By Belize Live News Staff: UDP stalwart Alberto August has issued a strong call for the Government of Belize to urgently acquire better-equipped maritime vessels to defend the country’s sovereignty in the Sarstoon.
In a public statement, August criticized the government’s allocation of resources, saying Belizean forces are left to confront Guatemalan military assets in “weak fishing boats,” while millions are spent elsewhere.
“This government can spend $250,000 to buy a new chariot for the Foreign Minister but nothing to spend in the protection of our national territory. It is high time for us to get our priorities right,” August declared.
He further argued that the $20 million earmarked for CABEI subscriptions could be redirected to strengthen Belize’s maritime defense by acquiring and maintaining more advanced vessels.
August’s comments come in the aftermath of last week’s Sarstoon confrontation, when Guatemalan Armed Forces once again blocked Belizean authorities from freely navigating the river. The incident has reignited public outcry over Belize’s limited maritime assets and the government’s response to ongoing aggression in the disputed area.
