BELMOPAN: UPDATE ASSESSMENTS ON CENTRAL AMERICA SECURITY

UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000715 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINS PTER SNAR ES BH SUBJECT: BELMOPAN: UPDATE ASSESSMENTS ON CENTRAL AMERICA SECURITY REQUIREMENTS REF: (A) STATE 163495; (B) BELMOPAN 494 ¶1. In response to ref A, post has reviewed our earlier assessment of security requirements and continues to believe that border security, gang prevention and anti-corruption measures are the top priorities for Belize. Since ref B was sent there have been some indications that MS-13 is growing stronger here than initially thought, adding some urgency to gang prevention. ¶2. We have several police equipment wish lists that the GOB has given us over the past year. While we strongly support a strengthening of the criminal justice system as a whole, including police, judiciary and penal system, we have not so far found the equipment lists to be that convincing or practical, focusing as they do on capabilities or infrastructure that do not strike us as appropriate to the situation Belize finds itself in. ¶3. The Belize National Coast Guard is moving forward on a step-by-step infrastructure development plan with SOUTHCOM assistance that is well-conceived and effective. For the next year or so the BNCG will have its hands full managing the new infrastructure projects, but in the out years there will be a need for additional equipment and vetting to make the best use of the new forward operating bases and headquarters. ¶4. Since ref B was written we have become aware of some additional needs of the Belize Defense Force that will help it fulfill its mission of supporting civilian law enforcement. One area where the BDF suffers from lack of equipment is air assets. The BDF air wing now consists of a single twin-engine Defender aircraft. We have been asked informally about providing a Cessna Caravan, a type of aircraft widely used here, which would improve the BDF's ability to do air patrols in support of drug interdiction and search and rescue. Vetting for a new BDF unit that is being created is also on the Commander's wish list. ¶5. Regarding border measures, we have a study done by the International Organization for Migration proposing a program to upgrade border information systems. The cost was in excess of $100,000 but this would need to be reviewed and updated. DIETER