By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): United Democratic Party Leader and Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar Panton is calling for the immediate removal of Guatemalan billboards that she says have appeared in Belize City.
In a strongly worded statement, Panton described the billboards as more than simple advertising, calling them a “political provocation” and an affront to Belize’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national identity.
She said the issue is especially sensitive as Belize prepares to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Independence and amid continuing tensions in the Sarstoon.
Panton argued that no foreign campaign that appears to undermine Belize’s identity or advance a competing territorial narrative should be allowed to occupy public space in the country.
She also criticized the Government of Belize for what she described as a failure of judgment and vigilance, saying authorities should have prevented the billboards from being erected in the first place.
Panton is demanding a full explanation of who authorized the billboards, who financed or facilitated them and how they were allowed to be placed in Belize City.
She said those responsible should be held accountable.
The Opposition Leader also linked the controversy to the recent Sarstoon confrontation involving Belize Territorial Volunteers and Guatemalan military and civilian vessels.
According to Panton, the billboards cannot be viewed in isolation given the wider sovereignty concerns facing Belize.
She called on Prime Minister John Briceño to use his State of the Nation Address to make clear that Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non negotiable.
Panton ended with a direct demand: “REMOVE THE BILLBOARDS NOW!”
The post Panton demands removal of Guatemalan billboards in Belize City appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): United Democratic Party Leader and Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar Panton is calling for the immediate removal of Guatemalan billboards that she says have appeared in Belize City. In a strongly worded statement, Panton described the billboards as more than simple advertising, calling them a “political provocation” and
The post Panton demands removal of Guatemalan billboards in Belize City appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
