2 weeks ago
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Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar Panton has issued a strong statement on the situation in Venezuela that unfolded on Saturday, raising concerns about both the regional and global implications of the conflict and questioning the timing of the Belize Government’s official response. In her statement, Panton warned that the erosion of long-standing international norms is creating a more volatile and uncertain world, with serious consequences for small and developing states. She stressed that the Western Hemisphere has traditionally been regarded as a Zone of Peace, grounded in respect for sovereignty, non-intervention, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, principles she says are now being tested by a resurgence of power politics driven by economic and strategic interests. Panton also took aim at what she described as a delayed response from the Government of Belize, arguing that moments of international crisis require timely, principled leadership.
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “I would have expected the highest office of the land to make a statement to say we believe in international law. We have signed on to the UN treaty which provides certain obligations and responsibilities of member countries including the United States. And I have to wonder is the silence based on what is transmitting in the free zone in the north? Is the silence based on whatever conversation the Chargé d’affaires had with the Bricño administration? Why is it this quiet? I’ve looked, I’ve paid keen attention to what the rest of the region is doing and both Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have stepped up and said, you know, the US are our friends and and indeed for Belize the US is a very important trading partner a very important partner in terms of or foreign policy arrangements particularly with Taiwan but it doesn’t mean that we have sold our souls or that we should sell our souls, that we should be able to stand up and advocate for principles that are important to us as a region, as a region.”
According to Panton, the decision to invade Venezuela cannot be credibly justified as an act in defense of democracy or human rights. She asserted that such actions instead undermine those very values and are shaped largely by the pursuit of strategic dominance and access to natural resources. Addressing growing public unease, the Opposition Leader also spoke to fears among some Belizeans who, she says, feel intimidated about expressing their views on the situation, particularly amid concerns of possible victimization by the U.S. President toward those who do not support his actions.
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “I don’t think that by clearly stating what we have all signed on to, including the U.S. in terms of the U.N. Charter, in terms of our respect for our sovereignty, will have us fall out of favor with the U.S. To govern based on fear, I think it’s disconcerting to me if that is the fear of this administration. I thought that the statement from CARICOM and even the statement issued by the EU signed on by 26 member countries of the EU was balanced, was fair. Both acknowledge that the United States of America is an integral partner in world affairs and certainly in Belize we hear the saying if the US sneezes we catch a cold. And there’s a symbiotic relationship between Belize and the United States. And it’s a partnership that we value. But that should not say what has happened here is of concern to this region.”
Panton emphasized that no one should feel afraid to voice their opinion on matters of international importance, noting that silence in the face of injustice is never neutral. She called on Belize to remain firm in defending multilateralism, international law, diplomacy, and good-faith dialogue, especially at a time when small states are most vulnerable. Her statement concluded with a call for awareness and vigilance, urging Belizeans to remain engaged and informed as global events continue to unfold.
English (US) ·