And today the PM also said Belize is in preliminary discussions with U.S. officials on how the country can participate in security cooperation under the Shield of the Americas initiative to combat drug cartels and organized crime. The PM says the technical officials must first determine what is workable before they proceed:
Reporter
"Since the signing of the Shield of the Americas, has there been any update on anything on the way forward regarding operations? I know that in countries, neighboring countries, there is this concern about the U.S. and actual elements, troops, wanting to come to conduct operations alongside military."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, we just had a brief discussion just now with the ambassador and the colonel. We just talked briefly about it and I'm having the technical people to meet. I've been asking the CEO for national security along with the commandant for the BDF and the admiral for the Coast Guard to be able to meet with them and to see what is workable. We know we need help, but now we're seeing that we need more equipment, more intelligence, more training to be able to control any kind of attempt from the cartels, especially in Mexico, to be able to come into Belize. So, we will see what can work and whatever that can work in our interest and in the interest of the region, we're prepared to do our part."
Reporter
"The other countries are rejecting, in the case of Guatemala, saying that their constitution does not allow foreign troops coming on soil. Would we disallow that too?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, as I said, let the technical people speak first and then after that I'll be able to answer you."
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