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Prime Minister John Briceno announced that both Belize and Guatemala have reaffirmed their commitment to comply with the ICJ ruling and demarcate their border by 2025. Speaking in Guatemala recently, Prime Minister Briceno noted that both countries have submitted written memoranda to the Court and that they are currently waiting for the Court to set a date for an oral hearing. Prime Minister Briceno said that the final settlement is expected to be presented next year, which will help both countries advance their bilateral agenda. This bilateral agenda was at the heart of the meetings held in Guatemala over the past few days. Prime Minister Briceno led a public and private sector delegation to Guatemala to discuss several mutually beneficial issues. The meetings concluded earlier today with Guatemala expressing support for Belize to become a member of the Central American Council of Finance Ministers (COSEFIN). Guatemala will also support Belize’s membership in the Central American Integration System (SIECA) as an observer. In the area of trade and commerce, Belize will explore the development of the Deep South by establishing a formal interconnection between the villages of Jalacte and Santa Cruz in the Toledo District of Guatemala. Prime Minister Briceno said the interconnection will increase economic opportunities for these communities. He added in his speech that Belize and Guatemala have already established a Producers Agreement and that the two countries will now look at fully implementing it. Another issue that has arisen is the need for Belize to expand its sources of energy. Belize has been working towards becoming part of SIEPAC, the Central American power grid. Prime Minister Briceno noted that both countries recognize the importance of having sustainable, reliable and affordable means of energy. It is with this in mind that Belize will continue working towards establishing a bilateral interconnection with the regional grid. The delegation is expected to return home tomorrow.
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