Belize's Troubled Paradise

Belize is a Central American country known for its beautiful jungles and islands, which draw many tourists each year. However, it has a reputation for being unsafe due to its high crime rate and gang-related violence. The country has been named one of the worst five countries in the world for homicides, with violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, and sexual assaults occurring regularly, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Belize City, particularly its south side, is a hotspot for gang violence and drug-related crimes, with inter-gang conflicts frequently turning deadly.

In addition to safety concerns, Belize also faces issues with public transportation, which is generally considered unsafe and unreliable. The country's medical infrastructure is also a concern, with public health institutions being underfunded and under-equipped. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, while not posing a significant risk, can also impact the country. Overall, while Belize has much to offer in terms of natural beauty and cultural attractions, it is important for visitors to exercise caution and be aware of potential risks when travelling to the country.

High violent crime rate

Belize has a high violent crime rate, with gang violence being a significant issue. The US State Department and the Government of Canada have both advised citizens to exercise caution when travelling to Belize, with the latter specifically advising against non-essential travel to Southside Belize City. The US advisory states that most crime is gang-related and occurs in Southside Belize City, outside tourist areas, which should be avoided. The Canadian advisory also emphasises the danger of gang-related violence in Southside Belize City, stating that the area is a battlefront for frequent armed inter-gang conflict.

Belize has been named one of the worst five countries in the world for homicides by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. In 2022, there were 113 murder victims, a 9.6% reduction from the previous year. While the murder rate in Belize has been exhibiting a downward trend over the last decade, it still reached 25.6 homicides per 100,000 population in 2022, which is above the regional average of 18.3 homicides per 100,000 population.

In addition to homicides, other violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, and sexual assaults are common in Belize, often occurring during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Crimes against women and girls, such as sexual violence and unlawful sexual intercourse, have also been on the rise, with reported instances of rape increasing by 100% in 2022.

The high prevalence of violent crime in Belize is attributed to the substantial presence of cartels and organised crime groups. There are around 40 active gangs in the country, with at least eight of them considered very powerful and dangerous. Most of these gangs are concentrated in Belize City, the major crime centre in the country. Gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes, and clashes frequently occur to gain control of territories for illegal activities.

The police capacity to respond to violent incidents in Belize is limited, and many crimes remain unsolved. The police force is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, which further contributes to the high violent crime rate in the country.

Poor police response to crime

Belize has a high crime rate and a serious problem with violent crimes and gang activity. The police force in Belize is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, so their ability to respond to crime is limited. Many crimes remain unresolved or unprosecuted.

The Belize Police Department has more than 1,000 sworn officers and nearly 150 civilian employees at its disposal. However, they are hampered by limited funds, poor training and equipment, and a lack of personnel.

The US State Department categorises Belize as a level 2 country and advises American citizens to exercise increased caution if they’re staying in the country due to a high prevalence of crime. The US advisory states that most of the crimes reported in Belize are either unresolved or unprosecuted, and most crime is gang-related and happens in the Southside of Belize City.

The Government of Canada advises travellers to Belize to exercise a high degree of caution and avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. They emphasise that gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes and that Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world.

The police capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited, and many crimes remain unsolved. This is due in part to ineffective law enforcement and judicial institutions, with low conviction rates and insufficient resources dedicated to crime prevention. Belize's judiciary also faces challenges such as an inefficient court system, poor case management, and a lack of trained prosecutors and judges.

Poor public transport

Public transport in Belize is mostly provided by buses, with the majority of Belizeans relying on this as their primary form of transportation. However, the bus system in Belize is reported to be in a poor state, with buses being old, uncomfortable, and unreliable.

Old and Uncomfortable

Belize's bus fleet is one of the oldest in Central America and the Caribbean, mainly consisting of repurposed North American school buses that are 20-30 years old. These buses have not been refurbished and still have vinyl seats designed for children, making them uncomfortable for adult passengers.

Unreliable

The buses in Belize are often jam-packed and slow, with unpredictable arrival and departure times. While express buses are available and tend to be faster, they are still not always timely, and it is common for buses to take up to three hours to reach their destinations.

Poor Safety and Maintenance

The safety and maintenance standards of the buses are also questionable. Buses are maintained with low-quality brake pads that can catch fire, producing toxic smoke and posing risks to people's health and the environment. There is a perceived lack of enforcement of regular bus inspections, and the Transport Authorities are seen as insufficiently compliant with safety regulations.

Limited Coverage

While buses cover most major highways and towns, services to villages off the main highways are less frequent, with some places only served by one bus per day, Monday to Saturday. In the most remote parts of Belize, bus services may not be available at all, limiting transportation options for locals and hindering access to these areas for tourists.

Alternative Options

Due to the limitations of the bus system, many people opt for alternative means of transportation in Belize. These include taxis, private shuttles, car rentals, and even hitchhiking. While these options offer more flexibility and comfort, they can be significantly more expensive, especially for longer distances or those travelling on a budget.

In summary, while Belize does have a functioning public bus system, it is characterised by old and uncomfortable buses, unreliable services, safety concerns, and limited coverage. These issues highlight the need for an upgrade to the country's public transportation infrastructure, including the acquisition of newer, safer, and more efficient buses.

Poor medical care quality

Belize's medical care system has been described as "poor" and "sub-standard" by expatriates, falling below the standards of medical care in North America and the European Union. This is largely due to the country's small population size and economic situation, with over half of its residents living in poverty. As a result, Belize lacks the necessary income tax revenue to adequately fund its public hospitals.

The country's healthcare system is comprised of both public and private sectors. The public sector, overseen by the Ministry of Health (MoH), offers affordable care to the majority of Belizeans, while the private sector caters to a smaller portion of the population. However, both sectors face challenges in providing quality care due to limited resources.

One of the main issues with the Belizean healthcare system is the lack of specialised physicians and staff, as well as inadequate equipment and medical supplies. This is particularly evident in rural areas, where small health centres and visiting doctors may not be equipped to handle medical emergencies or provide specialised care. In some cases, patients may need to be referred to larger polyclinics, community hospitals, or regional hospitals for more intensive treatment options.

The Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga, which serves a diverse population of over 75,000 people, is a prime example of the challenges faced by the Belizean healthcare system. While the hospital provides both primary and specialty care services, it struggles with limited space, outdated equipment, and insufficient funding. The hospital's medical laboratory, for instance, operates in a cramped space with limited access to specialised equipment, impacting their ability to provide timely and comprehensive diagnostic services.

Additionally, Belize faces challenges in tracking patient records, especially in rural and transient communities. The Belize Health Information System (BHIS) has been implemented to address this issue by providing a unique client number for each patient, allowing medical professionals to access laboratory results and patient information across different facilities. However, the system has not completely resolved the issue, as some patients, particularly immigrants, may not have the required identification cards to enrol.

Furthermore, Belize has been criticised for its lack of a level one trauma centre and the absence of an oncologist qualified in oncology within the country. Patients requiring specialised cancer treatment, including radiation therapy, often have to seek medical care in neighbouring countries like Guatemala.

Despite these shortcomings, the Belizean government has made significant efforts to reform and improve the healthcare system. The Health Sector Reform Project (HSRP), implemented in 2000, aimed to increase access to care, improve quality, and ensure efficient and equitable delivery of healthcare services. Additionally, the government has invested in upgrading and constructing health facilities, bringing modern infrastructure improvements to meet the needs of the populace.

High presence of gangs

Belize has a high presence of gangs, with around 40 active gangs operating throughout the country. Belize City, the nation's biggest city, is the epicenter of gang activity in the country. The south side of Belize City, in particular, should be avoided at all times due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. Belize has a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes, with the country being named one of the worst five countries in the world for homicides.

The presence of gangs in Belize is closely linked to the United States. Since the mid-1900s, a significant number of Belizeans have been relocating to the US, especially Los Angeles. Many Belizeans adopted the gang culture of the Bloods and Crips from Los Angeles, and when they returned to Belize, they brought this gang culture with them. The presence of Bloods and Crips in Belize dates back to the 1980s, and specific areas in Belize City have experienced a surge in the homicide rate as a result. Belize gangs have established their distinct factions of Blood and Crip gangs, associating themselves with their unique culture and neighborhoods.

The gang culture in Belize is also influenced by pop culture, such as the 1988 film "Colors," which follows two white police officers as they investigate the Bloods and Crips in South Central Los Angeles. The film gained notoriety for using real gang members as extras and became controversial after a Crip murdered a Blood waiting in line to see the movie. The film is credited with spreading gang culture in Belize like "wildfire," with more and more youths joining gangs and claiming a color.

The gang problem in Belize is not just limited to Belize City. Belize has a population of roughly 400,000, and Belize City is home to about 60,000 of those. However, the country's murder rate per capita often ranks as one of the highest in the world, with the majority of killings happening in the Southside of Belize City. The gangs in Belize are often aligned with Los Angeles-based Bloods and Crips factions and have established their own distinct factions and territories. The gang violence in Belize is fueled by limited prospects, scarce resources, and the lure of enhanced opportunities in the US.

The Belize Police Department has more than 1000 sworn officers and nearly 150 civilian employees. However, the police capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited, and many crimes remain unsolved. The police force is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, and their ability to respond to crimes is limited.

Frequently asked questions