Belize: A Stable Country?

Belize is a politically stable country with a democratic system of government and a history of regular rotations of power through competitive elections. The country has a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with a Prime Minister as the head of government and a multi-party system. The judiciary is independent, and civil liberties are mostly respected. However, there are concerns about government corruption, police brutality, and a high rate of violent crime, particularly in Belize City. Belize has a diverse cultural and ecological landscape, strong ties with its geographic Spanish-speaking Central American neighbours, and is the only English-speaking country in Central America.

Belize's political system

Belize is a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with a multi-party system. The king of Belize, currently King Charles III, serves as head of state, and is represented in the country by a governor-general, currently Froyla Tzalam. The governor-general appoints the prime minister, who is the head of government. The prime minister of Belize is Johnny Briceño, who was elected in November 2020. The prime minister advises the governor-general on the executive duties of the government.

Belize has a bicameral National Assembly, consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate. The 31 members of the House of Representatives are directly elected to five-year terms by plurality vote in single-member constituencies. The Senate consists of 13 senators plus the president of the Senate. The senators are appointed by the governor-general, six on the advice of the prime minister, three on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and one member on the advice of various civil society groups. The president of the Senate is then selected by the 13 senators, either from amongst themselves or from the general populace.

The party system is dominated by the centre-left People's United Party (PUP) and the centre-right United Democratic Party (UDP). There are also smaller parties that have participated at all levels of governmental elections in the past, but none have won any significant number of seats or offices.

Belize is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster model. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981.

Crime and safety

Crime is a serious problem in Belize, with violent crime being common during daylight hours and in tourist areas. The country has consistently ranked in the top 10 countries in the world for homicides, with gang-related issues and drug problems contributing to the high murder rate. Belize City, in particular, is known for its high crime rate, with gang violence and drug-related crime being prevalent. The south side of Belize City should be avoided at all times.

While tourists are not usually the target of violent crime, crimes in tourist areas have been increasing in recent years, largely due to the large disparity between rich and poor. Petty crime, such as burglary, pickpocketing, and hotel room theft, is one of the main dangers for tourists. Sexual assaults and sexual harassment of women are also common, and women are advised to avoid travelling alone or with another female companion.

The police force in Belize is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, which limits their ability to respond to crimes. However, the country's system of government is highly stable, and internal security is maintained by the Belize Police Department, which has about 1,200 police officers established across all six districts.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belize, travellers are advised to take certain precautions, such as not walking alone in secluded urban areas, avoiding isolated spots, and not wearing jewellery or designer clothes that make them look wealthy. It is also important to be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs and to avoid travelling at night, especially in rural and metropolitan locations.

Economy and trade

Belize's economy is a small, developing, free-market economy, based primarily on tourism, agriculture, and services. The country has a history of stable democratic government and peaceful transitions of power.

Agriculture

Belize's economy depended on forestry until the 20th century, with logwood being the country's initial main export. However, the supply outstripped demand, and loggers turned to mahogany. While the mahogany industry made many merchants wealthy, it was susceptible to market fluctuations. As mahogany trees take a long time to grow, they were not being replaced at the rate they were being cut down. This, combined with the higher labour costs of retrieving them from deeper in the forests, led to the industry's decline.

By 1960, the combined value of sugar and citrus exports had exceeded that of timber. Today, the country's primary exports are citrus fruits, sugar, and bananas. Other agricultural exports include maize, papaya, rice, and soy. Only a small proportion of Belize's land is used for agriculture, and most farms are smaller than 100 acres.

Seafood

Exports of seafood to the United States are substantial, and aquaculture, especially shrimp farming, is significant.

Oil

The discovery of oil in Spanish Lookout has presented new prospects and problems for Belize.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing (mainly food products, fertilisers, and textiles) accounts for about one-eighth of the gross national product (GNP). The manufacturing industry has been in decline, however, due to utility costs.

Trade

Belize has a substantial trade deficit in goods. The country's chief trading partners include the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Mexico, Curaçao, Panama, and certain members of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom). The country's main exports are seafood, sugar, citrus products, bananas, and clothing, and its chief imports include machinery, transport equipment, food, fuels, lubricants, and chemicals.

Tourism

Tourism is a major source of foreign income, partly due to an increase in cruise ship arrivals. The country's biodiversity, lengthy coral reef system, and Anglophone background give it a strong comparative advantage in attracting North American and European visitors. In 2011, tourist arrivals totalled 888,191 (mostly from the US) and tourist receipts amounted to $260 million.

History and independence

Belize, located on the northeast coast of Central America, was known as British Honduras until 1 June 1973, when its name was changed by an act of parliament. It was the last British colony on the American mainland. The country's prolonged path to independence was marked by a unique international campaign led by Rt. Hon. George Price, who would later become Belize's first prime minister. This campaign was against the irredentist claims of its western neighbour, Guatemala, which laid claim to a significant portion of Belize's territory.

Belize's history dates back thousands of years. The Maya civilisation spread into the area between 1500 BC and 200 AD and flourished until about 1000 AD. Several Maya ruin sites reflect the advanced nature of this ancient civilisation. The first recorded European incursions in the region were made by Spanish conquistadors and missionaries in the 16th century. The British began exploring the region in 1638, and Spain and Britain both laid claim to the land until Britain defeated the Spanish in the Battle of St. George's Caye in 1798. Belize became a British colony in 1840 and a Crown colony in 1862.

In the 19th century, the British sought to reform the settlers, threatening to suspend the Public Meeting unless it observed the government's instructions to eliminate slavery outright. After much resistance, slavery was abolished in the British Empire in 1833. As a result, owners in British Honduras were compensated at £53.69 per enslaved African, the highest amount paid in any British territory.

In 1963, Guatemala broke off talks and ended diplomatic relations with Britain. Talks between Guatemala and British Honduras started and stopped abruptly during the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1973, the colony's name was changed to Belize in anticipation of independence. In 1975, the Belizean and British governments agreed on a new strategy to take the case for self-determination to various international forums. By 1980, Belize had gained the support of Cuba, Mexico, Panama, and Nicaragua, and the UN passed a resolution demanding Belize's independence.

Belize was granted independence on 21 September 1981, becoming a constitutional monarchy with King Charles III as its monarch and head of state. Guatemala refused to recognise the new nation due to its longstanding territorial dispute. About 1,500 British troops remained in Belize to deter any possible Guatemalan incursions. In 1991, Guatemala recognised Belize's independence, but the two countries have yet to resolve their border dispute, which is currently under consideration by the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

Social issues

Belize is a country facing several social issues that impact its stability. Here are some key areas of concern:

Poverty and Inequality:

Belize has a high rate of poverty, with up to 50% of children under 15 classified as poor. UNICEF estimates that 6 out of 10 children in Belize lack at least one basic need, such as adequate nutrition, clean drinking water, proper sanitation, adequate housing, and access to education. The country's social protection system aims to address these issues, but gaps in coverage, implementation, and funding remain. Belize's government has implemented programmes like BOOST, which provides monthly cash transfers to families in need, and the Food Pantry and Roving Care Programme, to alleviate poverty.

Education:

Belize's education system faces significant challenges. Resources are insufficient to meet the needs of all children, and the system is outdated, structurally flawed, and set on a colonial framework. Poverty and vulnerable, violent human ecologies also impact schools, forcing them to operate as welfare centres. Additionally, high levels of unemployment, low-paying jobs, and the need for improved labour force quality and relevance are prevalent issues.

Crime and Violence:

Belize has a high crime rate, with violent crimes often occurring in Belize City. Crime is primarily drug and gang-related, and the country faces challenges with gang violence and the drug trade.

Health:

Belize faces increasing incidents of HIV/AIDS. Additionally, mosquito-borne diseases are a significant health concern.

Economic Concerns:

Belize struggles with an unsustainable foreign debt and high unemployment. The country relies heavily on tourism and a few traditional agricultural exports, such as sugar and bananas, making it vulnerable to economic shocks. Oil production has provided some revenue but has declined in importance due to low global oil prices.

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