Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington has emerged as one of the most polarizing figures in the national discourse. Whether for his infamous statement about the artificial border or for his recent remarks about automatically going to the ICJ. That latest soundbyte has raised a storm of criticism from activist groups. COLA sent out a release this morning asking of the ICJ, quote,
"Has a decision been taken without the knowledge and express will of the Belizean people? Are we going to the ICJ whether we want to or not? COLA insists that the Minister explain very clearly whether this decision has been taken to go to the ICJ without Belizeans' knowledge" end quote. As regards the forward operating base for the Coast Guard on Carstoon Islands, COLA says, quote "His statements have indicated that Belize is unable, unwilling, and incapable to occupy what is ours by default asserting the views of the Guatemalans. If we can't occupy what we own how can we then defend it in court?"
Similarly, Wil Maheia's PNP sent out a statement yesterday calling on the Prime Minister to immediately dismiss Elrington from his post as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The statement adds, quote, "Mr Elrington's record as a defender of Belizean territorial rights and the security and freedom of Belizean citizens is abysmal. The people have no confidence that Mr. Elrington is now, if he ever was, capable of representing his country in this important post." End quote.
As regards the forward operating base, the statement says, quote, "his fearful response to Guatemala when we decide to build a Forward Operating Post on the Sarstoon, was a matter of shame and heartache to all true Belizeans."
The NTUCB also threw a few licks at Elrington on Monday, saying, quote, "The NTUCB DEMANDS that our government disregards any instruction or even suggestion from the Guatemala Government to stop the construction of this Forward Operating Base on the Sarstoon Island."
Email
Print