Traveling Through Central America: Navigating Safety In Belize, Guatemala, And The Dominican Republic

Belize, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic are popular tourist destinations, but how safe are they to travel to?

Belize is a small country in Central America, known for its Mayan ruins, lush jungles, and stunning beaches. Despite its natural beauty, Belize has a high crime rate and serious problems with gang-related violent crimes. Tourists are advised to exercise caution and avoid certain areas, especially the Southside of Belize City, due to the high risk of gang violence. The quality of public medical care is also a concern, as public health institutions are underfunded and under-equipped.

Guatemala, located south of Mexico and east of Belize, is the largest country in Central America. It boasts picturesque colonial towns, scenic volcanoes, and lakes. While Guatemala City offers modern amenities and medical services, conditions outside the capital vary greatly, with inadequate medical services and more difficult travel conditions. Crime, including violent crimes such as extortion, murder, and armed robbery, is common in Guatemala, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively.

The Dominican Republic, located in the Caribbean Sea, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. While it may be considered safer than Belize or Guatemala, travellers should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

In conclusion, while Belize, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic offer unique and exciting travel experiences, it is important to be vigilant and informed about potential risks and dangers when visiting these countries.

Crime and gang activity in Belize

Belize has a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes, and the presence of gangs. Gang violence has dramatically increased with increased gang access to guns, and the risk factors for gang involvement are broadening and deepening, expanding the pool of youth vulnerable to gang recruitment. Belize has around 40 active gangs operating throughout the country, with at least eight of them considered very powerful and dangerous. Most gangs are concentrated in Belize City, the major crime centre in the country.

The Belize Police Department (BPD) has a reputation for being corrupt and inefficient, and low levels of public confidence in the police mean that some crimes, particularly robberies and assaults, often go unreported. Belize's justice system is slow and inefficient, and high-profile organised-crime-related cases are often dismissed due to political influence.

The gangs in Belize control various criminal markets, such as the distribution of cannabis and cocaine, which contribute to a significant degree of violence, including that perpetrated using firearms and grenades. Belize is a transit point for the regional arms trade, with traffickers exploiting weak border controls in the country to move weapons into neighbouring Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras.

Belize also has a problem with human trafficking. Victims are recruited and exploited both in the country and abroad, with females, children, and migrants from Central America, Mexico, and Asia being the most at-risk groups. Migrants are exploited in agriculture, domestic work, and retail work, while women and children are exposed to sex trafficking. Belize's geographical position makes it an ideal passage for human trafficking throughout Central America.

Belize is also a transit point for the international drug trade, with Mexican drug trafficking groups establishing a presence in the country. Belize is a transit point for heroin and cocaine bound for the US and Mexico. Mexican cartels control the flow of drugs through the country and hire local Belizeans to smuggle drugs into Mexico and the US.

To avoid becoming the victim of a crime in Belize, it is recommended that you remain aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid travelling after dark, maintain a charge on your cellphone, and, if you are threatened, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.

Crime and gang activity in Guatemala

Crime and gang activity are serious problems in Guatemala. The country has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with an average of 101 murders per week reported in 2018. In 2020, Guatemala's murder rate was 15.3 murders per 100,000 people. The country's violent history, including a 36-year civil war, has left a legacy of violence and incompetent or corrupt state institutions that facilitate impunity.

Guatemala's criminal organizations are among the most sophisticated in Central America, and include former and active members of the military, intelligence agencies, police, public officials, and drug traffickers. These groups often work with Mexican and Colombian drug trafficking organizations, as well as groups from other Central American nations. The country's varied climate and terrain, combined with its long coastline and sparsely populated stretches of jungle, make it an ideal location for growing illicit crops and storing and transporting contraband.

Drug trafficking is a significant problem in Guatemala, with the country located between the drug supply from South America and the demand in the United States. Guatemalan security forces have discovered large coca plantations hidden in the mountains of the country's northeastern provinces. The country's proximity to the United States also makes it a hub for human trafficking and arms trafficking.

In addition to drug trafficking, Guatemalan criminal groups are involved in kidnapping, extortion, arms trafficking, illegal adoption rings, environmental crimes, and other illegal enterprises. The country's weak and corrupt law enforcement institutions have been complicit in these crimes, with police officials often electing to engage in corruption rather than face the consequences of trying to fight powerful criminal organizations.

Guatemala also has a serious problem with street gangs, particularly the Mara Salvatrucha (MS13) and the 18th Street Gang (Barrio 18). These gangs are predatory and survive mainly through extortion in poor urban neighborhoods. Young males aged 15 to 24 are the most common perpetrators of street crime, and the country's economic struggles fuel participation in street violence.

To combat crime and improve security, the Guatemalan government has implemented various measures, including a UN-sponsored commission that contributed to a decrease in crime rates. However, the government terminated the commission's mandate early due to corruption probes, hindering efforts to curb impunity.

Crime and gang activity in the Dominican Republic

Crime and gang activity are prevalent issues in the Dominican Republic. The country has a dedicated National Police force to investigate crime, but issues with corruption and a lack of resources hinder their effectiveness.

The Dominican Republic has a high rate of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, and carjacking. In 2020, the country recorded 705 murders, giving it a projected annual total of 940 killings and a homicide rate of 9.0 per 100,000 people. While this homicide rate is one of the lowest in the region, it continues a downward trend since 2011.

The country also has a significant issue with drug trafficking, particularly cocaine. It is believed to be the leading Caribbean transit hub for cocaine from Venezuela, destined for North America or Europe. The Dominican Republic is also a trans-shipment point for drugs from Colombia to the United States, Canada, and Europe. In addition, the country is a source, transit, and destination for human trafficking, with victims often subjected to sexual exploitation or forced labour.

Gangs, known as "naciones" and "pandillas", are dominant in the organized crime landscape and have a strong presence in the larger cities. These gangs have transnational links and are involved in drug retailing, extortion, racketeering, and money laundering. Some of the prominent gangs include the Latin Kings, Los Trinitarios, the Bloods, Los 42, Metálicos, and Ñetas.

To combat drug trafficking and organized crime, the Dominican Republic has increased collaborative efforts with the United States through initiatives such as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. However, the country continues to struggle with high levels of corruption, a weak judicial system, and insufficient economic regulatory controls, which create an enabling environment for criminal activities.

Health and medical care in Belize, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic

Health and Medical Care in Belize

Belize has a multilayer healthcare system, including public and private hospitals, as well as regional and rural clinics. The country's medical care delivery system is relatively well-established, with the government operating hospitals or polyclinics in every major city, town, and other major population centers and villages. However, it is important to note that medical care in Belize does not meet the same standards as those in North America or the European Union. The country lacks a level-one trauma center, and medical evacuation can be expensive.

The largest public hospital in Belize, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, is located in Belize City. This hospital has highly qualified staff and specialists in various medical fields but faces challenges due to funding issues. The private hospitals Belize Medical Associates and Belize Healthcare Partners, also located in Belize City, are better equipped and funded. They offer superior and more comprehensive medical care, making them a preferred choice for expatriates.

The cost of medical care in Belize is significantly lower than in North America, roughly half the price. A visit to a medical practitioner for basic ailments, including medication, costs around $70. However, due to the relatively high cost of specialist care in the country, many locals and expatriates travel to neighboring countries like Mexico and Guatemala for more affordable medical and dental treatment.

Belize has a rich tradition of alternative or 'bush' medicine, with Mayans, Garifuna, and Kriol communities possessing knowledge of the healing properties of rainforest plants. The water in most hotels and resorts in Belize is filtered, but it is not recommended to drink water directly from the pipes. Bottled water is readily available, and treating water is only necessary when travelling to remote areas.

Health and Medical Care in Guatemala

Guatemala's healthcare system and the quality of its medical services are not discussed in detail in the sources. However, it is mentioned that many expatriates from Belize travel to Guatemala, specifically Guatemala City and Antigua, for medical treatment. This suggests that Guatemala may offer more advanced or specialized healthcare services than Belize.

Health and Medical Care in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has a two-tier healthcare system. The government provides essential services to all, and individuals can opt for additional care with better access and quality for a price. The quality of healthcare in the country varies depending on the region. While some areas offer excellent healthcare services, others, especially public clinics, suffer from a lack of staff, medical equipment, and medicine.

The best hospitals in the Dominican Republic, offering the latest technology and well-educated staff, are located in the cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago. These world-class hospitals have private and public facilities and are significantly more affordable than those in the United States. English-speaking staff can be found in hospitals in major tourist areas like Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, but prices tend to be higher as they cater mainly to tourists and foreigners.

The Dominican Republic has a growing medical tourism industry, particularly in dentistry, laser treatment, and cosmetic surgery, attracting many "health tourists" from the United States due to the lower costs and high level of expertise.

Pharmacies, known as "farmacias," are readily available throughout the country, and almost all medicines can be purchased over the counter. However, it is estimated that around 10% of medicines in the country are fake, so caution is advised when purchasing medications.

The country has introduced a social security system where workers and employers contribute to basic levels of health insurance, but it does not cover the full cost of treatment. Additionally, individuals earning less than RD$4,000 per month are entitled to free healthcare provided by the government.

A 911 emergency system has been implemented in some parts of the country, including Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, San Cristobal, Santiago, and Puerto Plata, offering emergency services from the police, ambulances, and firefighters. However, it may be more reliable to opt for private transport to the nearest hospital in more rural areas.

Natural disasters and climate in Belize, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic

Belize is susceptible to hurricanes, storms, flooding, wind damage, and storm surges. The country's low-lying terrain makes the effects of flooding and sea level rise more severe. Belize is also at risk of extreme temperature events and earthquakes, although the risk of earthquakes is lower than that of hurricanes. The country is located in the path of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, and has experienced several powerful hurricanes, including the Hurricane of 1931 and Hurricane Hattie, which caused significant damage and loss of life.

Guatemala is ranked in the top five countries in the world most affected by floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. 40.8% of its population is exposed to five or more threats simultaneously. The country is vulnerable to both low-frequency, high-impact events such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes, and high-frequency, low-impact events such as floods and landslides.

The Dominican Republic, like other Caribbean countries, is vulnerable to climate change-related disasters. In 2023, the country was hit by two natural catastrophes due to climate change, and since 1990, it has experienced a total of 60 climate change-related disasters. These disasters include storms, extreme temperatures, floods, droughts, and wildfires.

Overall, Belize, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic are all susceptible to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change, with varying levels of risk and exposure.

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