Oscar Requeña Calls for National Effort to Stop Guatemalans

Oscar Requeña

According to Requeña, government should not be burying its head in the sand on the issue and that all government agencies should join in to put a stop to the incursions which are taking away valuable Belizean territory.

Isani Cayetano

“Have you as the area representative had an opportunity to visit these areas to see the extent of these incursions?”

On the Phone: Oscar Requeña, Area Rep., Toledo West

“Well I will say that I have spoken to the leaders; I have not had the opportunity to go into the area, but I have spoken with the Alcalde. I had a meeting in San Benito Poite, a community meeting, where the Alcalde and the chairman and the villagers were there and they shared the same concern; that they are very much concerned. I have not had an opportunity to go into Otoxha because it is in Toledo East. But it is documented; it is a fact Isani that Guatemalans are moving into the area. And the point I wanted to clarify is that it is not going to help for any leader to basically deny not knowing of the situation, and in this case the Foreign Minister. I believe that the matter was first raised to the media by Wil Maheia; I took up the matter, the motion for adjournment on May the twelfth. So I am certain that he is fully aware of the situation Isani.”

Isani Cayetano

“Is there anything else you would want to mention in respect of this particular issue that I may be overlooking?”

On the Phone: Oscar Requeña

“Well, you know, I believe that this is a serious matter. The villagers are very much concerned in both communities. And not only both communities, the whole matter of the Sarstoon. Incursions on our borders continue to be a major problem for our country and I have said this. I have gone on record for Belizeans and our government, our authorities, need to do everything possible to ensure that our borders are secured and that we don’t have Guatemalans continuously coming into our areas. It has to be addressed by the Ministry of Defense; the local government…that is the Alcalde and the chairman and the community so that we can address this matter.”