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And so while that protest is one issue, the larger issue is really the Sarstoon – and how the Guatemalans have started to show aggression on the shared river. That brings into very clear and present danger the BDF patrols that must go up the river weekly or bi weekly to change over personnel at the Cadenas observation post. And BDF Commander, General David Jones says the Guatemalans have stepped up the aggression since the territorial volunteers have been active. The General said plainly that it's putting his soldiers' lives in danger:

Brig. General David Jones - Commander, BDF

"What we've noticed of recent that; the Guatemalan patrols follow our vessels, sometimes for a kilometer up the Sarstoon. But recently they have been going all the way to Cadenas to follow patrol and that isn't normal. Apparently they were informed at the lower level that they were not supposed to go all the way there. But of recent because of the traction of what is happening with the Territorial Volunteers wanting to go to the Sarstoon Island; and wanting to show their patriotism in the area, they have escalated their interest in what's happening in the Sarstoon. I must add that this can change the status quo of the relationship that we have military to military. Because we have been going through that river, unimpeded for decades without incident; and for the first time we've had the interception is after when the Territorial Volunteers is showing their patriotism in the area. That's the first time we've had any interception of this sort that could have resulted in an incident."

Jules Vasquez

"Sir are the volunteers endangering the lives of your soldiers?"

Brig. General David Jones - Commander, BDF

"They surely are. I have passed this warning prior to the incident. They don't have all the facts together. They don't understand that; we of course as the military and as Belizeans, we have the position that the mid channel of the Sarstoon, to the north of it belongs to us, which includes the Sarstoon Island. But the Guatemalans have a different view. It is not prudent to solve it with violence. It is not prudent to solve it with force. It is prudent to solve it through mediation, that's the best way to get it done."