Illegal Guatemalan Settlements Cleared

Belmopan - 05 March, 2001.
The Ministry of National Security informs the public that as of today March 5, 2001, the illegal Guatemalan settlements at Machaquila, Rio Blanco and Valentin Camp have been cleared and the settlers have returned to Guatemala.

The removal process was observed by Officials of the Government of Belize and witnessed by representatives of the Human Rights Commission of Belize.

The vacated structures were dismantled shortly after the departure of the settlers as follows:

Machaquila, in the Chiquibul National Park, was vacated by 6 pm on March 3, and a total of 28 thatched dwellings dismantled.

Rio Blanco, in the Chiquibul National Park, was vacated by 4 pm on March 3 and a total of 26 thatched dwellings dismantled.

Velentin Camp, in the Caracol Archaeological Reserve, was vacated at midday on March 2. The dismantling of dwellings has started and is expected to be completed today.

For more information, contact Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security, Alan Usher at 08-22225.