– Press Release – The United States Embassy in Belmopan is pleased to announce the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)/Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) additional funding of US$4.1 million to Belize for 2014-15.
The funds are to help with Improved Border Inspection, Policing and Equipment, Vetted Units, Drug Demand Reduction, Regional and Maritime and Land Interdiction, Capacity Enhancement, Prison Management, Community Policing. Since 2008, CARSI has provided approximately US$20 million in assistance, including the new funding.
U.S. Chargé d’affaires Matthews handed over the official notice of the increase in assistance funds to the CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Lawrence Sylvester, and CEO of the Ministry of National Security, H.E. George Lovell, in Belmopan at the Ministry of National Security on Wednesday, December 24.
Through CARSI, the United States is assisting the governments of the region in their efforts to help prevent the root causes of crime as well as to create an improved citizen security environment with safer communities. CARSI programs enable Central American governments to mitigate crime, diminish the influence and violence of gangs, organized crime, and narcotics and other illegal goods traffickers.
The United States, through CARSI, is committed to implementing sustainable, high-impact programs in the areas of crime prevention, law enforcement and judicial system reforms. Activities include staff training, anti-gang activities, equipping police and security forces, sharing information within the region for the investigation and disruption of criminal activities, and assisting in the interdiction of narcotics, firearms, bulk cash, and smuggling.
