At the end of 2024, the US Embassy put out a travel advisory for Belize - Level 2, exercise increased caution. The summary says, quote, "Violent crime - such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder - are common even during the day and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang related. Due to high crime, travelers are advised to exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious crimes. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted." End quote.
But the police department has been reporting a steady decrease in major crimes, particularly murders. So we asked the Minister if he has spoke to the Ambassador about the timing and tone of the advisory.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
"Yeah, I often times in my discussions with the US embassy is my concerns especially over the last 2 or 3 years where we have seen a downturn in the number of homicides each year. And I think we are actually beating 15 or so state in the homicide rate. So, it could be argued that Belize should be issuing a travel advisory to those 15 states. But we are very close partners with the US embassy. And it is something that I flag each year that it doesn't, it certainly doesn't make sense, in my opinion, why it is that these travel advisories are issued when in fact there is that downturn. But no doubt, I think travelers on their own have seen the beauty and charm of Belize. They don't find it as a violent destination. And so we see that increase, I think, by 60,000 overnight passengers in just 2024, we have increased. So, remarkable numbers, coming out of the Ministry of Tourism. And certainly it doesn't seem that that travel advisory is having any kind of negative effect."
We note that the Minister of Tourism was not so diplomatic and used the R word to describe the advisory on a morning show today.
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