Sapodilla Cayes

On Tuesday, December 17th, a patrol boat belonging to the Guatemalan Navy was observed in Belizean waters near the Sapodilla Cayes in southern Belize. The Belize Coast Guard (BCG) intercepted the vessel and escorted it back to the Guatemalan side. According to BCG Commander Captain Elton Bennett, the vessel was identified as a 65-foot boat that appeared to be a hydrographic survey vessel from the Guatemalan Navy. He noted that while the ship may not be armed, it is typically used for surveying underwater features, such as water depth and seabed characteristics.

Belize has delivered its Memorial (documents) concerning sovereignty over the southern Sapodilla Cayes from Honduras. The Government of Belize announced this intention in October 2022 and has formally submitted documents to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Honduras has maintained a claim to the Sapodilla Cayes, as noted in its constitution since 1982.

The Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve in northern Ambergris Caye is considered by many island residents an area exploited by encroachers endangering the unique and protected wildlife in that area. Many concerned residents continue to report illegal fishing, clearing of land, and hunting. The area is also a critical nesting area for sea turtles, and respective authorities are urged to do something before it is too late. The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA) is aware of the situation, and to continue the efforts to address the issue, the ministry participated in the signing of a subsidiary agreement between the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the Belize Fisheries Department to improve the management of the marine reserve network in the country.