RELOCATION OF THE GUATEMALA SETTLERS IN SANTA ROSA

• Date: 1/4/2008

RELOCATION OF THE GUATEMALA SETTLERS IN SANTA ROSA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the relocation of the settlers in the village of Santa Rosa, to Guatemalan territory, commenced today 4th January 2008, as the first eight families are being relocated to their new settlement, some twenty four miles west of the Belize � Guatemala border in Guatemalan territory.

The OAS has informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the remaining nine families will be relocated as soon as possible and reiterated their commitment to complete the entire relocation within the shortest possible time.

The entire resettlement project is being coordinated by the Organization of American States (OAS) who was also responsible for the acquisition of the land, the construction of the infrastructure which included access roads, installation of electricity as well as potable water and the construction of the houses, with funds from the international donor community.

As agreed, as each phase of the relocation process is concluded, the vacant structures within Santa Rosa are being dismantled permanently and no one will be allowed to resettle in the area.

Today the OAS, with the assistance of some forty individuals, is transporting the eight families and their personal belongings home to Guatemala.
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ENDS

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Belmopan
Belize