Dean Barrow
The newly constructed outpost at Camp Valentin is less than a kilometre from the Guatemalan border. Reinforcements were called in from Camp Belizario, located at least four hours from the remote outpost. The threat to the B.D.F. soldiers, and to the workmen under their watch, was very real. But is the government taking the threat as seriously as it should? With one life gone and others on the line, the Prime Minister has certainly been talking the talk. But is he walking the walk? That question was put to him this morning.
Reporter
“In terms of a sense of urgency…forgive me for saying this but I don’t feel that right now. You, as Prime Minister; what is your next move? Is it that you intend to speak directly, or try to speak directly with the Guatemalan President?”
Prime Minister Dean Barrow
“Ma’am…I don’t know…if you don’t feel a sense of urgency I can’t account for that. I have told you what the position is. The outpost is being fortified. Reinforcements are being sent to the area. The fact that these villagers came across and made threats is very worrying. We’re trying to put ourselves in a position where if they try to implement those threats they will be dealt with. Any attempt at force on their part will be met by a response that will show them equal or in fact greater force.”
News Five confirmed this afternoon that reinforcements have established contact with the soldiers at Camp Valentin, and that position has been fortified. But going into the weekend, there is a sense of unease due to the aggressive behaviour by Guatemalan nationals.
Over the past 10 years some 9 Guatemalan peasants have been shot dead by Belize Security Forces at the adjacency line that separates Belize and Guatemala. The death of of Daniel Connorqui is the first recorded death of a Belizean, allegedly at the hands of Guatemalan peasants, in retaliation for the alleged theft or confiscation of 5 horses by the Belize Defense Force.