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Not surprisingly, they condemn it, and they say that it is just another example of how the other Mass political party has mishandled the situation while in Government. Here's a few excerpts from their comments:

Paco Smith - Member, VIP
"I am a member of the BTV and I stood in solidarity with patriotic individuals like Wil Maheia and the brother form the diaspora Mr. Hubert Pipersburgh just to name a few. I feel compelled to stress this point, because a long with the aforesaid gentleman the VIP has been on the frontline with the BTV long before it became politically expedient, fashionable or even involved to accompany the BTV on its treks to the border areas."

Wil Maheia - Leader, BTV/PNP
"I was born and raise in the Toledo District and I have been going to Sarstoon River all my life and while growing up we work that river and there were several Belizean families living on the banks of the Sarstoon River. So, I don't know what has changed between then and now, but hearing the Commander making statements that it is almost impossible to build on the bank of the Sartsoon River tell me a lot the knowledge the commander have about the grounds in this country."

Patrick Rogers - Member, VIP
"Yes Guatemala has might. Yes Guatemala can use that might to invade this territory, but if she does there is no way in hell in 2015 with the United Nations that she would be allowed to retain the territory she has invaded to occupy. It won't happen. You saw what happen with the first invasion of Kuwait with Saddam. The United Nations will not stand for her to use force to take this territory she believe is hers and you hear what I say "she believe it's hers," The same way in our heart and mind we believe this is for us. After being on the boat hearing the Guatemalan Navy talks, like they think it's theirs also."

Paco Smith - Member, VIP
"Of note, on 22nd July, 2015 we launched a petition via website which called for the PM to commence construction on the coast guard forward operating base at Sarstoon Island. Our goal was to reach 1,000 signatures. Admittedly as no surprise to us, the initial going on was quite slow. As of 17th August although much has appreciated it, we garnered only 98 signatures. Yet in the wake of the BTV's expedition and subsequent awakening of the people to date, we have over 430 signatures and we are well on the way to meeting our goal."

As you heard, the VIP is still calling for members of the public to join their petition to demand that the Prime Minister and the Government of Belize build the Coast Guard's Forward Operating Base on Sarstoon Island.