As we've been reporting this week – the Guatemalans have made official what had been all but foretold: their Congress has agreed with their President to suspend the October sixth referendum. That puts back negotiations about six years – and so now, Belize unofficially reverts to the prior position of confidence building. And, in the end, neighborly relations are probably the best way to build confidence – and that was underscored today when Belize and Guatemala launched a joint vaccination campaign at the Western Border. It’s part of world vaccination week organized by the Pan American Health Organization – and Daniel Ortiz was in Benque Viejo for the launch.
Daniel Ortiz Reporting
This morning at the Benque/Melchor Border facility, diplomats, officials, and children from both Belize and Guatemala gathered for the launching of Vaccination Week in the Americas.
It is an important initiative which brings countries together in the fight against illness. According to the UN Resident Coordinator, majority of children worldwide are vaccinated, but authorities must not be comfortable because there are millions of children who have no access to health facilities.
Roberto Valent - UN Resident Coordinator on Behalf of UN Secretary General
"We have reached four out of five children worldwide. Now it is time to reach that fifth child wherever he or she may be. We must break down all barriers that stand in our way but millions of children are being denied the right for a healthy future because they lack a simple vaccination."
But even with something as simple as communication, both nations were once again reminded of the constant division which exists.
The program's itinerary and the Master of Ceremony, Ernesto Vasquez, had to accommodate for 2 languages so that the guests could properly follow. The Guatemalan Minister of Health could only address Spanish Speakers at the gathering.
Dr. Jorge Villavicencio - Guatemalan Minister of Health
"I'd like to thank the Government of Belize because they're with us, like we're one of their own. And above all, one of these days, with the Ministry of Public Health, we're trying to come up with a national strategic union with my country and Belize, and that says a lot. It speaks of love, peace, respect, and it shows that women and children are very important to both our countries." (Translation)
Hon. Pablo Marin - Minister of Health
"We also remind every parent, every teacher and every community that are our Health care providers that there are always some areas where we can do better. Children in the indigenous communities, in small Rural villages as in bordered areas such as that between our two countries are particularly vulnerable and we must remain very vigilant."
But the most impressive speaker was the director of PAHO. Even though it put her very far out of her comfort zone, she tried to address Spanish speaking citizens. Even though she wasn't as fluid as the other important guests, she provided much needed comic relief.
She also highlighted how important it is for both countries to understand and work with each other on this endeavor.
Dr. Carissa F. Etienne - Director, PAHO
"Miembros del consejo de Iglesias, Colegas de Sistema de Naciones de Belice y Guatemala, estudiantes, damas y caballeros, amigos - Bienvenidos. Voy a tratar de hablar en español por eso escusa mi Spanglish."
The officiousness of the event completely dissipated when both ministers decided to bust a move the music of the Guatemalan marching band during cultural section of the event.
Both diplomats then returned to the business of the day, the launching of Vaccination Week in the Americas.
Dr. Carissa F. Etienne
"We have celebrated vaccination week for 11 years and usually we do the launching either at the border or in a location where we can involve more than one country. So this year we decided to come to Belize and we've come here to do it both with Belize and Guatemala. Vaccination is one of our key programs and must continue to be because the survival of many of our children depend on being vaccinated. This will continue to be an important priority for us. Moving forward, particularly for this area of this region of the Americas - we have to see about the chronic diseases; the non-communicable diseases. We have to ensure we continue the fight against HIV AIDS and other communicable diseases. We always say that health knows no borders but it is illnesses that doesn't know any border. It is very important that we bring countries together because it's only acting in solidarity that we can obtain our objectives and reach the health needs of all people. People go across borders everyday and our health services have to be aligned and prepared to deliver those services wherever people are. That requires the solidarity of the Governments and the coming together of Governments."
Vaccination week closes on Saturday, April 27.
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