The Cbi's Reach: Understanding Belize's Relationship With The Caribbean's Premier Police Force

Belize is a beneficiary of the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), a US government programme designed to stimulate investment in Caribbean nations by providing duty-free access to the US market for most Caribbean products. The country is one of 18 Caribbean countries benefiting from the preferential trade agreement, which offers access to a market of over 320 million people.

Belize's economy is largely based on tourism, agriculture, and services, with the country relying heavily on foreign trade with the US as its primary trading partner.

Belize suspended its citizenship by investment program in 2002

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a small country in Central America with a population of over 380,000 people. It is the only country in Central America with English as its official language. Belize has a thriving tourist industry, with its beaches, warm climate, and opportunities for water activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling. The country's economy is based primarily on agriculture, tourism, and services.

In the 1990s, Belize had the cheapest citizenship by investment program in the world. The Belize Economic Citizenship Program, also known as the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, was established in 1986. The program allowed foreign investors to obtain citizenship by making a substantial contribution to the economy or well-being of Belize. However, in 2002, Belize suspended its citizenship by investment program due to security concerns following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, as well as abuses and financial issues.

Under the program, foreigners were required to invest $40,000 and pay $10,000 in professional fees, totalling US$50,000 depending on the number of dependents. The program offered full citizenship rights, except for the right to vote. While the formal CBI Program has been suspended, there are still options for investors interested in relocating to Belize. One option is to establish a business in the country and apply for permanent residence after one year. After five years of permanent residence, investors can apply for citizenship.

Belize has seen how its neighbours, such as St. Kitts and Nevis, have boosted their economies through CBI programs. As a result, Belize has been working to regain its CBI Program, and the security and background checks on applicants have become stronger.

The country's economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and fishing

Belize's economy is a small, private enterprise economy based primarily on agriculture, tourism, and services. The country has a developing free-market economy, with services becoming its dominant economic activity.

Tourism

Belize's tourism industry has grown considerably in recent years, becoming the second-largest industry in the nation. In 2012, Belize welcomed almost one million tourists in a calendar year for the first time in its history. The industry has positively impacted the agricultural, commercial, and finance industries, as well as construction.

Belize boasts a large array of diverse tourist attractions, including the Belize Barrier Reef, hundreds of offshore islands, excellent fishing spots, safe waters for windsurfing, swimming, cave rafting, boating, paddleboarding, scuba diving, and snorkelling, numerous rivers for rafting and kayaking, and various jungle and wildlife reserves for hiking, bird watching, and helicopter touring. The country also has many Maya ruins, including Caracol, Xunantunich, El Pilar, and Cahal Pech, which are popular tourist sites.

Agriculture

Belize's primary exports are citrus fruits, sugar, and bananas. In 2018, Belize produced 1.7 million tons of sugarcane and, in addition, substantial amounts of oranges, bananas, maize, papaya, rice, and soy.

The country has about 8,090 square kilometres of arable land, but only a small fraction of this is under cultivation. Most farms are smaller than 100 acres, and many of them are milpas (temporary forest clearings). Traditional shifting cultivation is practised due to the nutrient-poor soils of the lowlands. The remaining farms or plantations are devoted to export crops, such as sugarcane, citrus fruits, and bananas.

Fishing

Fishing for lobster, shrimp, scale fish, conch, and sea turtles is conducted mainly by several cooperatives, some of which have freezing plants. Exports of seafood to the United States are substantial, and aquaculture, especially shrimp farming, is significant.

Belize is a member of CARICOM, CELAC, and SICA

Belize is a member of three key regional organizations: CARICOM, CELAC, and SICA. These memberships reflect the country's engagement and role in the Caribbean and Central American region.

CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, is a 15-member state organization that works towards creating a community that is integrated, inclusive, and resilient. CARICOM's initiatives focus on various areas, including the single market and economy, free movement, food and nutrition security, climate change, and sustainable development. Belize, as a member, benefits from this regional integration and collaboration.

CELAC, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, is a regional bloc consisting of 33 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It was established to deepen Latin American integration and reduce the influence of the United States on the region's politics and economics. CELAC aims to foster unity and integration, address issues like poverty and income inequality, and promote regional trade and economic cooperation.

SICA, the Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana, or the Central American Integration System, is a regional organization that promotes integration and cooperation among Central American countries. Belize's membership in SICA allows it to engage and collaborate with other Central American nations on economic, social, and cultural issues.

Through its participation in these organizations, Belize actively contributes to regional integration, cooperation, and development. These memberships provide opportunities for Belize to shape policies, address shared challenges, and promote economic growth and social progress within the Caribbean and Central American context.

The country is bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Atlantic Ocean

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The country is located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America, with a total land boundary length of 516 kilometres (321 miles).

The northern border of Belize shares a land and sea boundary with the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, while the western border runs through lowland forest and highland mountainous plateau to meet Guatemala. The Hondo and Sarstoon rivers define much of the country's northern and southern boundaries, respectively. To the east, the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean flank the coastline, which is predominantly marshy and features the second-longest barrier reef in the world.

The Belize–Guatemala border is a nearly straight line approximately 266 kilometres (165 miles) long, close to the 89th meridian west. This border has been disputed by Guatemala, which claims that the defining treaty is void due to Britain's non-compliance with economic assistance provisions. However, the situation was partially resolved in 1991 when Guatemala officially recognised Belize's independence.

The Belize Economic Citizenship Investment Programme was ended in 2002

The Belize Economic Citizenship Investment Programme (BECIP) was ended in 2002. The programme was introduced in 1986 and allowed foreign investors to gain citizenship by making a "substantial contribution to the economy and/or well-being of Belize".

In 1985, amendments were made to the Belizean Nationality Act, 1981, which allowed for the registration of persons who made significant contributions to the nation. In 1995, the programme was redesigned to enhance its credibility and integrity, and it was administered by a unit within the Ministry of Finance.

The programme was ended in 2002 due to security concerns following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, as well as abuses and financial issues. According to a Senate Audit Report, thousands of people acquired Belizean nationality through BECIP, and many of these were obtained fraudulently.

Under the programme, foreigners were required to invest $40,000 and pay $10,000 in professional fees, totalling US$50,000, depending on the number of dependents. The investment programme was used to reduce debt and fund reconstruction and development in Belize.

Despite the closure of the programme, there are still options for investors interested in relocating to Belize. Foreign nationals can enter Belize and establish a business by registering with a Belize citizen or permanent resident partner. After residing in Belize for one year, they can apply for permanent residence, and after five years, they can apply for citizenship.

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