By Belize Live News Staff: Days after Guatemalan military vessels confronted a Belize Defence Force patrol near Sarstoon Island, the head of the Belize Coast Guard is urging his personnel to stay strong and ready.
Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis delivered a message of unity and commitment to Coast Guard officers and sailors, describing them as Belize’s maritime guardians.
He reminded them that they carry the responsibility to defend the nation against all threats, foreign and domestic, and that their core values must guide every decision and every mission.
The message comes amid rising tension on the Sarstoon. On Saturday, November 7, two Guatemalan Navy vessels approached and repeatedly bumped the BDF patrol vessel Moho during a routine patrol around Sarstoon Island. Government has condemned the incident, reinforced the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base with more BDF and Coast Guard vessels, and is preparing a formal diplomatic protest.
Soberanis recently visited Coast Guard and BDF troops at the Sarstoon to check on their welfare and boost morale.
Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca has said Belize remains committed to peace and to resolving Guatemala’s claim at the International Court of Justice, with hearings set for next year, but will not compromise its sovereignty.
The Commandant’s message ended with a simple call to every member of the force: stand firm, stand ready and stand for Belize.
