"Build the Base Now!" – we've all heard the battle cry from critics of the Barrow Administration – who accused the government of going soft in the Sarstoon.

Well, they will build the base. True to the campaign promise, Government representatives went to the banks of the Sarstoon for a ground breaking ceremony today.

Our news team hit the road to PG at 3:30 am, and we found the Guatemalans ever vigilant of any vessels entering the River. Daniel Ortiz and Codie Norales raced back from PG and they have that story:

This morning, The Punta Gorda Town Pier was the launch site for 5 boats belonging to the Ministry of National Security: 3 for the BDF and 2 for the Belize National Coast Guard.

Just before 8 o'clock, senior government officials started to assemble for the journey. The line-up Included the Minister of National Security, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, the Minister of Education, the CEO in the National Security Ministry, the CEO in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, 2 representatives from the Organization of American States, high ranking officers from BDF, and senior personnel from the Coast Guard and the Police Department.

The VIP's were given their own vessel, while the press boarded with the Coast Guard, and their Elite Seals team. This was all in preparation for an official government function, but all around, there were peculiar reminders that it could become tense. Each Law enforcement unit had high powered weapons, and rifles were mounted on the Coast Guard's Boston Whalers. Each manned by surly officers who appeared to be focused strictly on security. While they were to partake in the ground breaking ceremony, their first priority was to ensure the safety of all in their care.

Once all the vessels made their way out to sea, each was positioned to ensure seafaring safety, but also for greatest strategic advantage. All around the 5 vessels, the BDF had air support from one of their Defenders flying over in intervals to provide surveillance.

But, for most of the trip, it was uneventful, if you looked past the armed forces; it appeared more like a caye trip.

Coming up on the mouth of the River Sarstoon, however, there were 2 Guatemalan Gunboats anchored in what is believed to be neutral territorial waters. They made no attempts to approach the Belizean Military Fleet, acting more like stationary wardens on guard.

In the distance, Sarstoon Island started to become visible, but our escorts quickly made us aware that the chosen location for their Forward Operating Base would was not on the island itself. We were instead taken to the banks of Belizean mainland to the north of the Sarstoon River. These experts told us that it was more ideal because the ground was solid, and it allowed for full view of the coast of both Country's territories, the river, and the island itself. Also, should the base come under attack from hostile forces, it would be a more defensible location.

But, this morning, this location itself looked more like swamp, mangroves, and a bit further in, mud everywhere, along with insects.

The Belizeans even had to build a makeshift dock on the jutting mangroves to allow for walking access to the ground-breaking site.

With everyone on land, the keynote speakers delivered their remarks relevant to the ceremony. After all, it was a historic event, the first policing presence from Belizean Law Enforcement at the mouth of the Sarstoon.

Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security

"Belize in construction of this forward operating base is to work with its neighbour Guatemala in strengthening the law enforcement security arrangements in a cooperative manner for our mutual benefits. It is for that reason that we call on the government of Guatemala to join us in this effort to defeat the threats that both our countries are facing from illicit drug trafficking, human and weapon trafficking; illegal maritime and other activities along the Sarstoon."

Brig Gen. David Jones - Commander, BDF

"This is a historic occasion not just for the Belize Defence Force and also the coast guard but for our nation in that we're about to establish a forward operating base that has been long in the pipeline for the entrance of the Sarstoon river. Just the arrear is the Sarstoon Island which we'll be able to have a look at as well and we're on the northern channel of the island where the Belize Defence Force will establish their forward operating base."

Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security

"This over 100 thousand dollar facility that will be constructed here at this site will offer our law enforcement authorities increased capacity in surveillance, tracking and intercept capability."

After the ground breaking ceremony was completed, General Jones paid a courtesy call on Guatemalan Vice Admiral Carlos Thomas, who was stationed right across the river at the Guat bass.

Saldivar did note that an official Guatemalan communication had arrived to Belize through Diplomatic Channels, pertaining to this Forward Operating Base

Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security

"Yesterday we received a diplomatic note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Guatemala in reference to the invitation sent by myself to the embassy of Guatemala accredited to Belize to participate in this ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a forward operating base in the Sarstoon River. An extract from that English translated version of that diplomatic note says and I quote: "On this particular and specifically concerning the forward operating base, this ministry would like to remind what was stated by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred P. Elrington in respect to that same that will be operating a base for the coast guard of Belize, that is to say of a policing character. In that same order of ideas, this ministry expects that the operations that will take place on that base will not interfere with the artisanal fishing activities of the inhabitants of the area." End quote. As minister with responsibility for Belize's national security I want to give assurance to our neighbour, Guatemala and all other friendly nations that our law enforcement authorities will conduct their operations along the Sarstoon in a manner that is conducive to cooperation and good neighbourliness. It is not the government's wish to encourage or condone behaviour that will disturb the peace and security between Belize and Guatemala."

After a very brief ceremony, all equipment was packed up, including the materials used to build the bridge, and the Government VIP's took off with the BDF on the way to the Cadenas Observation Post, for the weekly change over.

The media was instructed that our access had come to a close, and we were escorted back to Punta Gorda Town by the Coast Guard.

On the way out of the entrance of the Sarstoon, the Coast Guard captains made their way and approached the Guatemalan Gunboats more closely, as if to get them familiarized with the close proximity that will become the norm in the near future.

Admiral John Borland - Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

"Doing joint cooperation and communication with the Guatemalan armed forces, in particularly with the navy that's the question you're getting it. Whatever they had traditionally done, it now has to fall in line with what the principle of equity says it should be."

So, a few notable points, this was National Security Minister John Saldivar's very first visit to the location. Next, Wil Maheia was the only border activist to show up today for the ceremony. As we showed you, it went without incident. There was no confrontation from the Border organizations, and the Guatemalans stayed over on their half of the river.

Today, we asked Saldivar how long it will take to finish the base. He told us that it should be completed in a few months time. Maheia told us that he will be there as a watchdog to observe the progress of that construction. Here's our interview with both:

Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security

"The material needs to come out and I understand that will take about 3 months for the building and area to be constructed and prepared."

Reporter

"What will it look like, the building itself?"

Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security

"A basic structure that will include sleeping quarters, kitchen, meeting area and that sort of stuff, basic structure."

Reporter

"And the approach as well?"

Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security

"Yes, there will be a pier that will extend much further out so it's easier for the boats to come in."

Daniel Ortiz

"Sir, why this location and not on the island itself?"

Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security

"This was determined by the military experts that this the best place to get the best vantage point because it's not necessarily just to watch the river, it's to watch the coast as well. So this gives us the best vantage point."

Will Mehia - Belize Territorial Volunteers

"To begin with, I'll definitely commend the government and applaud them for first step. This is a step that should have taken a long time ago but the step is being taken now, so kudos to the government for that. What I was also sadden to see that we had like 2 minister and a minister of state, high government officials there and there was not even a Belizean flag that was raised at this historic ceremony. I don't know what's going on, who dropped the ball but a lot of people out there should have taken this into consideration. I felt insulted to look over at the other side and there was a Guatemalan flag and on our side, this high profile delegation and not even a Belizean flag to show that yes, we are in Belize. Good thing for the BTV, BTV showed up with their flag as usual. We as the BTV will for sure keep an eye on that exact location to see if and when that base will be constructed and how long it will take."