By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Prime Minister John Briceño says the controversial Guatemala billboards appearing across Belize City should be viewed as tourism promotion, even though he acknowledged that their wording may be “a bit misleading.”
The Prime Minister was responding to growing public criticism of the advertisements, which feature Guatemalan scenery alongside the message encouraging people to visit and return.
Briceño said his understanding is that the billboards are part of a standard campaign promoting Guatemala as a travel destination.
His comments come after Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar Panton demanded that the billboards be removed immediately, describing them as a political provocation and an affront to Belize’s sovereignty and national identity.
The controversy has gained added attention because it comes only days after renewed tensions in the Sarstoon and as Belize marks its 45th anniversary of Independence.
Briceño, however, did not adopt that interpretation.
Instead, he sought to separate the advertisements from the territorial dispute, saying that while the wording may raise questions, he understands the intention behind them to be tourism related.
The matter has also raised questions over the approval process for billboards within Belize City, where advertisements generally require municipal approval.
For now, the Prime Minister’s position is clear: the message may not have been perfectly framed, but he does not view the campaign itself as a political challenge to Belize.
The post Briceño says Guatemala billboards are tourism ads, not political messaging appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Prime Minister John Briceño says the controversial Guatemala billboards appearing across Belize City should be viewed as tourism promotion, even though he acknowledged that their wording may be “a bit misleading.” The Prime Minister was responding to growing public criticism of the advertisements, which feature Guatemalan scenery alongside the
The post Briceño says Guatemala billboards are tourism ads, not political messaging appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.