Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca has publicly addressed allegations made by Joseph Budna, a Belizean national currently incarcerated in Guatemala, who claims his government has abandoned him. Minister Fonseca provided a detailed rebuttal during a recent press engagement, outlining the comprehensive consular assistance provided to the detainee.
Contrary to Budna’s assertions of neglect, Fonseca confirmed that embassy officials have maintained consistent contact and have undertaken multiple supportive measures. ‘Our embassy staff have personally visited Mr. Budna and provided him with all necessary contact information,’ Fonseca stated. ‘They made it explicitly clear that he should reach out whenever he requires assistance.’
The Foreign Minister emphasized that while weekly visits aren’t standard protocol, the embassy has ensured Budna receives critical medical supplies for an unspecified health condition and offered legal support. ‘They explicitly told him they would facilitate legal representation, but he indicated he had retained his own attorney,’ Fonseca added.
This diplomatic response comes after Budna utilized prison telephone privileges to publicly criticize what he characterized as inadequate consular support from Belizean authorities. The case highlights the complex challenges of providing consular services abroad and the communication gaps that can emerge in international detention situations.
Minister Fonseca concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to citizen welfare overseas: ‘He has all their contact details. If he needs any assistance whatsoever, he can contact them directly and they will respond promptly.’