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And that did not escape the attention of the very politically attuned minister of education, Francis Fonseca. Speaking to the press at an event in Belize City this morning, he pounced on the resolution as political gamesmanship over what should be a children's celebration:
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"It's very regrettable, it's disappointing I understand the BNTU executive that made this decision was just sworn in yesterday. These are people who have worked to undermine the outgoing president. I view it as mischief. Political mischief, I won't mince words, it's political mischief - one of the key activists in the BNTU working on this matter is, her husband is running for mayor for the UDP. And so I don't want to0 mince words. They have every right to do what they want, but I want the Belizeans people to understand what is happening."
"We are Belizeans and we are not afraid of anybody else and we're not worried about Guatemala's Independence Day. So, I think it's wrong headed, I think it's in my view a very irresponsible decision and they have absolutely no authority to send out any release to the schools in that community saying that they are going to do what they want to do. There will be consequences for that."
Reporter:
"So would you say that their argument in relation to Benque Viejo being a border town and the sensitivity of the territorial dispute. Would you say that holds no substance in your opinion."
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"No, no, no. And, we you know we also consulted the OAS on this matter just to make sure there are no sensitivities. But, as I said, in Benque Viejo, they have an even greater responsibility then, to declare their absolute commitment and love for Belize. And That should be the message, a unified clear message - not playing politics with an important day, like a children's rally."
We'll wait and see what are the consequences for this action.
