All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

Document: PANAMAX: Teamwork against terrorism

Program: Exercises

Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX is an annual exercise tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal against transnational threats. PANAMAX 2009 is designed to address a spectrum of possible threats, including terrorist acts against the canal, to ensure a multinational force can respond to any request for support from the Government of Panama while respecting national sovereignty.

Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX is an annual exercise tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal against transnational threats. PANAMAX 2009 is designed to address a spectrum of possible threats, including terrorist acts against the canal, to ensure a multinational force can respond to any request for support from the Government of Panama while respecting national sovereignty.

Ultimately Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX is about working together and learning from each other in order to promote trust and foster willingness for continued collaboration and teamwork. PANAMAX offers the opportunity to strengthen the ability to operate together which ultimately strengthens security of the hemisphere.

Participants and observers include forces from Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the United States and Uruguay. The ground portion of the exercise is being conducted at Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, both in San Antonio from Sept. 13-21.

Document: Opening Ceremony Kicks Off FA PANAMAX 2009

Program: Exercises

More than 4,500 personnel from 20 countries began a 12-day exercise here Friday to train in a joint, multinational effort to ensure the security of the Panama Canal.

FA PANAMAX 2009 is one of the largest multinational training exercises in the world, and is taking place in the waters off the coasts of Panama from Sept. 11-22 with the participation of civil and military forces.

More than 20 vessels and a dozen aircraft are involved in the exercises. Participants are focusing on a variety of responses to any request from the Government of Panama to protect and guarantee safe passage of traffic through the Panama Canal, ensure its neutrality, and respect national sovereignty. Simulated ground forces are also participating at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

The FA PANAMAX 2009 exercise scenario includes sea-based training devoted to maritime interdiction operations, including visit, boarding, search and seizure. Virtual land-based training in San Antonio, Texas, will focus on command and control, stability operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief operations.

FA PANAMAX 2009 participating nations include: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United States and Uruguay. France and Mexico are scheduled to participate as observers. The Conference of Central American Armies, the Organization of American States and the United Nations will also participate.

Document: FY 2010 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations

U.S. foreign assistance will focus on sustaining the U.S.-Belize partnership that discourages criminal activities and works to promote health. To accomplish these goals, U.S.-supplied equipment, training, and technical assistance will remain crucial to supporting our mission goals of preserving peace and security in Belize and to prevent the country from becoming a transit point for terrorists and illegal drugs to enter the United States. The United States will also conduct programs to improve child survival and health, and fight HIV/AIDS.

Peace and Security: The United States will fund training programs for members of the Belize Defense Force (BDF) and the recently-established Belize National Coast Guard that are essential to enhancing Belize’s security of its national territory. Training will also further develop Coast Guard operation and interdiction capabilities, improve maritime safety and search-and-rescue missions, help to protect the rich marine environment, and discourage criminal activities. Assistance will also be used to modernize the BDF 571 in order to protect its territory and resources, participate in peacekeeping operations, and respond to natural disasters through focus on improving logistical support, weapons, ammunition, spare parts, maintenance, and training needs. Assistance will also provide spare parts and communications equipment to the Coast Guard. Providing equipment and training to Belize’s BDF and Coast Guard are critical to the stability and security of the country. Investing in People: With the highest reported prevalence rate in Central America, Belize is an important focal point for HIV/AIDS activities in the region. Efforts to contain the epidemic focus on activities to increase HIV/AIDS prevention practices and services directed mainly at those most at-risk, improve the HIV/AIDS policy environment, and improve the delivery of comprehensive care and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS. The U.S. long term goal is to contain the epidemic and promote behaviors which decrease transmission of the disease.

Document: U.S. Coast Guard Provides Training for Caribbean Security Partners

Program: Exercises

U.S. Coast Guardsmen from District 7, Tactical Law Enforcement Detachment, provided instruction in compliant and non-compliant boarding to service members from the Royal Bahamas, St. Vincent and Grenadines, St. Kitts-Nevis, Haiti, Trinidad-Tobago, Belize, Barbados and the Dominican Republic Defence Forces at Royal Bahamas Defence Force Base in Coral Harbour, March 6 - 8, during Exercise Tradewinds 2009.

As part of Tradewinds’ goal to increase maritime security, the compliant and non-compliant boarding training will help to ensure partner nations are able to execute the necessary measures when called upon to board a vessel, with the appropriate use of force, to prevent illegal trafficking.

"The focus of this year´s activities on maritime interdiction is critical and timely, and is in line with our determination that every effort should be made to prevent a significant upsurge in drug trafficking in the Caribbean region," said Bahamas National Security Minister O. A. "Tommy" Turnquest, in the opening ceremonies of the event March 4.
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If the suspect vessel’s occupants become aggressive and show resistance to the service members, but were still not attacking them, the students were shown techniques such as pressure points and handcuffing procedures to detain the suspect.
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If the situation escalates and the occupants become violent or aggressive toward the service member attempting to detain them, the aggressor would at that point be classified as non-compliant.
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Partner nation service members were instructed in escalation of force and how to properly evaluate when an occupant is non-compliant and keep control of the situation, with the correct course of action.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

The USG will assist the GOB to improve its maritime interdiction capabilities through training, the construction of a BNCG forward operating base in the offshore islands, construction of a new BNCG headquarters building, and donation of equipment and boats through Enduring Friendship.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

Bilateral Cooperation. In 2008, the U.S. assisted the GOB in developing its capability to combat drug trafficking and coordinated on investigations of drug trafficking. The USG provided support to the Belizean Forensic Laboratory to improve investigations and prosecution of crimes; programs for at-risk school youth and prison drug rehabilitation; and maritime security and law enforcement. The USG also provided maritime law enforcement training to the BNCG, including courses in search and rescue, engineering and logistics, port security, small boat operations, and professional development training. Belize has a cadet attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy as a member of the class of 2010. The USG continues to provide technical assistance for developing and implementing an appropriate legislative framework to provide the BNCG with clear authorities to interdict drugs.

Document: Section 1209 Report to Congress on Foreign-Assitance Related Programs Carried out by the Department of Defense

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

Projects support USSOUTHCOM TSC goal to shape the environment by promoting democracy, regional prosperity, and stability.

Document: Report to Congress on use of 1206 funds

Program: Section 1206 Train and Equip Authority

Belize, Honduras, Guyana, Suriname
CT Unit Train and Equip for OEF-CCA

The Department of Defense (DoD) plans to undertake activities pursuant to Section 1206 to build the capacity of national military forces in Belize, Honduras, Guyana, Suriname to conduct counterterrorism operations. This Section 1206 program will help build, sustain and network partner counterterrorism force capabilities to detect, deter, disrupt and defeat violent extremist organizations (VEOs), supporting infrastructure and deny access to illicit transit mechanisms. The Department of State has verified that Belize, Honduras, Guyana, Suriname are eligible to receive the type of assistance authorized by this legislation, and supports the use of Section 1206 authority.

This program will contain the required elements to promote the observance of and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and respect for legitimate civilian authority.

The cost associated with the human rights elements program is $1,673.00 and is being notified under a separate Congressional notification letter. The Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) was tasked to take on a two-phased implementation approach for incorporating human rights elements and respect for civilian authority into Section 1206 programs. The first phase is a survey that will address the following topics: the identification of participants, facility location, and assistance in identifying and scheduling translators, meal logistics, and the time frame for the follow-on seminar.

DIILS has developed appropriate curriculum for the seminars, and will work with the U.S. Embassy in each 1206 recipient country to identify any additional specific human rights or international humanitarian law (law of war) topics that should be incorporated into the seminar. Relevant regional human rights international agreements will be incorporated as will specific legal topics identified by the country team, and/or the Partner Nation, as appropriate. The training audience will be unit commanders, key staff, and non-commissioned officers, as appropriate. Current human rights vetting (Leahy) is required for all participants on an individual basis.

This $13,799,502 program was coordinated through a joint DoD-Department of State review, approved by the Secretary of Defense, and concurred in by the Deputy Secretary of State. We intend to provide the following articles and services:

(Figures in parenthesis reflect estimated quantity. These figures may change based on the final price and availability of individual items.)

Belize ($2,768,191)

• M4A1 Rifle (24) 5.56mm; and M9 Pistol 9mm (50); M24mm 7.62mm Rifle (4);

• Organization Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE);

• Vehicles 4x4 All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) (12); Ford F-350 Crew Cab Pickup Trucks (10);

• Contractor furnished operator, maintenance, and repair parts;

• Non-standard Communications Equipment spares parts, components, and accessories: UHF 4watt, 128 channels radio (30); 20watt HF Manpack Radio (6); 150watt Transit Case System (2).

• Basic Medical Equipment and Supplies

All items will be on-contract or ordered from stock no later than September 30, 2008. The period of performance for severable contracted services will not exceed 12 calendar months. It is estimated that deliveries in country will commence no earlier than May 1, 2009, and will be completed within 12 months.

Document: FY 2008 Supplemental Appropriations Spending Plan

Program: Economic Support Fund

Governing Justly and Democratically ($20 million)

ESF funds will be used to promote economic and social development and good governance in targeted, low income areas, including rural communities vulnerable to drug trafficking, gang violence and organized crime. Support will be provided in the areas of gang prevention, community policing and establishing a community action fund targeted to poor, economically challenged and violent crime communities. Activities will reach countries in the sub-region based on existing gang violence and vulnerable youth with an emphasis on the northern tier, e.g., Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

Gang prevention activities would increase security by helping communities, local governments and the private sector to better address the causes of gang recruitment, crime and violence in the region. The program would also build the capacity of communities and governments to provide safe alternatives for at-risk youth most vulnerable to gang activities and enhance law enforcement efforts to reduce crime. Community policing activities would strengthen the level of cooperation between the police and community organizations and citizens to reduce gang effectiveness and recruitment, increase successful arrests of gang members and greatly improve understanding, trust and information sharing. Patrolling, community education and joint activities will be undertaken under this program. Establishing a community action fund will provide innovative solutions to reach at-risk youth in targeted areas with vocational education, training, and job opportunities. The program will also build the capacity of communities to manage at-risk youth activities, undertake small infrastructure improvement projects that improve citizen accessibility and foster a job creation, enabling environment that accommodates youth apprenticeships and mentoring. Private sector partnerships will be sought to the extent feasible.

Investing in People ($5 million)

These funds will allow the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) to focus on the disadvantaged, minority and indigenous communities, women and other populations at risk from criminal and other anti-social forces intent on destabilization in the region. ECA/A proposes to expand to Central America successful pilot efforts that have operated in South America and form the core of the Partnership for Latin American Youth described in the ECA's FY 2009 budget request. Activities, which will take place in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, include:

Academic Programs - $4 million
• English Access Microscholarships ($1.5 million) - to support 1,000 14-18 year old students in Central America for two years of English study in after-school learning programs. These students will develop the communication skills to acquire better jobs in the local economy, additional background to help them succeed in advanced study at home and make them eligible to participate in and competitive for USG funded Youth Exchange and higher education exchanges. English competence is a universally recognized employment tool. In order to change social structures, improve economic equality and support social justice, ECA needs to provide individuals with the tools they need to develop a stake in their societies and the access to advanced education and quality information resources.

• Community College Program ($1.6 million) - to support up to 54 students in community college programs (including a pre-academic English language program). This initiative will focus on key skills identified in concert with partner governments that will lead to employment and the improvement of important sectors in the national economies, such as health care, tourism, agriculture, applied engineering and information technology competencies. The program will lead to one-year certificate programs and is designed to reintroduce those with improved skills quickly into society.

• Opportunity Grants ($250,000) - to provide scholarship awards that allow the USG to foster the development of talent among disadvantaged undergraduate students who would be at risk from destabilizing forces and offer them an alternative path. Through this program, non-elite students gain the ability to compete for scholarships from U.S. colleges and universities, giving them the opportunity for long term study and experience in the United States that they will share with their home countries upon their return. The Opportunity Grants provide awards that cover the up-front costs of testing, applications, travel and initial fees to students who are strong candidates to receive full scholarships from U.S. colleges and universities. The grants are provided through Education USA advising centers in consultation with our Embassies.

• Summer/Winter Institute ($300,000) - to fund one institute with up to 22 participants for six weeks, focusing on American society and leadership development. This program may be conducted in Spanish at a U.S. college or university so that it is readily accessible to disadvantaged populations which might not have significant fluency and facility in the use of English. The program has several objectives: to expose student leaders many of whom are resistant to considering study in the U.S. about the openness and value of U.S. higher education.

• Short-Term English Study Program ($350,000) - to support two cohorts of 20 undergraduate students to come to the U.S. for up eight weeks of intensive English. The most significant hurdle facing less advantaged but talented students who wish to study in the U.S. is lack of proficiency in the use of English. This program will be a first for Latin America but it has been successfully utilized in Indonesia, where concern about ability to communicate in English is the major deterrent to competing for U.S. college and university admission. This program will clearly signal to talented non-elite students, who have not had the benefit of private school or elite metropolitan public school education and foreign language learning that the people of the U.S. want to engage with them and work with them through education to enhance both our partnership and our democratic societies.

Professional and Cultural Exchanges -$1 million
The Youth Programs Division will support a Youth Leadership Program model for $1 million that will bring secondary school-aged youth (ages 16-18) from the seven countries in Central America to the United States for three-week exchanges focused on entrepreneurship and business skills, community engagement, and leadership. The participants will be recruited from underserved or disadvantaged populations of youth in these countries, including public school students, high school dropouts, and those at risk for involvement with drugs and/or gang activities.

During 2009, five exchange projects in the United States will be offered for a total of approximately 110 youth. One project for Belize will be conducted in English. Four other projects will be conducted in Spanish, with interpreters accompanying the students, which will allow a broader range of students to participate. The Spanish projects will be single-country or regional projects, i.e., a group of students may be drawn from multiple participating countries in order to promote regional cooperation. The exchanges will be organized at various points throughout 2009, including during the U.S. school year.

The organizations that receive grants will recruit and select the exchange participants, provide a U.S.-based exchange experience, and lead the alumni in implementing projects in their home communities, enabling them to apply their newfound skills. Where feasible, youth alumni may be matched with adult alumni of U.S. exchanges in a mentoring or advising relationship. A portion of the funding will be used to support in-country activities with all participants, regardless of whether they traveled to the United States on the same exchange, in order to promote integration among youth in each country.

The projects will help the youth nurture their dreams of making a good living and supporting a family as they grow into adulthood in their communities. The exchange activities will focus on school-to-work transition, allowing the participants to develop practical business and job skills, such as communication, technology, marketing, and financial management skills. They will also explore the effective and sustainable use of resources, learn about civic engagement, life skills, and ethics, and identify the appropriate conditions for entrepreneurial projects. Activities will include workshops, school visits, community service/volunteer work, and site visits with community organizations and local businesses. Participants will live with American host families for a portion of the exchange period and have opportunities to interact with their American peers, including students of Spanish.

Document: AFSOUTH, AFNORTH host Central American Air Chiefs Conference

Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, and Maj. Gen. Henry Morrow, the 1st Air Force (Air Forces North) commander, hosted a Central American Air Chiefs Conference here Friday for six air chiefs from Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

The conference allowed the air chiefs to participate in round-table discussions about issues, threats and cooperation efforts of multi-national concern to Caribbean and Central American Air Forces, as well as Air Forces Southern.

"This conference is a key element in Air Forces Southern´s engagement efforts throughout the region," said General Seip. "This event is an opportunity to connect directly with Central American Air Chiefs while discussing issues affecting our air forces in this region of [U.S. Southern Command´s] Area of responsibility."

During the conference, the air chiefs were briefed on a wide range of topics, including future AFSOUTH missions in Latin America, humanitarian support, medical missions and construction projects. The group also discussed other efforts to strengthen relationships between attendees, such as a Subject Matter Exchange program. The exchange would involve eight to 10 foreign-military experts sharing information on mutually agreed topics such as flight safety, personnel, intelligence, operations, logistics, information processing, plus others.