Fonseca said they are attending virtually:

Francis Fonseca, Minister MOFAFTECST
"No, no, no. Absolutely not. No, no, no, we are, we're participating virtually no, 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 it, 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."

"So of course not. We have not snubbed that at all. Everybody knows that we are in an election, we have an 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, no, absolutely. Belize is firmly committed to the work of Caricom. We are strong, effective members of that group."

Jules Vasquez:
"But you will accept that it is an important meeting that sets the agenda going forward. We know it's a powerful meeting being chaired by Mia Mottley."

"In terms of should we not have ascribed it at least importance in person attendance? I think that other countries are not Belize, other countries are not being wholly claimed by another country. And we know that we have Caricom as our cornerstone. That always defends us."

Francis Fonseca, Minister MOFAFTECST
"Yeah. But I as I pointed out, we are fully engaged in the meeting,"

Jules Vasquez:
"But you know virtual and face to face are two different thing."

Francis Fonseca, Minister MOFAFTECST
"Please. I mean, these meetings, Belize's position 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. And 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. All right, who are both on the ballot, to participate in that meeting."

Jules Vasquez:
"Are we putting narrow partisan interests before national interests?"

Francis Fonseca, Minister MOFAFTECST
"No, no, no, no, of course not. Absolutely not."

Jules Vasquez:
"It's all about winning the election: nothing. Nothing is more important."

Francis Fonseca, Minister MOFAFTECST
"No, but you're suggesting that. I mean, it's a false argument. We are fully participating in the meeting. We're not missing out on anything."

"So there is no question of us putting any interests ahead of any other interests."

The meeting ends tomorrow - and we'll have a clip of the losing press conference on Friday's news.