13 days ago, US Charge d'Affaires Keith Gilges returned to Belize.
That's one month after he had left for non life-threatening but urgent
medical care.
Today, in his first interview since returning the US's most senior
diplomat in Belize told us why left, and what it's been like since his
return. He spoke via zoom video conference from the Embassy compound
in Belmopan where he is finishing up a 14 day quarantine:
Keith R. Gilges- Charge d'Affaires, US Embassy to Belize
"I had to go away for the States for a little while for some medical care.
I saw some terrific doctors here and in the end their recommendation was
that I go see some specialists in the States. I had some nerve issues in my
back and that started affecting my ability to feel my feet and other things
and there are an awful lot of people in Belize that are diabetics like me
and when you start having nerve issues with your feet you start getting a
little worried. So, I went back to see some specialists. I am nearly fully
recovered but I am thrilled to be back. And very grateful to the government
of Belize for allowing me to board the repatriation flight back in. I had
taken a Covid test. We were rigorous with our protocols in the States. I
arrived here, came right to my residence and again I am grateful that I was
able to quarantine in my residence. And I've been here until tomorrow.
Tomorrow is liberation day. Tomorrow we are off quarantine. It was ironic
for me that I had to go back to the States to the city where the number of
cases was still increasing, rather than stay in Belize. So absolutely, I
was excited to get back here because the risk was far less. So, I think we
can really applaud the government and the people for how they've responded,
really responsibly, to the point that I think there are fewer cases here
than, I think, anywhere else in the hemisphere."
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