Francis Fonseca rejects claims of US notice over Cuban medical brigade

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Francis Fonseca, is pushing back against claims made by the Leader of the Opposition during the opening day of the budget debate, asserting that the House and the public were misled on a sensitive international matter.  During day one of the debate, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton referenced what she described as a letter sent to Prime Minister John Briceño from the United States, suggesting it served as a form of notice concerning Belize’s involvement with the Cuban medical brigade.  However, in an interview yesterday, Minister Fonseca rejected that characterization, making it clear that no such formal notice had been issued to the Government of Belize in the manner suggested.  Fonseca emphasized that the matter had been inaccurately presented and cautioned against the dissemination of information that could create unnecessary concern or confusion, particularly on issues involving Belize’s international relations.

The Foreign Affairs Minister underscored that Belize maintains open and respectful diplomatic relations with its international partners, and reiterated that any official communication of that nature would be addressed through the appropriate diplomatic channels.