Belmopan, April 7, 2025.
On 4 April 2025, H.E. Amalia Mai, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Culture, concluded the National Border Control Officers Attachment Programme with a final session in Belize City alongside the CARICOM Secretariat and participating border officials. The meeting summarized four days of national consultations and visits to border control areas in Belize. This program contributes to the region’s efforts to strengthen the capabilities of border officials and support the ideals of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).
As part of the programme, 16 border officials from Barbados, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname, began sharing their experiences at the Belize Western Border Station in Benque Viejo del Carmen between Belize and Guatemala. There, they received an overview of the Immigration, Customs, and Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) processes.
The delegation visited the Belize Northern Border Station in Santa Elena, Corozal, where they observed passenger arrival and departure processes. Additional site visits included the Philip Goldson International Airport, the Belize Port Authority, Big Creek Port, and Ecumenical High School in Dangriga. At the high school, participants engaged with students by presenting the work carried out in their respective countries.
Belize highlighted several best practices, particularly the strong collaboration between BAHA, the Customs and Excise Department, and the Immigration Department. Measures such as the implementation of fees to deter the importation of prohibited goods and to penalize individuals who overstay their permitted time. Belize also expressed its openness to further improvements by welcoming recommendations such as integrating BAHA into the ASYCUDA World system and increasing the visibility of health officials at border control points.
Ambassador Amalia Mai was joined by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration.
Ends