With close to a hundred Belizeans soon to be deported back home from the U.S., it is clear that the impact of the new policies under the Trump administration will not spare any country in the region, “friend or foe”. Nevertheless, even as a long-standing ally of the U.S., with one of its largest embassies in the region located in our capital, Belmopan, our little Belize has a unique history, it being the only former British colony in Central America and still an active member of the Commonwealth. Not only is our uniqueness evident in our being the only country in Central America that has English as our official language, but a map displayed on telesurenglish.net, a media outlet of the government of Venezuela, an acknowledged “foe” of the U.S., listed all the countries in “Latin America” that it claimed have experienced “US-backed right-wing military coups” in their past. One glaring exception is Belize, once described as “a Caribbean nation in the heart of Central America”. We cherish our special status, and also our functioning and exemplary democracy, despite obvious flaws in electoral divisions that need addressing. And our leaders continue to respect and adhere to the position of our Independence prime minister when he declared to the world that Belize is a member of the “non-aligned group of nations”, who were strong supporters of our right to self-determination and territorial integrity. So, we are small, but in our own way, as Minister Farrakhan once said, “we are mighty”, in our dignified conduct as a “haven of democracy” and as a standing member of the United Nations. But there is one concern from time to time, and it involves the need for our leaders to keep the nation informed, and consult with the people on important issues that may affect our nation on the world stage.  Let us know what’s on the table before major decisions are made and positions taken, so the people can have an input, yea or nay, and be conscious and prepared for any repercussions. We’re in this together, and unity will see us through.       

So, the Venezuelan government says the USA has arbitrarily seized, not one, but a second airplane, property of Venezuela, for perceived violations of certain US sanctions. Just like that. Venezuela cannot fight the mighty USA; but they are not backing down either. They are speaking their truth to power.

Sitting idly by, and pretending that a problem does not exist, doesn’t mean that we are any safer. The fact that Guatemala is much bigger than we are, was never enough of a reason or excuse for us to throw up our hands and bow down to the Heads of Agreement. It is true that the world is run by the mighty and powerful nations, chiefly the USA; but while we still have a voice to speak out against injustice, especially injustice against the small and vulnerable like ourselves, it is right and just that we should take advantage of the opportunity to let our voice be heard; lest our silence be considered consent, and we become next in line to be abused.

It’s not just what you do, but how you do it. Mexico spoke diplomatically, but firmly to the USA, and so did Canada, and Denmark, and even little Panama. Sanctions are of course an option for the big power, but actions have consequences even for the mighty; and it is prudent for us to caution the USA about our displeasure over their president’s recent disregard for the authority of the ICJ and the ICC. Without a big military, and small as our nation is, our very survival depends on the rule of international law, and it may not be in our best interest to “meekly sit and murmur not” when the mightiest nation on earth, ally or not, shows blatant disrespect for this institution.  

Belizeans were convinced, through heavy lobbying by “Friends,” including the USA, to vote to take our case to the ICJ, confident that the law was on our side, and that the court would rule in our favor. International law is what we are depending on, the same international law which, through the ICC (International Criminal Court) has called for the arrest of certain leaders of Israel for crimes against humanity—willfully perpetrating genocide of the Palestinian people.  

However, both Israel and its chief backer, the USA, have said that they do not respect the ICC; and even further, the US has called for prosecution of and sanctions against the judges of the ICC. The most powerful nation on earth, once considered the bastion of democracy around the world, who has put great sanctions on the nation of Venezuela because it, the USA, is not satisfied that their presidential election was “free and fair,” is now itself flagrantly questioning the authority of the international court, the ICC, and also the ICJ, which will be hearing the Belize-Guatemala case.

Guatemala must be sitting pretty right now. As a major US ally, should the ICJ verdict come in Belize’s favor, as we expect, will they be emboldened to try another approach? For Belizeans who voted in support of the risky move of going to the ICJ, a favorable verdict was supposed to mean that henceforth and forevermore, the Guatemalan claim to our territory would be laid to rest. But can we be confident of such in the present climate?

Some may say it is none of our business, joining the case at The Hague against Israel; but the actions of our friend, the USA in dealing with other nations, and especially its recent disrespect of the ICC and ICJ, have certainly caused great stress and unease for the Belizean people, because of our current situation with Guatemala. We have been affected and hurt, and it is justifiable and right for our nation to take a stand against disrespect for the ICC and the ICJ on which our future depends. As much as some religious folks see things through the eyes of Israel, the reality is that our Belize situation has much more in common with that of the people of Palestine who are in the throes of their struggle for nationhood.     

Belize has always chosen the way of peace. In its own “backyard”, the preferred way of the USA is also peace; while war and bloodshed have occurred in far off countries with much American involvement, it has never really directly touched US shores. There have recently been some “bully” talks by the new US president in the direction of Mexico and Canada, and even Panama and Greenland. But it may be all bluster, as the country pushes to get its way in their trade relationships. If a people are united and patriotic, as they are in Mexico and Canada, the USA will follow with more negotiation. The risks are too great, with all the advanced technology which can get into unsafe hands, for the US to unnecessarily risk inviting problems on its shores for the American people.

But if the people in any nation are uninformed and divided and fearful, they could be made to cower and accept any order that comes down from the mighty power up north. And that could include accepting the “23rd State” status, notwithstanding any verdict of the ICJ, “or else”. It is therefore vitally important for the Belizean people to be fully aware of the reality of the situation, and make known their determination to stand up for their nation, “come hell or high water or Guatemala” or the orders of the USA. There comes a time when a decision has to be made, as in 1798; and it is in making that decision that the Belizean people will finally manifest their conviction to secure the fruits of the “peaceful, constructive, Belizean revolution”. The question is, have the Belizean people been educated, enlightened and empowered, to sustain their unity and resolve in the face of “fake news” and intimidating propaganda from the agents of the enemy? “Belizeans, unite for Independence!”