They stood up to the Guatemalan Navy on Sarstoon Island like true Coast Guardians; they didn't flinch, and they didn't run for cover - and today 10 Coast Guard officers were honoured for their courage.
As has been widely reported, one week ago on Thursday, they had a face off with the Guatemalan Navy on Sarstoon Island. That's the southern edge of Belize's territory - but the Guatemalans told them to move. The Coast Guard held their ground - and nicely told the Guatemalans that the island is in Belize and they should move. This, even though the 10 Coast Guard officers were outnumbered - and the Guatemalans were making aggressive boating maneuvers from their naval base nearby.
It was a super tense situation, but it was defused with firmness, clarity and uncommon aplomb by the Coast Guard personnel.
Today, in recognition of their grace under pressure, those officers received high honors of a commendation from their Minister and Commandant today. The press was not invited but the Government Press Office was there:
Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security
"It is really a pleasure for me to be here this morning for this short but very significant ceremony. A ceremony to acknowledge the bravery and courage in a situation that great odds of 10 of your members of the Belize Coast Guard. When I was informed of the developments in the Sarstoon Area, my immediate concern was for the safety of those who are out there. But I must at this time publicly commend the Admiral and the Commander, Commander Bennett who right on the spot in the face of these challenges decided and had the courage to stand up to those who would bully us. I immediately joined the Admiral and the Commander in indicating that the official position of the Ministry of National Security is to complete our mission and not be deterred by those who would see us fail."
Admiral John Borland - Commandant, Belize National Coast Guard
"I want to thank our CEO Col. George Lovell under the Minister of National Security, the Honourable John Saldivar for giving us this mission and for standing with us through every step of this operation, for maintaining the result to keep this mission and to see it through. Thanks to our Prime Minister who is our Commander in Chief for his unwavering support and leadership in this process. Thanks to the SEALS and the SWCC who deploy without hesitation, traveling a 150 miles of perilous water in dead of night to go and reinforce our patrol on the Sarstoon Island. To the rest of the staff who work throughout the night to make sure the rest of the coast guard was combat ready and ready to deploy if needs be. To the rest of the coast guard men and women who stood ready to join the operation and defend this country if necessary."
No timelines have been announced in relation to the construction of this forward operating base.
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