We also asked the PM about Cuba.
With the US intensifying its oil blockade on the island nation - the residents are facing extreme food and power shortages. This begs questions about the wellbeing of Belizean students in Cuba.
Today the PM said they're in contact with the embassy, and if the situation worsens, they may have to return home.
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"My heart cries out for the people of Cuba and I condemn what is being done to the people of Cuba. And I think there's no justification for what is being done to them. I can see you can have differences between governments, but when you take actions to be able to hurt people, I think that's something we should all be very concerned, any human being in the world, I hope that something can be worked out. For instance, they're being shut off from getting oil in the country and at that rate, probably sooner or later we have to consider whether the students have to come home or not, we have to ensure that they're safe and that their schools are operating and that they have access to food and the other necessities that they need."
Reporter:
"How are we handling right now? Are they in want of anything? I know the Foreign Minister said they're in contact with the embassy."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well the embassy is always in contact with them and every year I know that some families try to raise funds to send a container load of goods for them. I always help, of course, and many other citizens but our embassy is in constant communication with the kids, the student, young men and women, and many times they could go there for the weekend or if there's an activity they go to the embassy. we feel that it is our responsibility to ensure they are safe and that they get the necessary food that they need and other things to be able to live comfortably."
Reporter:
"Seeing the intense pressure that's being brought down on Cuba, any possibility that Belize or even CARICOM will come together to send food assistance?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well we are going to have a Heads meeting around the 24th or 25th of February so that's not he agenda and I think that anything we can, any relief that we can give to the people of Cuba, I think we should do, I think we have a moral responsibility to be able to help."
