Now civil border relations and diplomacy can only go so far, there must be a strategic border security plan in place on the ground. Saldivar told us that with the Forward Operating Base at the Sarstoon, the 2 new Taiwanese helicopters and a new road that will be built along the border - they should be able to better protect Belizean territory.
Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security
"As you know, we've placed several forward operating bases, several conservation posts in place in that area. We're looking at putting a road, the Prime Minister has already announced that he is making the funds available for us to put a dirt road that will give us access to another crucial area. We're also contemplating a road around the border that will give us better access to the border areas. We're working at it, resources are scarce, and it's an expensive venture. National security is expensive and we've been increasing our budget in national security annually over the last 8 years but it's still not enough, we've just got to keep plowing away at it."
Courtney Weatherburne
"As you said rightfully it's still not enough, what else is being done apart from increasing or bolstering the patrols in these specific or strategic areas along the border?"
Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security
"Well you know, we are getting air capabilities very shortly. We already have the 2 Taiwanese helicopters in the country. They are being assembled. I believe that in another couple of weeks they should be operational and that will help us very much in terms of troop lifting, in terms of getting our troops into the area which is before it has been very difficult, been a long trek into the forest. With the rotary capabilities we should be able to do a much better job. Like I said, if we put the road in, that gives us better access and allows us to be able to rotate our soldiers in a more timely fashion."
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