30 October, 2015
Dear Editor,
Regardless of what we think of the Barrow government, on which side of the political fence we stand, there’s a time to support the government we have, come together as a people, stand on principle and present a unified front to the enemy. There’s nothing more persuasive to make the enemy take pause. Then, Red, Blue, Green or Independent, you go vote how you want.
What has been put out there as explanation for the sudden appearance of top-ranking British military personnel in Belize announcing the resumption of BATSUB is that Britain wants to prop up the Barrow government, with the nod from America. Why, especially if the UDP’s philosophy has already been okayed by America and, as is generally accepted, the PUP is no different from the UDP in philosophy? Why would Britain want to interfere in Belize’s politics and help the UDP win another term when either the monkey or the black dog is acceptable to them? If the United States of America wants to see Belize a satellite of Guatemala would they have interest in “reining in” Jimmy Morales?
PM Barrow’s comments this week regarding Guatemala and newly elected President Jimmy Morales’ lament of nearly losing Belize are being described as “macho,” coming after what were previously labeled as “feeble” responses. Come on! What do people want? The PM’s “macho” talk is being questioned as a pitch to those voters who might be distrustful of how the United Democratic Party Government has been mishandling Guatemalan aggression against Belize, implying that the PM is putting a third term ahead of the existential national interest, swaying votes instead of finally standing up to the Guatemalans.
Even the timing of the military buildup is being questioned; – seven days before elections. Why not three days after Morales won the presidency? With the military occupation of the Sarstoon, coupled with Morales’ comments, why would the British military come after a new Belize government is installed? That government may not want that arrangement. We now know a BPP government wouldn’t. They want Britain to make Guatemala accept a monetary compensation. Good luck with that! Guatemalan gunboats can be in the Sibun when we wake up November 5 and there would be nothing Belize could do.
This looks like a case of you’re damned if you do, you’re damned if you don’t. This is one instance in which the government must be given credit; give the devil his due if that makes some feel better. The PM’s response emphasizes the diplomatic channel. That brings to mind the words of U.S President Theodore Roosevelt: speak (walk) softly and carry a big stick.
The big stick? BATSUB. It’s suicidal to flex machismo with no backup! For me that explains the long silence on the part of the Barrow government about the “facey” Guatemalan note. When the response finally comes it supports the road of diplomacy while putting military muscle in place. That’s the way it’s done. That’s the way Belize has to do it – it has no choice. The alternative is to trust in Guatemala’s goodwill which has already been demonstrated as non-existent; nil.
Admittedly, everything comes with a price. If there’s any doubting British/US motives the question should be “what are we expected to give for this military presence?” Half of Belize to Guatemala? The whole exercise would be pointless, wouldn’t it? All we have to do is say here, take it.
A little gem from back in the day: now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.
Sincerely,
Beryl Young