But, dates aside, those kinds of Guatemalan antics on the Sarstoon are what – for the Prime Minister - reinforces the need for the Sarstoon S.I prohibiting Belizeans from entering the river. 

The Guatemalan military maneuvers were highlighted in Monday’sedition of the Prensa Libre, which reported that the Guatemalan military was conducting operations on the Sarstoon, quote,  “in defence of (Guatemala’s) sovereigntyâ€￾.

The PM says that sort of thing is too dangerous for civilians to confront:…

Rt. Hon Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize
“I’ve seen the report the maneuvers if true that should make clearer why I felt that the SI – the regulation was necessary – it’s one thing when our military encounters the Guatemalan military in the sort of climate that prevails when they are doing these maneuvers –it’s quite another when civilians are involved – it’s difficult enough for the military to take care of itself without having to worry about civilians.â€￾