Removal of Illegal Settlers Continue

Belmopan - 01 March, 2001.
The removal process of illegal settlers at Machaquila, Rio Blanco and Valentin Camp continued today, Thursday, 1st March. The Belize members of the Joint Commission witnessed the issuance of compensation packages by the Guatemalan side to the 18 heads of households found to be at Rio Balanco today. Including those issued during yesterday afternoon’s exercise, a total of 25 heads of household have been issued compensation packages.

The exercise will continue tomorrow, Friday, when it is expected that the remaining households at Rio Blanco and Machaquila will have been offered compensation packages by the Guatemalan Commission members, on the understanding that they will voluntarily depart from the settlement within twenty-four hours of receipt of payment.

Reports are that the settlers are accepting the offer of compensation packages, and that the Belize side has not found it necessary to issue any Expulsion Orders so far.