A concerning security incident has emerged along the Belize-Guatemala border involving former Cayo West Area Representative Jorge ‘Millin’ Espat. According to Espat’s account, unidentified assailants discharged gunfire in his direction while he was present on his family’s property situated within Belizean territory near the contentious adjacency zone. The former parliamentarian maintains he was legally armed with a licensed firearm during the altercation.
Espat asserts the shots originated from the Guatemalan side of the border. Guatemalan authorities reportedly arrived promptly at the scene and conducted preliminary investigations, though no apprehensions were made despite circulating social media reports and video evidence. In subsequent online statements, Espat emphasized his constitutional right to access his property without intimidation, while simultaneously commending the professional response from Guatemalan security personnel.
The Belize Police Department, through Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, confirmed no official report had been filed by Espat at the Benque Viejo Police Station. Law enforcement officials have initiated contact with Espat to obtain his formal statement while coordinating with counterparts in the Guatemalan border town of Suchitan, where authorities acknowledged a ‘disturbance’ occurred without providing comprehensive details.
ASP Smith redirected procedural questions regarding cross-border investigations to Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting the diplomatic sensitivity of such incidents. The event has reignited concerns about border security and the safety of Belizean citizens residing near the contested zone. Espat has since declined further commentary, expressing reluctance to escalate the matter beyond its current scope.