The Belize Defence Force recently stepped up patrols in southern Belize as a result of recent reports that there were fresh encroachment on Belizean territory, particularly in the San Jose/Edward Central Area in southern Belize.
The area has been a frequent target for illegal harvesting of Xate and hardwood. But the BDF's point man in all this, Lieutenant Colonel Ganney Dortch, says after conducting air reconnaissance and deploying foot patrols in the area, he can confirm that the reports are based in misunderstandings or misinformation. As it relates to Xate harvesting, here's what he told us:
Lt. Colonel Ganney Dortch, Chief of Staff, Belize Defence Force
"What the foot patrol have found was that there is indeed evidence of human activity in the Edward central area. Tracks were observed, the Xate leaf harvesting was observed, and as a result of that an intense search of the area was conducted by the foot patrol and no one was found in the area."
Jim McFadzean
"Colonel how difficult is it for the Defense forces to determine whether the harvesting of Xate is being done by legal Belizeans who occupy that area opposed to migrants coming across the border and illegally harvesting the Xate."
Lt. Colonel Ganney Dortch
"The first thing we do whenever we encounter any person or persons who is involved with illegal harvesting of Xate is to first and foremost confirm whether they are legal in Belize. We also establish whether they have license to harvest Xate, and then based on whether or not they have license or they are Belizean, then the appropriate actions are taken, if they don't have the appropriate license or whether they are illegal in Belize then we hand them over to the appropriate authorities."
Lt. Colonel Ganney Dortch
"We spoke to the Chairman of San Jose Village where we told them about what we have observed and it was indeed established that the slash and burn that was occurring North of San Jose Village was indeed that of residents of that village. But in regards to the allegations made that there is a large clearing, large burning in the Edward central area, our operations, our both land and air have so far confirmed that there isn't such evidence or any such occurrence in the Edward central area."
Dortch maintains that the BDF has still not concluded its investigations, and so they are continuing routine patrols to establish whether there is in fact increased activities in the area.
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