BDF Prevents New Settlement & Discovers Illegal Settlement

Belmopan - 13 February, 2001.
On Saturday, February 10, 2001, a BDF patrol in the area of Edwards Central in the Columbia River Forest Reserve, Toledo District, reported that they found 12 Guatemalan nationals clearing land in Belize approximately 4 kilometers from the western border.

The BDF patrol directed the Guatemalans to cease clearing the forest reserve and leave Belize to which they complied.

Two days later, on Monday February 12, 2001, in the same area of Edwards Central, a BDF patrol discovered an illegal settlement approximately 2.9 kilometers in Belize. The settlement is reported to consist of 35 families and 26 dwelling huts.

This new settlement has been reported to the Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has notified the Government of Guatemala.

The Government of Guatemala has been invited to participate in a joint verification exercise, to occur within the 72-hour period prescribed by the protocol for the removal of settlements outside the adjacency zone.

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