An investigation is currently underway into allegations that Belize Defence Force (B.D.F.) soldiers stationed at the Machakilha Conservation Post have been accepting bribes from Guatemalan loggers. These allegations, which suggest that soldiers are being bribed with something as modest as chicken, have ignited public debate about the difficult conditions faced by soldiers who patrol Belize’s remote borders.
The investigation team convened on Wednesday, October 9, and is expected to deliver its findings by Friday, October 18.
News 5 asked Prime Minister John Briceño about the allegations, specifically about claims that soldiers are taken chicken as bribes. 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.”
Reports indicate that B.D.F. soldiers are being supplied with expired goods such as Pan Crema, Tang, peanuts, ramen noodles, rice, and granola bars and canned goods as sustenances. Given that entry-level B.D.F. soldiers earn just $40 per day and face gruelling conditions, the situation raises important questions about morale and the sufficiency of support for these soldiers. The Guatemalan bribes reportedly go back several years, with one Guatemalan logger claiming to have been bribing soldiers for more than five years. These allegations have raised concerns not only about discipline but about the broader infrastructure and support provided to Belizean soldiers patrolling its contested southern border.
Briceño pointed out that while financial pressures could exist in any institution, it is critical for the B.D.F. to maintain its discipline. “We feel that the B.D.F. was at the pinnacle when it comes to discipline,” Briceño said, acknowledging that standards may be slipping and emphasising the need to “hit the reset button.”
On September 7, B.D.F. troops detained Guatemalan loggers operating illegally in the Columbia River Forest Reserve. However, their position was quickly compromised when over 10 potentially armed Guatemalans surrounded them. Communication with Fairweather Camp was lost, gunshots were heard, and outnumbered soldiers were forced to release their detainees to avoid violence. The incident brought into focus critical issues with the soldiers’ communication equipment, including Harris and VHF radios.
The Prime Minister noted that technological upgrades, such as tracking devices, are being implemented to ensure soldiers remain on Belizean soil during their patrols and that improved communication tools may be necessary in future missions.
“We have to use better technology. We’re using the tracking system so that we know where they are at all times,” Briceño said.
As the investigation into these bribery allegations unfolds, questions remain about the support, discipline, and resources provided to Belizean soldiers guarding the country’s borders.
BDF told to Stand Their Ground as “Hostile” Guatemalans Surround Them
On September 7, a group of Belize Defence Force soldiers found themselves surrounded by more than 10 possibly armed and hostile Guatemalans near Machakilha Conservation Post (CP). The last order that the patrol at the CP received from Fairweather Camp before communication was lost was “man your grounds.”
News 5 Digital has obtained a copy of the “Machakilha Patrol Report.”
Soldiers reportedly became on edge after realising that they were being surrounded by possibly armed and hostile Guatemalans that had gathered near the helicopter landing site. Their intent, it is believed, was to retrieve the 5 Guatemalan men who were caught conducting illegal logging activities in the Columbia River Forest Reserve.
The sun had begun to set. Communication with Fairweather Camp in Punta Gorda Town had been lost. It is believed that the BDF soldiers were outnumbered and outgunned.
At around 6:30 p.m., soldiers heard 2 gunshots from a distance.
The patrol commander made the “tactical decision” to release the 5 detainees along with 2 of the 4 chainsaws to “de-escalate the situation, providing a win for both parties involved.” The decision was also made to prevent the loss of lives on both sides.
Due to the change in circumstances, the original mission, which was to destroy two wooden bridges that were illegally built by Guat emalans in the Columbia River Forest Reserve, was abandoned.
On September 28, we tracked down the Minister of National Defence and Border Security, Florencio Marin Jr., at a People’s United Party event in Belize City. We asked him about the incident. He said, “Yes, I’m aware. And I think if you notice that every time our soldiers encounter these things; they take the appropriate action to discourage them, to remove the Guatemalans, whatever it is, but to be able to stop it, you know.”
Guatemalans Caught Illegally Logging in Belize, Again
A BDF patrol departed en route to Machakilha Conservation Post (CP) on September 6. Their mission was to destroy two wooden bridges that had been built by Guatemalans in the same area in the Columbia River Forest Reserve where the previous bridges had been built.
The following day on September 7, the patrol, after an arduous 18-hour trek through the dense jungle, stumbled upon the scene of an illicit timber activity. At around 1 p.m., near the Machakilha Conservation Post, soldiers heard the unmistakable buzz of chainsaws. Their instincts were right—illegal Guatemalan loggers were hard at work. With precision, they closed in on 56-year-old Santiago Gomez and his 17-year-old son, both caught red-handed with piles of valuable timber some 600 meters in Belize. The logs were ready for transport. None could provide an official form of identification. The older Gomez was informed that they are being recorded to protect their human rights and that a search will be conducted for weapons and ammunition. None were found.
But that was just the beginning.
As the patrol pressed on, they intercepted a Guatemalan family in a modified Toyota 4×4 truck—rigged for smuggling logs across the border. The family was intercepted in a “truck-o-pass,” a term used by Guatemalans for the illegally built roads. It basically means where the trucks can pass. The family consisted of 36-year-old Juan Jose Garcia, his wife, 29-year-old Lydia Ramirez, and their two children, ages 4 and 12. Again, they could not produce any official form of identification. They were relocated to the rally point.
The family was part of a larger group involved in this lucrative but illegal operation. Not far away, more Guatemalans were arrested and detained. They were chainsaw operators: 47-year-old Emilio Chun, 29-year-old Oscar Gomez, the son of Santiago Gomez (the first chainsaw operator), and 24-year-old Ariel Garcia.
None of the detainees showed signs of resistance. Juan Jose Garcia was suspected to be the “Boss” on the ground, but the real mastermind—known only as “Salvador”—remains elusive.
During the search, only Ariel Garcia, Santiago Gomez, and Emilio Chun admitted they knew they were in Belize. Chun, speaking in Spanish, said he wasn’t doing anything wrong, explaining that he is poor with no job, land, or resources.
The patrol commander decided to release Lydia Ramirez and her two children. Santiago Gomez gave permission for his son to return with Ramirez. They were escorted to the border.
The five Guatemalan men, including the chainsaw operators and the vehicle driver, who was identified as the “Boss” of the group, were escorted to the CP.
For five years, these loggers have operated fearlessly within Belizean territory, harvesting prized woods like rosewood under Salvador’s command. The groups typically consist of a driver who is regarded as the boss on the ground and 4 to 5 chainsaw operators. It is believed that “Salvador” has more groups illegally operating near the CP.
It is also believed that they are from Las Lajas, a historic town situated in the central-western region of Neuquén Province, within the Department of Picunches. It is one of the oldest towns in the province, with a population of about 4,964 residents, according to the 2010 population census.
Chief of Staff for the B.D.F., Major Roberta Usher, confirmed that the Guatemalans were detained in Belize. She said, “We can confirm that the legal infrastructure, including the bridges, was identified within Belize, and in response, the proper protocols aligned with the confidence-building measures to ensure appropriate actions were taken.”
“Échame La Mano”
When the group of detained Guatemalans were being escorted to the CP, a conversation with leader Juan Jose Garcia was initiated by the patrol commander. During that conversation, Garcia tells him, “Échame la mano.”This means “Help me out.”
News Five Digital has obtained a signed report of the allegation (according to the soldier’s version of events) and a portion of an audio recording of the conversation. The word bribe is not heard in any language.
According to the document, Jose Juan Garcia allegedly attempted to bribe the soldier, who refused multiple attempts. He informed Garcia that he would follow all protocols. During the conversation, Garica disclosed details about the illegal logging operation, which included four sub-bosses working for Salvador. But the real bombshell? According to the report, Garcia confessed to bribing commanders at the CP to continue his illegal activities. He even provided descriptions of those involved.
The report states, “Jose Juan Garcia made mention that he has been operating within the AO (area of operation) for almost 5 years and that he has bribed most of the commanders at the CP. He gave a brief description of the commanders who he had lately bribed and had mentioned… He described an African-descent individual who accepted his bribe and one that did not. He also mentioned about one Spanish-descent commander who was recently at that location and did not accept his bribe.”
The CP commander and the patrol commander are two different individuals.
The patrol commander made the decision to release the detainees. Officially, he is being accused of failing to carry out his duties by not destroying the bridges. Unofficially, he is being accused of taking a bribe. The patrol commander and his team were searched. No money or illegal items were found on their person.
When asked about the bribery allegations, Minister Marin seemed caught off guard. “This is the first I’m hearing of this,” he said, adding that any illegal structures are usually taken down immediately unless the Organization of American States is involved.
If the allegations of bribery are true, it would point to deep-rooted corruption on the ground that allows Guatemalans to operate freely on Belizean soil. Major Usher says they are investigating.
Outdated Communication Equipment?
The September 7 confrontation at Machakilha was compounded by a reported radio malfunction.
The Belize Defence Force uses Harris and VHF radio for communication. The Harris radio, made by L3Harris Technologies, is a secure, rugged communication device used by military and emergency services. It offers encryption, long-range, multi-frequency, and GPS for critical operations. The VHF radio is a powerful and versatile communication device, designed for use in a variety of professional settings. However, on the day of the incident, communication using both radios failed. Communication could not be established on the VHF radio, and the Harris radio eventually “went out of sync.”
The BDF’s Fairweather Camp in Punta Gorda Town was informed that the CP was being surrounded by “potentially hostile” Guatemalans, seemingly intent on retrieving the detained men. The response from Fairweather was “man your grounds.” Communication then failed as the Harris radio lost sync, leaving the patrol without communication. Attempts to restore contact failed.
Another attempt to report the situation via the Harris radio at 9:30 p.m. was unsuccessful, and the patrol harboured for the night, departing the next morning.
We asked Minister Marin if the BDF’s communication equipment is out of date and in need of replacing.
Continued Incursions by Brazen Guatemalans
Belize’s border with Guatemala is porous. This makes it impossible for Belize authorities to guard and monitor the border for continuous periods. Not to mention the lack of resources to do so. Guatemalans, especially those living near the border, know this. They also know that Belize Defence Force soldiers conduct routine patrols in the area with the aim to prevent and stop incursions.
In recent years, there has been an increase in reported incursions by Guatemalan peasants. They’ve gotten bolder. They’ve crept deeper into Belize. In March 2024, the BDF destroyed two wooden bridges constructed by Guatemalans inside the Columbia River Forest Reserve. These bridges were being used to facilitate illegal logging activities. The discovery of the bridges was made in late February. Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) brought the matter to public attention, saying that Guatemalans had also carved a road through the reserve. This road stretched some two kilometres into Belize. The bridges allowed trucks to access the area for timber extraction, likely involving valuable woods such as rosewood. Aerial surveillance revealed ongoing human activity, with visible timber stacks in the area. Back then, Deputy Commander of the B.D.F., Colonel Anthony Velasquez, told News Five, “We have increased active military presence in the area over this period to ensure that they do not return and continue their legal activities.”
That same month, another illegally built road stretching more than a kilometre into Belize was discovered. This time in the Chiquibul Forest. It was also built by Guatemalans. This road was being used by Guatemalan ranchers to access water for their cattle roaming Belize’s forest. The road, which originates from the Guatemalan side of the border, is believed to have been commissioned by wealthy cattle ranchers. Executive Director for FCD Rafael Manzanero said, “So we see that with heavy machinery, of course, those are more investments, and these are not really done by poor people along the adjacency zone, but more than likely, we believe they are by cattle ranchers in terms of trying to find an area where to get water.” In a separate interview with News Five, Col. Velasquez said, “It’s a road that was cleared by heavy machinery, so it’s a pretty open road.” Col. Velasquez added that patrols were sent to the area to closely monitor any movements and to detain anyone found there.
Raping Belize’s Resources
The Columbia River Forest Reserve is one of the most species-diverse areas in Belize. Previously managed mainly for timber extraction, the reserve is now recognised as a vital component of Belize’s National Protected Areas System. It serves as a crucial ecological haven that faces increasing threats from illegal logging, primarily by individuals crossing the border from Guatemala. This illegal activity not only disrupts ecosystems, endangers wildlife, and contributes to environmental degradation through habitat loss and soil erosion but also threatens the livelihoods of local communities that rely on the forest for sustainable living. The Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) have raised alarms after discovering significant illegal timber extraction, urging the Belizean government to increase patrols and collaborate with Guatemalan authorities to address the issue.
We also caught up with Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development. The Forest Department which manages the Columbia River Forest Reserve, falls under his ministry. According to Minister Habet, a flyover of the reserve showed multiple clearings.
The life of Cleopatra Eugenie White remains a celebrated part of Belizean history. Born in then British Honduras to Joseph and Maria White, she made significant contributions as a nurse, social worker, and community leader. Her work had a lasting impact on both healthcare and community management in Belize.
Pioneering Healthcare in Rural Belize
In the 1940s, Cleopatra White was one of Belize’s first formally trained nurses for public health services. She began her career in the early 20th century and focused on rural areas.
White’s first assignment was in Double Head Cabbage village, but she soon relocated to Gales Point and the Manatee River area of Belize, where she would spend the majority of the next 16 years. As the first rural health nurse in the region, her role quickly evolved beyond traditional nursing duties to include social work. She became a beloved mentor to many village children and played a crucial role in educating young women about hygiene practices.
White was an innovator in community management. Her most notable achievement was her establishment of the first village council in Gales Point. Recognising the need for organised management of village affairs, especially during emergencies, she set up a system that would later be replicated across Belize. This model proved effective during hurricanes and other crises, showing her foresight and leadership.
White played a crucial role in disaster relief efforts. After the 1931 hurricane, she helped establish nursing facilities and supply stations. Her work during Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Hattie in 1961 further demonstrated her commitment to her community. She drove daily to care for people affected by Hurricane Hattie, showing remarkable dedication.
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of her contributions, White received several honours. In 1953, she was awarded the Victoria Medal for her services. By 1958, she had travelled to England to receive the Member of the Order of the British Empire Medal in the 1958 Birthday Honours. These awards underscored her impact on both a local and international scale.
In 1986, the Women’s Bureau of Belize created the Cleopatra White Shield, awarded to the winner of the National High School Quiz Contest. This prize not only honours her memory but also supports educational achievement among Belizean youth. In addition, the Cleopatra White Outpatient Clinic was established in her honour, and a postage stamp was issued in 1993 featuring her image.
A Legacy Preserved
Upon retiring from the Hattieville Clinic in the mid-1960s, Cleopatra White returned to Belize City with a fervent goal: to rejuvenate the declining Black Cross Nurses training courses. Her commitment extended beyond nursing education; she founded the Women’s League and played a pivotal role in organising fundraising events and entertainment for the National Festival of the Arts. Known for her exceptional skills as a scriptwriter, songwriter, and storyteller, White earned numerous accolades for her creative work. To honour her contributions to Creole heritage, E. Beck, a professor at St. John’s College, recorded several of her songs, preserving her efforts to instill pride through music.
Cleopatra White’s life showcased her deep commitment to service, shaping healthcare and community management in Belize. Although she lived modestly and spent her final years as a pauper at the Belize City Old Folks Home, her impact imprinted Belize’s history for years to come.
Zee Edgell, born Zelma Inez Tucker in Belize City in 1940, stands as a towering figure in Belizean literature. Her literary career began with the groundbreaking novel Beka Lamb, which not only marked Belize’s first novel to gain international acclaim but also offered a poignant look at the nationalist movement in British Honduras through the eyes of a young girl. Edgell’s ability to capture the essence of her homeland with such vivid detail and authenticity set a new standard for Belizean writing and education. Beka Lamb quickly became a seminal text, finding its place in school curricula across Belize and beyond, and winning the prestigious Fawcett Society Book Prize in 1982.
From Belize to the World
Edgell’s journey was as varied and rich as her novels. Her career took her across the world, from Nigeria and Jamaica to Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Each location left an indelible mark on her work. In Nigeria and Bangladesh, she worked with development organisations, while in Jamaica, she contributed to the Daily Gleaner. These experiences broadened her worldview and deepened her understanding of diverse cultures, which enriched her storytelling. Her global travels and work with the Peace Corps brought a unique perspective to her writing, reflecting the complexities of post-colonial societies and the human condition.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Education
Back in Belize, Edgell’s contributions extended beyond literature. She was a pioneering advocate for women’s rights, serving as the first Director of the Women’s Bureau under both the United Democratic Party and the People’s United Party. Her tenure saw significant advancements in women’s issues and development in Belize. She also played a crucial role in education, returning to teach at the University College of Belize, now known as the University of Belize, and at St. Catherine Academy, where she had once been a student. Her dedication to education was matched by her commitment to nurturing young minds, as she frequently visited schools to inspire students with readings from her work.
Honours and Recognition: Edgell’s Achievements
Edgell’s achievements did not go unnoticed. In 2007, she was honoured with an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature and community service. This accolade was a testament to her impact not only in Belize but also on the international stage. Two years later, she received an honorary doctorate in literature from the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, further cementing her place as a distinguished literary figure. These honours recognised her as a trailblazer in Belizean literature and a global advocate for education and social change.
Remembering Zee Edgell
Yet, behind her remarkable public life was a personal story of deep family connections. Edgell was married to Alvin Edgell for 52 years, a partnership that was both a personal and professional journey. Together, they raised two children: Holly, a journalist, and Randall, a physician. Their family life was a source of immense pride and joy for Edgell, and her children and grandchildren were her greatest treasures. Her family, including her siblings and their families, often celebrated her achievements and supported her through the many stages of her career.
In her later years, Edgell retired to St. Louis, Missouri, to be closer to her family after Alvin’s passing in 2020. Despite her physical absence, her legacy lives on through her novels, which continue to teach and inspire readers around the world. Her work not only reflects the vibrant culture and complex social dynamics of Belize but also serves as a lasting testament to her profound impact on literature and advocacy.
