Cabinet Silence on Guatemalans Bribing B.D.F. Soldiers 

On November 1, Commander of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) Brigadier General Azariel Loria confirmed that soldiers were being bribed by illegal Guatemalan loggers. Since early September 2024, News Five has been investigating this matter. On October 3, 2024, “Guatemalans Accused of Bribing and Surrounding BDF Soldiers at Machakilha”– an in-depth investigative peice- was published by this station.

On September 7, a group of Belize Defence Force soldiers were surrounded by over 10 Guatemalans, who were potentially armed and hostile, near the Machakilha Conservation Post (CP). The last communication the patrol received from Fairweather Camp, before contact was lost, was the command to “man your grounds.” During the escort of detained Guatemalans to the Machakilha Conservation Post, the patrol commander engaged in a conversation with one of the leaders, Juan Jose Garcia. Garcia allegedly asked for help, saying, “Échame la mano” (Help me out). Garcia attempted to bribe the soldier, who refused and followed protocol. Garcia also revealed details about an illegal logging operation, including four sub-bosses working for Salvador.

When questioned about the bribery claims on September 28th, Minister of National Defence and Border Security, Florencio Marin Jr., appeared surprised, stating that he had not heard of them.

When we asked Prime Minister John Briceño about the allegations on October 11, he said, “That will happen any place. You get 1, 000, and somebody can’t give you another 100; you’re going to take it… And so it’s important to hit the reset button to ensure that these people or BDF soldiers say that we have to be able to at all times look after the interests of Belize. A chicken can’t pay to protect the interests of this country.” 

When asked if Cabinet has discussed the matter, PM Briceño said “no.” During our interview with Brig. Gen. Loria, we asked him if the matter was discussed or brought up by the National Security Council. He said he cannot speak of matters discussed by the Council.

Today, more than a month since the allegations first were reported and later confirmed, the Cabinet has yet to issue a statement. In its weekly press release today, Cabinet made no mention of the confirmed reports that B.D.F. soldiers were being bribed by Guatemalan loggers. Soldiers being bribed by Guatemalan loggers points to deep-rooted corruption on the ground that allows Guatemalans to operate freely on Belizean soil.

PM Briceño on Guatemalans Bribing B.D.F. Soldiers with Chicken