Fonseca Says Belize will Work with Trump Administration

There’s a saying: When America sneezes, Belize catches a cold. With Donald Trump back in the White House as the 47th President, many Belizeans are curious about what this means for our relationship with the U.S. over the next four years. During his previous term from 2016 to 2020, Trump didn’t appoint an Ambassador to Belize, so we had to rely on the Charge d’ Affaires to manage our diplomatic ties. Now, Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca says Belize is ready to work with the new administration. However, there’s a big question mark over how the U.S. will handle migrants, including Belizeans, who sought asylum under Biden’s policies.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“We congratulate the president elect, Donald Trump. Um, and we look forward to, uh,  2025. We look forward to working with his administration. We look forward to, again, continuing to strengthen the relationship between Belize and the United States. It’s a very, very important relationship for us. And we are committed to working very closely with any U. S. president and their administration  to advance our mutual needs and interests.”

 

Reporter

You know that Trump ran anti-immigration policy. Do you believe it is particularly concerning for Belizeans who are living there, especially those who sought asylum seekers recently that went over recently to the U. S.?”

 

Francis Fonseca

“One of the  great attributes of the United States of America is that it’s a country of laws. It’s a country that has demonstrated over centuries its commitment to the rule of law. Um, and so, you know, I don’t think that Belizeans who are living there, um, should be in fear. Um, you know, obviously, you’re an illegal immigrant. I, I  expect that you’re always, you know, I was a bit anxious about your status, so I guess that will continue. Um, but we certainly hope that, you know, the new administration coming in  will fully, as we expect, will  fully abide by laws.”