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: 2008 End-Use Monitoring Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

BELMOPAN

Background

EUM Program Coordinator
Suzanne Kuester, TEL 501-822-4011 ext. 41113; kuestersg@state.gov

Inventory System
The Political and Economic Section Chief requests updates from the Belize Police Department for reporting purposes. Meetings and on-site inspections with the Belize National Coast Guard (BNCG), the Department of Immigration and Nationality (BINS), the Police Department (BPD), the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) and the National Forensic Science Services (BNFSS) were also conducted. There is no automated inventory system at post.

Staff Member Responsibilities
The only NAS employee in Belize was discontinued in FY-2007. The Pol/Econ Chief conducts meetings and on-site visits.

Other USG Agency Assistance
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Attache noted the importance of properly maintaining USG-donated equipment and vehicles. DEA also provided recommendations and procedures on the maintenance of vehicles. The Ministry Liaison Office (MLO) provided some support relating to Belize National Coast Guard equipment.

Counterpart Agencies
Belize National Coast Guard (BNCG) Department of Immigration and Nationality (BINS) Police Department (BPD) Ministry of National Security National Drug Abuse Control Council National Forensic Science Services (BNFSS)

The host government cooperated fully and allowed the Political and Economic section Chief to effectively monitor donated resources.

Receipt
Large items are documented under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Smaller items are documented with signed receipts that clearly state the intended use of that item.

Monitoring Procedures

On-Site Inspections
There were 140 items subject to inspection. About 80% of those items were personally inspected. There were six (12) scheduled on-site and six (9) unscheduled on-site inspections at ten sites and three cities.

Secondary Methods of Monitoring Resources
Post personally attended NDACC events and requested itemized receipts for equipment purchases. Meetings and phone calls with agencies were used to confirm use of INL-funded equipment. Ten (10) percent of the items were inspected by secondary measures.

Status-Commodities

Vessels
In 2006, the USG donated the third refurbished 39-foot Educadono 'Go Fast' motorboat. Four new 250HP Yamaha motors were purchased along with the refurbishment of 35-foot and 40-foot go-fast vessels in 2004. These vessels were transferred to the newly formed BNCG. Motors and boats were found to be in place and in working condition. However, the BNCG suggests that the motors have an approximate three-year useful life. The vessels were fully engaged in counternarcotics and search-and-rescue operations. The MLO continues to provide technical assistance to the BNCG in Ladyville through the Foreign Military Financing Assistance Program to increase the effectiveness of the unit. At least twelve courses were offered to the BNCG through the MLO last year. Policies were established in previous years to ensure that the equipment was used and maintained properly. The USG continues to focus on Port Security and safety for the cruise ship passengers. The USG fully supports increasing the capabilities of the BNCG.

The NAS also provided tactical gear, which included Night Vision Goggles, marine binoculars, body armor vests, life jackets, equipment to outfit the vessels. Equipment resides with the BNCG and remains in a locked area. The Night Vision Goggles were not working and need replacement batteries that the BNCG is unable to obtain in Belize. One pair of binoculars is non-functioning due to water damage.

Vehicles
One Ford Cutaway van E-450 was donated to the Anti-Drug Unit in November 2002. The van was inoperable in April 2008 due to bearing damage from routine driving. It was repaired in 2008, worked for two months, and is now in the repair shop for bearing damage covered under the repair warranty.

One 2003 Ford truck F-250 donated to the ADU in 2003 was in need of routine repairs in mid-year 2008. The truck is non-operational and is being repaired. The truck was used for anti-narcotics operations.

The 2003 Prada Landcruiser was donated to the Canine Unit of the police department in Belmopan. The vehicle was totaled in a rollover accident in March 2006; is irreparable is to be removed from inventory.

In 2005, a 2004 F-350 truck was transferred from the Belize Defence Maritime Wing to the newly established BNCFG. The vehicle,s engine failed and the truck has been inoperable throughout the year. Repairs to this vehicle are unlikely to be made as a replacement engine would be cost prohibitive.

Anti-Drug Unit

Ford Cutaway Van E-450 1
Ford Truck F-250 1

Belize Defence Maritime Wing
F-350 truck 1

Canine Units
Of the seven canines, four reside in Belmopan and two reside with the ADU in Belize City. Four of the dogs were seen in Belmopan. One dog was retired and none of the dogs are being used at the airport. The explosive detection canine has been cross-trained to detect narcotics.

In May 2005, one handler attended a canine handler instructor certification course through CSI International in Miami and Panama. There are two certified K-9 instructors who are able to train narcotics and explosive canines. No further canine training took place this year.

The INL-funded kennels have been properly maintained. GOB continues to fund this unit and all dogs are properly cared for. Secure storage for sample narcotics at the Police Canine Unit was provided through donation of a safe and refrigerator. The safe was found in good condition.

Program Impact

Night Vision Goggles
The vessels have been used extensively for patrol by the BNCG and have had a high impact on deterring maritime drug-related crime.

Computer Equipment
The computer equipment has been extremely helpful to the judiciary and has had a significant impact on upgrading their information systems and maintaining their criminal records.

Canine Units
Canine units are well-maintained but not used as extensively as in the past.

Demand Reduction
Demand reduction programs had a direct impact on the children enrolled in the program but had a greater impact during ceremonies when the media covered the anti-drug message to hundreds of viewers.

Problems and Corrective Action Plan

Repair and maintenance
Most vehicles are in an unusable state due to maintenance and repair issues. Post has requested that the totaled trucks be written off. Post plans to incorporate service plans into agreements for any future vehicle donations.

Document: FY2009 Section 1022(a) Report

Program: Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance

NATION: Belize PROJECT SUPPORT EFFORT: Coast Guard HQ - Pier. PROJECT CODE-9493 FUNDING ($K): 1,000K DESCRIPTION: Small boat pier to support drug interdiction operations PROJECT TASK: Design and construct boat Pier

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs Bilateral Cooperation. The U.S. supported Belize?s efforts to combat transnational crime and narcotics trafficking by providing training, equipment, and technical assistance to the GOB. The support modernized and enhanced law enforcement capacity, improved prison management, and assisted antigang initiatives. The USG is providing support to the Belizean Forensic Laboratory to improve investigations and prosecution of crimes by purchasing a bullet catcher, and through planned training for their Firearms Examiner in the U.S. The USG also provided support for maritime security through Enduring Friendship (see Law Enforcement Efforts) And, in 2010, plans to assist the GOB in improving 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 additional equipment and boats through Enduring Friendship. Belize has two cadets attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and one attending the U.S. Naval Academy.

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.
...
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.
...
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.
...
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.