But while the Opposition urges government to, quote, "reverse its sophomoric actions", one PUP minister said today that she stands by the collective decision. Dolores Balderamos Garcia explained that, with our territorial claim in front of the international courts, we must take a stand against genocide.
Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs
"I stand absolutely firmly with the decision of our government to have the sanctions on Israel because of the genocide that is happening in Gaza."
Reporter:
"As a government minister though are you concerned about potential repercussions because we do pander in terms of needing assistance to the super powers, the US, not so much Great Britain but from who we get assistance."
Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs
"Well you know we must have the courage of our convictions, and we have to stand up for what we say is right. I mean, let us recall, I mean I don't want to get deeply into the politics of it, but let us recall that we still have a claim from Guatemala that is now in front of the International Court of Justice and as I said to colleagues when we were deliberating on this difficult but important decision, and bold decision, I said to colleagues that we must never in Belize forget where we came from and how we arrived at our independence and who supported us. I mean, think about it, it is 2023, and still we haven't had a decision of the International Court of Justice on Guatemala's unfounded claim to our country, so we have to know where we stand, and people call it a bold move but I believe it has been thought out, our Foreign Minister has been an excellent proponent of what we have decided to do and despite whatever negative fallout, it think we have to stand out and be ready to take it. And I don't see too much fallout because even Caricom, who has not been able to really hold one head together, even Caricom has put out a statement saying that what Israel is doing is genocide and we have to condemn it as absolutely wrong."
