Last week we gave an update on the situation with BDF's Forward Operating Base at the Sarstoon. We spoke to Brigadier General Azariel Loria, who insisted that they have been doing their daily patrols and maintaining their presence, even though they aren't staying at the FOB permanently due to its deteriorated state.
Today we asked UDP Senator and former Minister of National Security, Mike Peyrefitte about the FOB.
He says that he's been to the base and doesn't understand why funds have not been urgently allocated to make the repairs and provide the BDF and BTV with a proper structure to stay in while they visit the Sarstoon.
Michael Peyrefitte, UDP Chairman
"I've been to the operating base on the Sarstoon it's a very critical base for Belize where you could literally see the Guatemalan side, they can literally see the Belizean side with the Sarstoon island just off to the right if you're looking from the Belize FOB. I mean it is a critical critical post and if it was in a state of disrepair when noticed by this government. they should have moved birdspeed to fix it. Because when I visited, the soldiers indicated to me that it was a very critical base point for the BDF and for the coast guard in terms of patrolling the Belizean waters to protect our sovereignty. Also when Belizeans go to visit the border to check on the border volunteers would go all the time. You need the Belizean presence there to give some guidance so if they haven't built it yet they need to step up in my view."
