R 202113Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY BELMOPAN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 1738

UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000111 
 
 
FOR DS/IP/WHA, DS/DSS/ITA, WHA/CEN - C. ASHE, WHA/EX/PMO - 
¶M. PIPLANI 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC BH
SUBJECT: BELMOPAN - ANNUAL OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT 
 
REF: A. (08) BELMOPAN 161 
     ¶B. (07) BELMOPAN 643 
     ¶C. (07) BELMOPAN 609 
     ¶D. (07) BELMOPAN 179 
     ¶E. (07) BELMOPAN 118 
 
¶1. (U) Overall Crime and Safety Situation 
 
Crime throughout Belize continues to remain a problem and has 
steadily risen over the past two years.  Major crimes in 
Belize (defined as murder, rape, robbery, burglary, theft and 
carnal knowledge) increased in 2008 by 8.1% from 2007.  Most 
disturbing is that the murder rate within Belize has 
continued to increase on an annual basis by 5% since 2003. 
The number of murders in 2008 ) 103 homicides ) has now 
more than doubled those reported in 2000 (47 homicides) and 
represents a nationwide murder rate of 34 per 100,000 
persons.  This, coupled with an understaffed and poorly 
resourced police force, make the high crime threat in Belize 
a primary concern of the government.  The U.S. Department of 
State's Consular Information Sheet for Belize 
(http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis pa tw/cis/cis 1055.html) 
provides a current and accurate overview of the environment. 
 
¶A. Crime Threats: vehicle thefts, personal robberies and 
residential thefts. 
 
Throughout Belize, the number of 2008 reported robberies 
increased by 3.4%, burglaries by 3.6% and thefts by 12.7% 
over their 2007 levels.  Overall, the total number of 
reported robberies, burglaries and thefts increased by 7.5% 
in 2008 over the previous year,s reported numbers (3248 in 
2008 vice 3003 in 2007).  Criminal perpetrators are also more 
regularly carrying firearms in the commission of a crime. 
The number of firearms seized in gun-related crimes in 2008 
increased by 33% over 2007 levels (194 in 2008 vice 129 in 
2007).  This number has steadily increased and returned to 
the high previously experienced in 2003 (198 firearm 
seizures). 
 
In years past, if victims cooperated during robberies they 
were generally left unharmed.  Unfortunately a trend of 
violence has emerged where cooperation is no longer a 
guarantee of safety.  Residential theft can be deterred, 
though not completely eliminated, with the addition of metal 
grills on windows and doors and extensive exterior lighting 
and perimeter fences and/or walls.  Vehicle thefts, 
especially involving new or expensive models, remain a 
problem and caution must be exercised when leaving vehicles 
unattended. 
 
¶B. Safety: Road conditions and road hazards 
 
Road conditions are average to poor.  The primary highways ) 
Northern, Western, Southern, and Hummingbird Highways are in 
generally good condition once away from Belize City.  Close 
to Belize City the road conditions are very poor.  There are 
no lighted highways, no shoulder, and driving can be very 
dangerous, especially after dusk and during the frequent 
rains. 
 
Hazards are many and frequent as pedestrians, bicycles, and 
animals use the highways for traffic, and stopped or unlit 
vehicles create a very real hazard.  Heavy trucks and buses 
make frequent and unexpected stops along the highway and poor 
driving practices, to include vehicles passing on curves, 
blind spots and hills contribute to a high vehicular accident 
rate. 
 
¶2. (U) Political Violence 
 
¶A. Historical Perspective 
 
Political violence is almost nonexistent in Belize.  February 
2008 Belize General Election marked a major turnover in 
government.  The transition from one party to another proved 
very peaceful.  Early 2007 saw several political protests, 
and one that had begun peacefully turned violent when a 
criminal element used the protest as an opportunity for 
initiating a riot.  The 2008 General Elections proved once 
again that Belize adheres to democratic principles. 
 
¶B. Regional Terrorism and Organized Crime 
 
Organized crime still remains an issue with money laundering, 
stolen vehicles, human smuggling and trafficking and the drug 
trade beyond the ability of the police to address 
effectively.  There is some recent indication of a growing 
presence of gangs in Belize.  In November 2007, reports of 
Mara Salvatrucha gangs (MS-13 and MS-18) indicate a stronger 
base of operations than previously known. 
 
¶C. International Terrorism and Transnational Terrorism 
 
While there does not appear to be any links to Middle Eastern 
terrorist groups currently active in Belize at this time, 
minimal immigration controls, the theft of passports and the 
ease with which documents can be obtained make the country a 
potential transit point for transnational terrorists. 
 
¶D. Civil Unrest 
 
Demonstrations in Belize are generally peaceful.  However for 
a week in late January and early February 2009, a protest by 
cane farmers against Belize Sugar Industries in Orange Walk 
(approximately 120 miles north of Belmopan) turned violent. 
Approximately 1000 protesters successfully shut down the 
Northern Highway, effectively severing the northern districts 
from the remainder of the country and disrupting the main 
artery of vehicular traffic, commerce and trade with Mexico. 
On 02/02/2009, the demonstration culminated in a violent 
clash between Belize Police Department (BPD) units and 
protestors resulted in the death of one protester and 
injuries to two BPD officers and eight protesters. 
 
¶3. (U) Post-Specific Concerns 
 
¶A. Environmental, such as earthquakes and floods 
 
The most likely and most feared natural disaster is a 
hurricane. Between the months of June and November, it is 
hurricane season in the Western Caribbean, with the September 
and October period as the most likely time for tropical 
storms and hurricanes.  Belize has almost no capability to 
respond to such a disaster, and the vulnerability is well 
known.  Although the Belize National Emergency Management 
Office (NEMO) has analyzed the country,s vulnerability to a 
hurricane, no systemic actions have been taken in response to 
these reports.  Hurricane shelters exist along the coast 
line, but food and water supplies are either non-existent or 
inadequate.  Waterways require dredging, so flooding will be 
exacerbated.  Belize has no evacuation plan. 
 
In 1961, damage from the Category 5 Hurricane Hattie 
precipitated the inland of Belize,s capital from vulnerable 
Belize City to Belmopan.  The continuous threat of tropical 
storms and hurricanes was a primary reason for the move of 
the U.S. Embassy into a new facility in November 2006. 
 
While Belize is tropical and has regular rainfall, clogged 
drainage and waterways combined with urban growth lead to 
frequent flooding of roadways, even during the &dry8 
season.  The rainy season typically last from June to 
November and heavy rains can cause flooding at any time 
during this period.  Hurricanes and tropical depressions can 
and do cause severe flooding throughout Belize.  In June 
2008, Tropical Depression Arthur caused severe flooding 
resulting in 10 deaths, total destruction to the Kendall 
Bridge in Stann Creek District, and effectively severing 
access to Southern portions of the country.  Tropical 
Depression 16 in October 2008 resulted in over 30 villages 
countrywide being declared disaster areas and millions of 
dollars of crop damage.  Moreover, extensive road damage is 
still evident in places on all the major highways and in some 
areas is still under repair. 
 
Two category 5 hurricanes ) Felix (September 2007) and Dean 
(August 2007) ) caused extensive damage throughout the 
entire country, although a greater humanitarian disaster was 
averted as Belize City was spared from a direct hit. These 
major storms have resulted in extensive U.S. Government and 
international assistance rendered aid to assist the 
Government of Belize in recovery efforts. 
 
Minor earthquakes have occurred in Belize, notably in 
Southern portion of the country.  There is no record of a 
sever earthquake in modern times.  There are no active 
volcanoes in Belize.  There is a risk for forest fires at the 
end of the dry season, Typically around April and May. 
 
¶B. Industrial and Transportation Accidents 
 
N/A 
 
¶C. Kidnappings 
 
To date, Belize is the only country in Central America to 
have no kidnapping of tourists or foreigners for ransom. 
 
¶D. Drugs and Narco-terrorism 
 
The porous borders with Mexico and Guatemala contribute to 
Belize,s status as a transit point for the continued 
trafficking of narcotics and money laundering.  Recent events 
in Mexico are worth monitoring to determine what impact, if 
any, law enforcement activity will have on the cartels and 
the potential ramifications for narcotics related criminal 
activity in Belize. 
 
¶4. (U) Police Response 
 
While the Belize Police Department remains supportive and 
responsive to requests for security assistance and 
investigations, their ability to respond and deter crimes is 
very limited.  Unfortunately chronic staffing, equipment and 
administrative deficiencies undermine the ability of BPD to 
quickly respond and provide a comprehensive investigation. 
For example issues such as vehicle shortages or continuously 
busy general police and emergency telephone lines, make even 
the timely resolution of routine issues problematic. 
 
¶A. How to handle incidents of police harassment or detention 
 
Police are very cooperative with the Embassy regarding 
Americans who are arrested or detained, and always inform the 
Embassy.  Any American citizen who feels he is being harassed 
should contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in 
Belmopan. The Consular Section and Consular Wardens maintain 
a list of attorneys in their respective areas. Local 
attorneys will charge based upon the magnitude of the case. 
 
¶B. Where to turn for assistance if you become a victim of a 
crime 
 
Belize City Police Department tel: 227-2222, 
San Pedro Police Station tel: 226-2022, 
San Ignacio Police Station tel: 824-2022, 
Punta Gorda Police Station tel: 722-2022 
Orange Walk Police Station tel: 223-2022 
Independence Police Station tel: 523-2022 
Dangriga Police Station tel: 522-2022 
Corozal Police Station tel: 422-2022 
Caye Caulker Police Station tel: 226-2022 
Benque Viejo Police Station tel: 823-2038 
Belmopan Police Station tel: 822-2222 
 
¶5. (U) Medical Emergencies 
 
¶A. Contact information for local hospitals and clinics 
 
There are 10 hospitals located in Belize. All medical clinics 
see only outpatient cases and are not staffed to handle 
emergencies. Therefore there are no organized medical 
"clinics" within Belize. Belize City is the center for 
medical care in Belize.  The two major hospitals equipped to 
handle serious medical problems are located in Belize City: 
Belize Medical Associates and Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital 
in Belize City.  Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is adequate 
for many serious problems, but the blood supply is not 
screened for Hepatitis C.  On two separate occasions, 
infected blood is known to have caused Hepatitis C 
infections.  Medical facilities outside Belize City, even in 
Belmopan, are not adequate to handle serious medical 
conditions, such as cardiac problems, and often fail to meet 
basic standards. 
 
Belize Medical Associates (5791 St. Thomas Street, Kings 
Park, tel. 223-0303) 
 
Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City (Princess 
Margaret Dr., tel. 223-1548). 
 
¶B. Air ambulance services 
 
Those with serious or life-threatening problems who need 
medevac should contact Air Ambulance.  Medical expenses in 
Belize can become costly.  It is important a few weeks prior 
to traveling to Belize to check that you have sufficient 
coverage with your insurance company.  You should bring 
prescription drugs you will need with you.  There are 
reasonably well-stocked pharmacies in most major towns and 
tourist destinations. 
 
Air Ambulance Professionals (Ft. Lauderdale Executive 
Airport, Hanger 36B 1535 S. Perimeter Rd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 
33309, tel: 800-752-4195; 954-491-0555, 
www.airambulanceprof.com). 
 
¶6. (U) Travel precautions: Tips on how to avoid becoming a 
victim 
 
¶A. Alert our constituents to any crimes/scams that are unique 
or especially frequent in your region. 
 
There are no crimes/scams that are unique to Belize.  Caution 
should be exercised, as always, when using ATM machines or in 
the use of credit cards. 
 
¶B. Include any area of town to be avoided and best security 
practices. 
 
Areas to Avoid 
 
Almost half the murders in Belize in 2008 occurred in Belize 
City, with the overwhelming majority of those occurring in 
the south/west side of Belize City.  Overall, crime in Belize 
City is at a substantially higher rate than the rest of the 
country.  The city itself is relatively small and 
neighborhoods of different qualities are close to each other 
without the buffer zones typically found in larger cities 
that might separate higher crime areas from others. 
Generally speaking, it is strongly recommended that the area 
of Belize City south/west of the Belize River should not be 
visited, particularly at night or while alone. 
 
Best Security Practices - Personal Security 
 
Maintain a low profile - Do not advertise the fact that you 
are American. Dress casually, keep valuables out of sight, 
and do not draw attention to yourself with your actions. 
 
Vary your routine - Be unpredictable in your movements; vary 
your routes from home to the office as well as your departure 
and arrival times. 
 
Be alert to possible surveillance - Note any individual who 
appears out of place along your routes to regularly scheduled 
activities, such as going from home to office. 
 
Be alert to your surroundings - Minimize valuables and do not 
carry large sums of money. Be aware of potential scams and 
robbery tactics used to distract your attention. 
 
Avoid wearing jewelry and carry a clutch purse or a neck 
purse instead of a shoulder bag. Carry a wallet in the front 
trouser pocket or front jacket pocket. 
 
Never leave shopping bags or merchandise unattended. 
 
When hiring domestic help, thoroughly check their references 
to the greatest extent that you can. Ensure that they are 
trained not to volunteer information to strangers or to allow 
access of workers without prior authorization. 
 
Best Security Practices - Protecting Your Vehicle 
 
Spare tire - If your tire is mounted on the outside of the 
vehicle, secure it in place with chain and padlock, or 
similar device. If this is not possible, remove the spare 
tire and keep it at home, reinstalling it only for extended 
trips outside the city. 
 
Items inside the vehicle - Theft of small, easily pilfered 
items is a common crime, as is the theft of car sound 
systems.  The installation of a car alarm is strongly 
recommended.  If you purchase a car radio, look for models 
that can be removed from the dash and locked in the trunk. 
Also, keep your vehicle sterile, storing anything that would 
entice a thief out of plain view. 
 
Locking hubs - Replace one lug nut on each wheel with a 
specially keyed bolt that locks or can only be removed with a 
special attachment to the tire iron. 
 
Parking - Parking on the street can rarely be avoided.  If 
left overnight, ensure you park in a well lit area, with 
security guards (most hotels have security guards).  At the 
very least, attempt to park within view of the location of 
your visit. 
 
Car Alarm - As previously mentioned, installation of a car 
alarm is a necessary precaution in deterring vehicle thefts 
and thefts of interior contents. 
 
Best Security Practices - Road Travel Precautions 
 
Prior to road travel, ensure that your vehicle is good 
operating condition, paying particular attention to the 
engine, tires, brakes, head and tail lights, spare tire and 
jack, horn, seat belts and fluid levels.  Particularly on 
trips to remote areas, try to travel in tandem with other 
vehicles, and advise someone of your travel plans, including 
anticipated arrival and departure times and contact numbers. 
 
The following items are recommended for extended road trips: 
 
- Cellular telephone with charger (although some areas 
between cities lack coverage); 
- A spare tire; 
- Potable water; 
- Non-perishable food items; 
- First Aid kit; 
- Fire extinguisher; 
- Emergency tool kit with the following: 
- Flashlight and additional batteries; 
- Battery operated radio; 
- Extra fan belt/drive belt; 
- Extra fuses, spark plugs, and light bulbs; 
- Duplicate ignition key; 
- Screw driver (regular and Phillips head); 
- Socket wrench set; 
- Pliers; 
- Wire; 
- Electrical tape; 
- Jumper cables; 
- Compressed air tire pump; 
- Flares/reflectors 
 
¶7. (U) Further information: How to Contact the U.S. Embassy 
 
The Embassy is located at 4 Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo, 
Belize; the Embassy is open for regular business Monday 
through Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. 
The Embassy is closed on American and Belizean holidays. 
Americans are encouraged to register with the American 
Citizens Service Office. 
 
¶A. Embassy contact numbers 
 
Embassy Main phone number: 501-822-4011 
Regional Security Office: 501-822-4011 ext 4105/4007 
Political/Economic Section: 501-822-4011 ext 4197 
Embassy Nurse: 501-822-4011 ext 4286 
Consular Section: 501-822-4011 ext 4219/4209 
 
¶8. (U) OSAC Country Council 
 
OSAC had its first meeting July 2007.  Interested parties can 
visit the Belize Country Council website at belize.osac.gov. 
 
¶A. Point of contact 
 
Robert F. Kelty, Regional Security Officer at 501-822-4011 
ext 4105/4007 or email DS RSO Belmopan@state.gov. 
 
DIFFILY