Belize’s Foreign Affairs Defends Virtual Presence at CARICOM Meeting

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently faced criticism for its absence from the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting held in Barbados, a key gathering that brings together regional leaders to address critical issues. A primary concern raised is the potential impact on Belize’s diplomatic relationships with other CARICOM member states. In response, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, clarified that while there was no physical representation, Belizean officials participated virtually, a practice also adopted by several other countries. 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Absolutely not. No, no, no. We’re participating virtually. As other countries are, we’re participating virtually. Ambassador Lawrence, CEO Mai, Ambassador Mai have participated in everything. The only thing we won’t be able to participate in is the closed meeting of the, you know, what they call the kind of summit which is really a few hours where the leaders are alone, completely alone. Not even the foreign ministers are in that meeting. But we are participating in everything else, virtually. Other countries are doing the same, a few other countries. So, of course not, we have not stopped that at all. Everybody knows that we’re in election. You know, and we’ve, over the years, we’ve been to meetings where other countries have had elections and their leaders have not participated because everybody understands that you have to be on the ground. So, no, absolutely Belize is… we are firmly committed to the work of CARICOM. We are strong, effective members of that group and we have great respect for that CARICOM grouping. You raise the issue of Belize’s position in terms of the claim against Belize. CARICOM in every meeting, in every meeting and they will do so again in this meeting makes it resoundingly clear where they stand on that issue. All of these meetings are important and Belize attends every single one of them. We are three weeks away from an election so it’s not possible for the Prime Minister or I, who are both on the ballot, to participate in that meeting. But we’ve made sure that we have high-level representation in the person, as I said, of Ambassador Mai and Ambassador Lawrence Sylvester.”

The meeting started on the 19and ended today.