moment of need? Guatemala, a country that has consistently sought international support for its claim, could very well exploit Belize’s diplomatic frailty to further its agenda.

If an adverse ruling favors Guatemala, what happens next?

• Will Belize accept the ruling without resistance due to "fear of picking a fight"?
• Will Belize be forced to negotiate under duress, with no international backing?
• Will the US pressure Belize into territorial concessions to maintain stability in the region?

By proving that Belize’s leadership is easily intimidated, Briceño has undermined Belize’s sovereignty before the ICJ has even ruled on the case.

A Government That Governs in Fear, Not Leadership

Briceno’s justification is a blatant insult to the Belizean people. This government is not acting in the interests of Belizeans—it is acting out of desperation to regain favor with the United States. He openly admits that he is afraid of Donald Trump, who has already cut foreign aid and imposed a freeze on over 40 Belizean government projects.

This is a government that governs in fear, not in leadership.

• Fear of Trump dictates Belize’s foreign policy.
• Fear of losing US funding guides national decisions.
• Fear of taking an independent stance has turned Belize into an obedient pawn in geopolitical games.

Belizeans must ask: What kind of government bases its foreign policy on fear?

History Will Remember the Betrayal

Briceño’s weak-willed, submissive diplomacy will have lasting consequences. When Belize needed courage, he chose cowardice. When Belize needed leadership, he chose obedience. His withdrawal from the Hague Group is not just a betrayal of Palestine—it is a betrayal of Belize’s history, sovereignty, and future.

• Who will stand with Belize when our time of need comes?
• Who will fight for us at the ICJ when the stakes are our own borders?
• Who will defend our territorial integrity when this administration has proven it lacks the spine to stand up for itself?

This is a national disgrace, and history will remember the day John Briceño and his PUP government surrendered Belize’s credibility on the world stage.