Photo: Battalion of BDF soldiers at the BDF Base

by Kristen Ku

BELIZE CITY, Mon. July 10, 2023

In what appears to be a show of resilience and national pride, the Belizean activist Wil Maheia, leader of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), and a group of Belizean citizens embarked on a two-day excursion down the Sarstoon River last weekend, defying a prohibition put in place by the Belize Defence Force (BDF).

This came just a week after Brigadier General Azariel Loria, the Commander of the BDF, issued a public warning against such ventures.

Historically, Belize and Guatemala have been at odds over the shared Sarstoon River for decades, as it forms part of the border, with each country claiming its territorial rights.

Often, these patriotic excursions lead to the harassment of Belizeans by Guatemalan soldiers, even on the Belize side of the river, a situation that Maheia and his group have repeatedly raised concern about.

Since the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base fell into disrepair, the lack of constant BDF presence at the base has been a subject of controversy, and a recent command by Loria to halt public travel down the Sarstoon River has further fueled this tension.

Wil Maheia, an activist and founder of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), has been at the forefront of advocating for Belize’s territorial integrity. His trips to the Sarstoon, often seen as daring in the face of Guatemalan pressure, have garnered public attention and support.

On Saturday, as Maheia’s group of 15 approached the military base on the river, a battalion of BDF soldiers swiftly intervened to prevent the group from setting foot on the base.

Compliant with the soldiers’ orders, the group refrained from doing so. Nonetheless, aware that the military presence was likely intensified due to the public announcement of their trip, Maheia decided to test the waters by making an unannounced visit the following day.

On Sunday, Maheia returned to the Sarstoon with a smaller group of 11 passengers, including the prominent attorney Audrey Matura and the youngest member of the BTV, Omaryy Medina, 16.

This time around, there was a noticeable absence of both Belizean and Guatemalan soldiers. Unlike previous trips, which were marked by Guatemalan harassment, this venture was peaceful.

In an interview with Amandala, Maheia noted the importance of a consistent Belizean military presence along the Sarstoon River. According to him, Belizean soldiers could help to control illegal activities like fishing and logging, often carried out by Guatemalans in the area.

“Something that would not occur if more Belizean presence was there,” Maheia said.

While these excursions are vital for maintaining Belizean presence and rights in the disputed territory, they come with significant costs. Maheia expressed gratitude to members of the diaspora for covering the fuel expenses for these trips.

Responding to potential backlash for defying the BDF’s prohibition, Maheia stated that any consequence would ultimately depend on the BDF’s discretion. He emphasized that the Sarstoon is Belizean territory, and that these actions are driven by the desire to claim what is rightfully for Belize.

“We have to do what we have to do; this land is for all Belizeans,” Maheia said.

The activist further disclosed that he has not yet heard from the BDF following the weekend excursion, but remains open to collaborating with them to address issues concerning the base at the Sarstoon.

On that note, we reached out to General Loria for a comment on the situation, who simply informed us that a press release is to follow.