G.A.F. Confiscated Belize Flags Returned to Punta Gorda

Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs returned the Belize flag that the Guatemalan Armed Forces illegally confiscated from the Sarstoon Island. As was reported, the Belize Territorial Volunteers took an excursion of Belizeans, including a number of scouts, to Sarstoon Island on September twentieth. There, they were met with resistance by a patrol of five Guatemalan military boats. G.A.F. personnel attempted to turn back the excursion, but B.T.V.’s Wil Maheia and his crew persisted and made it to their destination. The excursion sang the national anthem and planted the Belize flag on the island. G.A.F. personnel would later enter Belizean territory illegally and seize the flag. Those soldiers reportedly told Maheia that the Belize flag was planted in Guatemala’s territory and that Sarstoon Island belongs to Guatemala. Several weeks following the incident, Eamon Courtenay, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, revealed that the flag was being returned to Belize. And, as we’ve said, the flag was sent back to Punta Gorda, two months after the incident.

Wil Mehia

Wil Mehia, Founder, B.T.V.

“We want to say nuff thanks to the Prime Minister for reaching out to make sure we get out flags back, big respect. Also big respect to Minister Courtenay who ensured our flags were returned and brought back to PG. And also, we want to big up the Former British High Commissioner who wrote to the Minister of foreign Affairs who followed up and made sure we got back our flags. I want to thank all the boat drivers and all of Belize Territorial Volunteers, everyone who was involved with BTV. We will continue to keep our eyes on the border because the border dah fih we. The border dah fih we. The Sarstoon Island dah fih we. So, thanks everybody, Belizeans who always ask that we get back the flag. The flag is back.”