CEO Oscar Arnold Warns Against Misinformation from Amateur News blogs on Border Security Issues

Former Belize Ambassador to Mexico, Oscar Arnold, is cautioning the public about the growing influence of amateur news blogs and unverified online platforms, warning that inaccurate reporting can have serious consequences for public perception and even international relations.  Arnold made the remarks while responding to questions about whether local media had exaggerated or misrepresented reports of cartel-related activity along the Belize-Mexico border, particularly in the Corozal and Chetumal areas.  According to Arnold, while legitimate security concerns should always be reported responsibly, misinformation and sensationalized reports can create unnecessary fear among the public and damage the reputation of communities and countries.

Oscar Arnold, CEO, Foreign Affairs: “For the most part, the news agencies try to be responsible in their reporting. The issue has been with the advent of these social media pages who have the word “news” in their name but then provide unverified or unconfirmed information at times. When I arrived in Mexico City in 2021 the word cartel meant something different than what it means today. I’ve seen the transition where anyone who is involved in any type of nefarious activity or underworld activity, even if it’s just stealing or robbing or well now extortion, that they would use the word cartel to try to invoke some sort of fear in the people that they’re dealing with. I know that we do have the presence of some of the smaller groups who are linked to bigger groups operating in the entire state of Quintana Roo. We see the evidence of that. Now to say that we have widespread penetration on our side of the border? No.”

As it relates to the security at the northern border, and reports of cartel activities, Arnold says the matter had been tackled collaboratively between Belize and Mexico law enforcement agencies.

Oscar Arnold, CEO, Foreign Affairs: “There have been instances where there have been actors who for one reason or the other have tried to come over to try to maybe hide out or lay low but I believe that our security forces has a good handle and a good idea of who those people are and and they’re on the lookout. I know that the government has invested a substantial amount of money to try to beef up security at the border and to also provide the requisite equipment for our security personnel to try to ensure that this type of activity does not take root in the northern districts. And I believe that for the most part, we’ve had great success where that is concerned. Usually, the hype comes from individuals who are involved in those type of activities and have been targeted either by another group or by their own group for a struggle of power. And so I think for a while now it has died down. We don’t hear or we don’t see the level of activity that was there maybe a few months ago.”

Arnold stressed that throughout his tenure in Mexico, Belize maintained close communication with Mexican authorities and security agencies, allowing officials to monitor developments and share accurate information when necessary.