And while they continue with that investigation, is the BDF prepared for an invasion from the Guatemalan Armed Forces?
Being that both countries have agreed before the international community to take the territorial dispute to the ICJ - the suggestion itself nonsensical - but some Belizeans seem to believe that if the monarch is removed as head of state, Guatemala will see that as an opportunity to strike.
We have to state clearly that is a totally false premise, but, just to allay all fears, we asked the Brigadier General to speak on it:
Brigadier General Azariel Loria
"Becoming a republic is a political matter and its a two-way street; the people of Belize and the government of the day. They will have to choose what is the way forward for our country. We as the defence force we have our neutrality stance when it comes to that and ofcourse the ministry - I will be advising along with my officers advising the Ministry of National Defence on how we feel about it, what could be the repercussions and they will have to make the decisions."
Reporter
"But are you concern that Guatemala might use it to their advantage and that the soldiers will have to go and actually fight back."
Brigadier General Azariel Loria
"I am not concern. The Ukraine/Russia war taught us a lesson that whenever there is high moral and we want to keep this as our country, we will fight for it. So, I', not concerned and we are not by ourselves, if you notice."
Reporter
"When we became independent, we were essentially responsible for our own security, but we did rely on UK, that if anything would happen, they would help us. But if we become a republic, they have no need to assist us if they don't feel like it. How do you feel about that?"
Brigadier General Azariel Loria
"Ukraine is a good example, they are not allied with NATO and they are being assisted. Perhaps they have partnerships with some of those countries, but however, they are being assisted and we know that in the western hemisphere we have all democracies - we have a few countries with the exception of Cuba that have their own system of government, but all the Americas we are free with democracies and democratic principles and values, so with that said, why should we fear if the Guatemalans invade? As long as we are properly trained, we have our partnerships to include the United States of America as well that if something do occur, I don't think that they will be standing on or sitting on the fence."
For clarity's sake, King Charles III automatically became the King of Belize upon the Queen's passing. The constitution of Belize will have to be amended so that it says "His Majesty" instead of her Majesty in the 11 places where that language appears.
