Belize's Perspective On The Us: Friend Or Foe?

Belize and the United States have traditionally shared close and cordial relations. The US is Belize's principal trading partner and a major source of investment funds. Belize is also home to the largest Belizean community outside of Belize, estimated to be 70,000 strong. The US is committed to supporting Belize's economic growth and democratic political stability, and Belize benefits from the US Caribbean Basin Initiative.

The US and Belize work together on several key areas, including security, prosperity, governance, democracy, human rights, migration management, and climate change. The US is the largest provider of economic assistance to Belize, contributing $2.5 million in bilateral economic and military aid. The US also supports Belize in fighting illicit narcotics trafficking and controlling the flow of illegal migrants through the country.

Belize and the US have a history of cooperation, with the US mediating a territorial dispute between Belize and Guatemala in the 1960s and establishing diplomatic relations with Belize in 1981, following its independence from Britain.

Belize has the smallest economy in Central America, with a GDP of $1.4 billion based largely in tourism

Tourism in Belize has grown significantly in recent years, with the country's prime minister, Dean Barrow, stating his intention to use tourism to combat poverty throughout the country. The growth in tourism has positively impacted the agricultural, commercial, and finance industries, as well as the construction industry.

Belize has a diverse range of tourist attractions, including the Belize Barrier Reef (the second-largest in the world), over 450 offshore islands, excellent fishing, 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, birdwatching, and helicopter tours. The country also boasts many Mayan ruins, including Caracol and Lamanai, which attract tourists interested in the Pre-Columbian Maya civilisation.

The US is Belize's principal trading partner and a major source of investment funds, with the US government working to strengthen Belize's economy and democratic political stability. The US is also the largest provider of economic assistance to Belize, contributing $2.5 million in bilateral economic and military aid. Private North American investors play a key role in Belize's economy, particularly in the tourism sector.

Belize's economy previously relied heavily on forestry, with logwood and mahogany being the main exports. However, the country's economy has since shifted to focus on new sectors, including agriculture and tourism.

Belize is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

CARICOM is the Caribbean's equivalent of the European Union, and all members are free to trade with each other with few to no taxes. They can also travel freely to any country in the association without a visa. This connection makes Belize more closely tied to the Caribbean than to its neighbouring countries.

Belize is also a member of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS).

Belize has a large Belizean community in the US

Belizeans have been emigrating to the US, UK, and other Anglophone countries since the 1960s, with the numbers increasing in the 1970s. This emigration has significantly altered Belize's demographics, as the Creole population was the largest ethnic group in Belize until this time. The main reasons for emigration are to seek better opportunities and education.

The US and Belize have traditionally had close and cordial relations, with the US being Belize's principal trading partner and major source of investment funds. The US also provides significant economic assistance to Belize, contributing $2.5 million in bilateral economic and military aid.

Belize is a major transit point for illegal migration to the US

Belize's challenge with illegal migration is further exacerbated by its high emigration rates, with approximately 15% of Belizeans living abroad. This has resulted in social disintegration and a limited workforce, among other issues. The Belizean authorities have made efforts to address these challenges, such as implementing projects to strengthen the fight against human trafficking and improve migration management. They have also taken steps to regularise foreigners through temporary work permits and citizenship.

Additionally, the Government of Belize has demonstrated increasing efforts to combat human trafficking by identifying more victims, improving screening procedures, conducting public awareness campaigns, and providing support services for victims. However, they have fallen short in several key areas, including addressing official complicity in trafficking crimes and initiating prosecutions.

The complex nature of migration in Belize, influenced by its proximity to countries with high emigration rates, makes it a significant transit point for illegal migration to the US. The country's attractive location, combined with its challenges in security and law enforcement, contribute to its role in the larger issue of human trafficking.

Belize is a major drug transit country

Belize's position on the northeastern coast of Central America, bordering Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and sharing a water boundary with Honduras to the southeast, makes it a strategic point for drug traffickers. Its extensive coastline, jungle, and hundreds of uninhabited islands provide an ideal entry point for smugglers' flights and boats heading north towards the United States. The country's small population, limited law enforcement capabilities, and ineffective judicial institutions further contribute to its appeal for drug cartels.

Belize's inclusion in the US "blacklist" highlights the significant role it plays in the drug trade. The country serves as a transit zone for narcotics originating from South America, particularly Colombia, and moving north towards the US market. Small aircraft and go-fast boats are commonly used to transport drugs into and through Belize. The country's lack of air defence or surveillance radar systems, limited coast guard resources, and inadequate training and equipment for security forces hinder their ability to effectively track and intercept drug shipments.

The US government has provided various forms of assistance to Belize to combat this issue, including security aid worth approximately $15 million in recent years. This aid has primarily consisted of vehicles, equipment, and training for Belizean security forces. Additionally, the US Strategy for Central America and the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) aim to enhance Belize's capacity to disrupt and deter drug trafficking and strengthen its law enforcement and judicial institutions.

Despite these efforts, Belize continues to face challenges in combating drug transit due to limited funds and the power of drug cartels. The country's small and vulnerable economy, reliance on tourism, and proximity to major drug-producing nations make it a critical area of focus for both Belize and the US in their efforts to address the drug trade.

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