And from sugar to the Sapodilla Caye range - the Prime Minister's plat is very full right now.
The southernmost range of islets in Belizean territory were thrust into the forefront on Monday when the contested claim to their ownership was taken to the senate for consideration.
The Senate agreed to consent to the adoption of the Bogota Pact so Belize can take Honduras to court to determine who owns the islands - which are claimed by both Honduras and Guatemala.
It's a side issue that will have to be put to the ICJ either along with or just behind the already ongoing proceedings with Guatemala. Still, this claim has come out of left field for many Belizeans and this morning we asked the Prime Minister whether the issue is affecting friendly relations with Honduras:
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I don't think so at all, I don't think so. We continue to maintain very cordial bilateral relations with Honduras but it is a matter that has to be addressed and they themselves understand that. The Foreign Minister has already approached our Foreign Minister and said 'Well we will have to address this now that you have taken this to the ICJ' and the judges of the ICJ would not touch the Sapodilla Caye because they will realize now that it isn't only Guatemala but also Honduras and from our stance there is an issue of timing. In 2024 there is going to be elections for new judges. So, and then new judges are going to come into 2025 so if we don't dress this now then who knows we may have to start the process all over again because new judges are going to be looking at the case. So, we want to try to fast-track to be able to get everyone around the table or to court and by using the PACT of Bogota then Honduras is compelled because they are signatories to the PACT of Bogota to go to the ICJ."
