Belize's Uncertain Future: A Country In Limbo

Belize is not shut down, but it does have a history of gang-related violent crime, which has led to a state of emergency being declared in some areas. Tourists are not usually targeted, but they are advised to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines. While Belize offers a rich variety of wildlife, culture, and natural attractions, it is important to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions when visiting this beautiful country.

Crime in Belize

Belize is a beautiful country to visit, but it is important to be aware of the potential dangers and take precautions to ensure your safety. While tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, violent crime is common in the country, and Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world.

Gang and Drug-Related Violence

Serious gang-related violence occurs most frequently in Belize City, particularly in the area south of the Haulover Creek, known as Southside. Gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes, and clashes occur frequently as gangs try to gain control of territories for illegal activities. Drug and human trafficking, organised crime, and street gang activity are prevalent throughout the country.

Petty Crime

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are also common in Belize, especially in tourist destinations like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and San Ignacio. Criminals often operate in groups and target individuals travelling alone. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables out of sight.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a concern in Belize, and it is advised to avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas. Women travelling alone may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse, and cases of sexual assault against foreigners have occurred.

Scams and Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud are common in Belize, especially in San Pedro. It is important to be cautious when using debit or credit cards and only use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank.

Natural Disasters

Belize is also prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and flooding, which can impact travel and essential services. The hurricane season typically lasts from June to November, and it is important to monitor local weather updates and follow any advice from local authorities.

Tips for Staying Safe in Belize

• Avoid non-essential travel to high-risk areas, such as Southside Belize City, Northside Victoria Street, and Roaring Creek Village.
• Always carry valid ID and avoid travelling after dark.
• Remain aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewellery or watches.
• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, and don't leave them unattended.
• Use only registered taxis with green licence plates, and avoid walking alone at night.
• Be cautious when accepting food and drinks from strangers, as they may be spiked.
• Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media for updates on safety and security concerns.

Belize's response to COVID-19

Belize is a small country in Central America, with a population of under 400,000 people. It is the only country in Central America with English as its official language.

Belize has a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with a legal system modelled on English common law. The country is a member of the Commonwealth, with King Charles III as its monarch and head of state.

Belize's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been relatively relaxed compared to other countries. It was the first country in the Caribbean to allow vaccinated travellers to enter without a COVID-19 test. The country has also received recognition from the WHO for eliminating malaria.

Belize has a moderate rate of violent crime, with gang activity being a significant issue. Tourists are not usually targeted, but they can still be affected by gang-related crime, especially in Belize City. The police capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited, and many crimes go unsolved.

The country has a state of emergency in several locations due to high levels of crime, including Southside Belize City, Northside Victoria Street, and Roaring Creek Village. A nightly curfew is in place for minors under the age of 18. Security forces have been granted powers to restrict freedom of movement, conduct searches and seizures, and detain persons of interest.

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings, avoid travelling after dark, and carry valid ID at all times. It is also advised to follow general safety guidelines such as not displaying signs of wealth and avoiding non-essential travel to high-risk areas.

Belize's police force

Belize is facing a challenging situation with high levels of violent crime, including gang and drug-related violence, across the country. While the Belize Police Department is working to combat these issues, they face limitations in resources and training, which has resulted in many crimes remaining unresolved.

The Belize Police Department, with over 1,300 officers serving a population of nearly 400,000, is led by a Police Commissioner and is part of the Ministry of National Security. The department has a website and a presence on social media platforms like Facebook, where they provide updates on their activities and aim to bridge the gap between the police and the community.

In recent times, the Belizean government declared a state of emergency in several locations, including Southside Belize City, Northside Victoria Street, and Roaring Creek Village, due to high crime rates. During this period, security forces were empowered to restrict freedom of movement, conduct searches and seizures, and detain persons of interest. The government may also call upon the Belize Defence Force soldiers to enforce these emergency measures.

Belize's strategic location linking North and South America, along with its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, makes it an attractive hub for organised crime groups involved in drug trafficking. As a result, the country experiences various crime areas, including extortion, kidnapping, murder, money laundering, and trafficking of firearms, people, and counterfeit goods.

To address these challenges, Belize's law enforcement collaborates with INTERPOL through its National Central Bureau (NCB) in Belmopan. The NCB plays a crucial role in maintaining regional security by facilitating intelligence-sharing and international collaboration against organised crime, particularly regarding trafficking routes and organised crime groups.

Belize's healthcare system

The private health sector provides care to a smaller portion of the population but, similar to the public sector, private health services are offered at a relatively low cost with a shared emphasis on quality of care and quality improvement.

The MoH has been instrumental in creating significant reforms in the medical arena. However, medical care in Belize generally gets a poor grade, with most expat residents saying the country needs more healthcare facilities, more specialized physicians and staff, and better equipment. With fewer than 400,000 residents, Belize doesn’t have an income tax revenue base adequate to fund a large number of public hospitals, which are free or very inexpensive for Belizeans.

The majority of the country's 24/7 hospitals are located in Belize City, including the Karl Heusner public hospital. There are also two excellent private hospitals in the town: Belize Medical Associates and Healthcare Partners. The towns of San Ignacio, Corozal, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda also have 24-hour care hospitals. Currently, there are no hospitals on the cayes or in Placencia or Hopkins.

Belize has a network of approximately 60 public health clinics, with a total of 700 public hospital beds, that provide primary medical and dental care to rural areas. Most of these health clinics suffer from inadequate staffing, a lack of financial resources to handle patient volume, and a lack of equipment and medicine. As a result, there is reduced access to quality care.

The private health sector has grown over the last few years, especially in urban areas. Although the costs are high, the coverage is comprehensive, and it also offers a range of secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. Additionally, the acquisition of international private health insurance has increased recently.

The standard of healthcare across the country is low, and there is a shortage of medical professionals in Belize. A large section of doctors and medical professionals are foreign nationals working in the Belizean health sector, often as volunteers. The shortage of medical supplies and medical equipment hinders the delivery of quality health services, and this shortage is especially evident in rural areas. Emergency medical services are limited to urban towns and cities, with little or no ambulances in remote areas.

Belize's tourist attractions

Belize is a Central American country with a rich tapestry of natural and historical attractions. The country is bordered by the emerald-hued Caribbean Sea and boasts the second-largest barrier reef in the world. With a unique blend of Caribbean beaches, cayes, caves, jungles, wildlife, birding, Mayan sites, and a diverse culture, it's no wonder that Belize is becoming a popular tourist destination. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in Belize:

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

This beautiful nature reserve is world-famous for its excellent diving. Visitors can explore the pristine coral gardens and swim with an array of marine life, including sea turtles, nurse sharks, and stingrays.

Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal is a remote cave filled with relics left over from the Mayans. Visitors can explore the cave and discover the ancient artifacts, sacrificial human remains, and bloodletting altars left behind by this fascinating civilization.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is an ancient Maya archaeological site that translates to "Maiden of the Rock" in the Mayan language. The site features El Castillo, a stepped pyramid that rises 130 feet tall and offers breathtaking views of the nearby valley. Visitors are allowed to climb the pyramid and take in the impressive surroundings.

Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is not just any ordinary zoo. It is home to over 150 native wildlife species and is committed to conservation, education, and research. The zoo is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities, making it the first nature destination in Belize with such accessibility.

Green Iguana Conservation Project

Located in San Ignacio, this conservation project focuses on preserving the endangered Green Iguana species. Visitors can interact with the iguanas and learn about their life cycle, incubation, hatching, rearing, and releasing process. The center also houses other species, such as parrots, toucans, and monkeys.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize, known for its relaxed and authentic Caribbean vibe. With no cars on the island, visitors can explore by golf cart or bike. The east side of the island offers docks that protrude into the ocean, providing a unique experience of kicking back and enjoying the sea.

Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is an underwater sinkhole located off the coast of Belize, measuring over 300 meters wide and more than 125 meters deep. It is one of the world's best diving spots, attracting divers from around the world who come to explore its depths and observe the diverse marine life and coral formations.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Belize has to offer. From its rich history and culture to its pristine natural wonders, Belize is a country that will leave visitors with unforgettable memories and a desire to return.

Frequently asked questions