By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children has defended Rossana Briceño’s participation in a regional meeting in Guatemala, saying Belize must continue to engage with its neighbours even during periods of diplomatic tension.
In a statement issued today, September 30, the office confirmed that Briceño, the spouse of Prime Minister John Briceño and Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, attended the scheduled Interregional Meeting of First Ladies and First Gentlemen in Antigua, Guatemala.
The gathering brought together spouses of regional leaders to discuss social leadership, cooperation, social cohesion, democratic values and issues affecting families and communities. Reports from the region indicate that representatives from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Zimbabwe were among those participating.
The Special Envoy’s office said Briceño attended in her official capacity to ensure Belize was represented, stressing that participation in such forums does not prevent the country from taking firm positions on matters of national importance.
Her trip attracted public scrutiny because it coincided with heightened tensions between Belize and Guatemala following Belize’s allegation that a Guatemalan military aircraft entered Belizean airspace on September 24. Guatemala subsequently rejected Belize’s account, while Prime Minister Briceño has maintained that Belize has evidence that the flight occurred.
Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton has also questioned the timing of the visit, arguing that Belizeans are entitled to know what the engagement involved and what message it was intended to send given the current state of Belize-Guatemala relations.
Prime Minister Briceño, meanwhile, has defended his wife’s attendance, saying she consulted him before travelling and that her participation ensured Belize had representation at the regional forum.
In Wednesday’s statement, the Special Envoy’s office said Belize has long participated in regional and international forums as part of its commitment to dialogue and cooperation.
“Especially in challenging times, Belize must continue to occupy its rightful place at regional and international tables,” the statement said, adding that it is during such moments that Belize’s presence “matters most.”
The office said it remains committed to promoting the interests and well-being of Belizean families and children while representing the country internationally.
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By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children has defended Rossana Briceño’s participation in a regional meeting in Guatemala, saying Belize must continue to engage with its neighbours even during periods of diplomatic tension. In a statement issued today, September 30, the office confirmed that
The post Special Envoy defends Guatemala visit, says Belize must remain present at regional forums amid tensions appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.