Belize City: Which Province?

Belize City is not located in a province, but it is the largest city in Belize, a country on the Caribbean coast of Central America. Belize City is the country's principal port, financial and industrial hub, and former capital. It is divided into two areas: Northside and Southside. The city has a well-deserved reputation as a rough and violent urban centre, with gang and drug-related violence a significant concern. Tourists are generally not targeted, but they are advised to stick to the most popular tourist areas.

Belize City's Southside: Gang and Drug-Related Violence

Belize City's Southside has been the site of rampant gang and drug-related violence. The area, located south of Haulover Creek, is characterised by ramshackle neighbourhoods built on unforgiving peri-urban marshlands. It has a long history of gang violence, dating back to the 1980s, and is predominantly inhabited by the Creole minority, who make up 15% of Belize's population but form the majority of Southside's residents.

The roots of gang violence in Belize City can be traced to the deportation of gang members from the US, particularly those affiliated with the Bloods and Crips gangs, in the 1980s and 1990s. These deported gang members brought with them the gang culture, including the use of gang colours and clothing, and established local gangs. Over time, these gangs splintered into smaller factions, leading to an increase in interpersonal violence.

The availability of guns has also played a significant role in the escalation of violence. Gang violence in Belize City is often linked to territorial rivalries and the drug trade, with gang members engaging in local drug trafficking and robberies. The situation has been exacerbated by the presence of Central American gangs and Mexican drug trafficking groups, taking advantage of Belize's role in the international drug trade.

The Belize government has struggled to address the issue effectively. While they have implemented measures such as deploying the Belize Defence Force to the streets and creating the Gang Suppression Unit, these responses have often been counter-productive, leading to increased juvenile incarceration and failing to reduce the violence.

The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory for Belize, warning its nationals about the high levels of crime, particularly in Southside Belize City, due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. The advisory highlights the recently declared state of emergency in Belize City, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

Belize City's Northside: Home to the Country's Elites

Belize City is divided into two areas: the Northside and the Southside. The Northside is bounded by the Haulover Creek and ends in the east at the Fort George area, while the Southside extends to the outskirts of the city and includes the port area and downtown.

The Northside is considered the safest and most prosperous area of Belize City. Good hotels, casinos, and the Museum of Belize are located in this zone, as are the cruise ship and marine terminals. The Northside is also home to the country's elites, with upscale neighbourhoods such as Princess Margaret Drive. It is known for its trendy boutiques, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, making it a popular area for socialising.

The Northside is also a hub for education, with several notable schools located in this part of the city. Saint John's College (boys), Saint Catherine's Academy (girls), and Pallotti High School (girls) are the only three schools in Belize City that are not co-ed. In addition, the University of Belize has two of its three city campuses located in the Caribbean Shores area of the Northside.

The Northside has also played a significant role in Belize's history. Belize City, then known as Belize Town, was founded in 1638 by English lumber harvesters, and it became a central post for the British due to its location on the sea and its access to local rivers and creeks. Belize Town was also the site of the 1798 Battle of St. George's Caye, where the British defeated Spanish invaders.

Today, the Northside continues to be an important cultural and economic centre in Belize. It is home to branches of all the major banks in Belize, as well as insurance centres, marketplaces, and other commercial activities. The Northside is also a popular destination for tourists, offering a glimpse into the country's rich history and vibrant nightlife.

Belize City's Geography: A Tropical Monsoon Climate

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of 61,461 as of the 2010 census. The city is located at the mouth of the Haulover Creek, a distributary of the Belize River, which empties into the Caribbean Sea. Belize City experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterised by warm to hot and humid conditions year-round.

The climate of Belize City can be described as hot and oppressive, with little variation in temperature throughout the year, typically ranging from 71°F to 88°F. The city experiences a lengthy wet season, lasting from May through February, and a short dry season covering the remaining two months. Even during the dry season, however, some precipitation occurs, with March being the driest month. The wettest month is October, with an average rainfall of 6.3 inches.

Belize City's climate is also influenced by the surrounding geography. The city is situated on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, which brings trade winds and cooler, drier air during certain months. The nearby Maya Mountains contribute to the variation in rainfall across the country, with the southern regions receiving more rain than the north.

The city's location and climate have also made it susceptible to hurricanes and flooding during the rainy season. In 1961, Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City, and more recently, the city was impacted by Hurricane Richard in 2010 and Hurricane Earl in 2016.

Belize City's History: From British Honduras to Independence

Belize City's history is closely intertwined with that of the nation of Belize, formerly known as British Honduras. Here is a brief overview of Belize's journey from a British colony to an independent nation:

British Honduras (1862-1981)

In 1862, the Settlement of Belize in the Bay of Honduras became a British colony, known as British Honduras, with the Crown's representative acting as a lieutenant governor under the governor of Jamaica. This marked the beginning of formal British rule in the region. The Legislative Assembly established in Belize City was abolished, and Belize became a crown colony, indicating direct rule by the British Crown.

During this period, British settlers, known as Baymen, imported African slaves to work in the logging industry, particularly in the extraction of logwood and mahogany. This industry was a significant economic driver for the colony, though it also led to harsh and oppressive conditions for enslaved people.

In the late 18th century, as the British pushed further inland in search of mahogany, they encountered resistance from the Maya people. The Caste War of Yucatán in the mid-19th century caused thousands of refugees to flee to British Honduras, and some Maya groups, such as those led by Marcos Canul, resisted British encroachment on their land.

Self-Governance and the Road to Independence

In 1931, Belize City was devastated by a hurricane, which, coupled with the Great Depression, led to widespread economic hardship and social unrest. This period saw the emergence of labour unions and the beginnings of an independence movement. The People's United Party (PUP), formed in 1950, played a pivotal role in advocating for constitutional reforms and expanded voting rights.

In 1964, British Honduras attained self-governance under a new constitution, and in 1973, the colony's name was officially changed from British Honduras to Belize. This reflected a growing sense of national identity and a move towards independence.

However, the path to independence was complicated by a longstanding territorial dispute with neighbouring Guatemala, which claimed sovereignty over Belizean territory. Despite these challenges, Belize achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1981, becoming a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch and head of state.

Belize's journey from British Honduras to an independent nation was marked by social and political struggles, economic challenges, and external threats. The country's diverse population, including Creoles, Mestizos, Garifuna, Maya, and other ethnic groups, has contributed to its rich history and cultural identity.

Belize City's Economy: The Country's Principal Port and Financial Hub

Belize City is the country's principal port and financial hub. It is located on the eponymous district's East Coast, bathed by the Caribbean Sea. The city is home to the International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC), the government agency responsible for regulating all financial market participants and enforcing financial regulations. Belize is considered a tax haven, and its economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and services.

The Port of Belize Limited, located in Belize City, is the country's main port. However, it lacks modern facilities, and vessels with more than the allowable cargo limit must anchor over a mile offshore. Barges are used to transport sugar for export, and tenders are used to ferry passengers to and from cruise ships. Belize City's cruise port, Fort Street Tourism Village, is a popular destination for cruise travellers interested in Mayan archaeological sites, scenic sights, wildlife adventures, and water sports.

Belize's economy is a developing free-market economy, with services as the dominant economic activity. The country has a small, private enterprise economy, and domestic industry is limited by high-cost labour and energy, and a small domestic market. Tourism is a significant source of foreign income and investment, with cruise ship arrivals contributing to this growth. Belize's primary exports include citrus fruits, sugar, bananas, seafood, and apparel, with the United States as its main trading partner.

Belize's agricultural sector employs about one-fifth of the population, with most farms smaller than 100 acres. Sugarcane, citrus fruits, and bananas are the main export crops, while rice, corn, roots, and tubers are raised throughout the country. The country also has a significant aquaculture industry, particularly shrimp farming.

In conclusion, Belize City plays a crucial role as the country's principal port and financial hub, contributing to the growth of Belize's economy through tourism, trade, and financial services.

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