Home
Cables mirror and Afghan War Diary
Privacy
| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06BELIZE1047 |
FINAL CABLE FROM BELIZE CITY [...] This cable marks the closing of the era of U.S. diplomatic and consular representation in Belize City. After nearly 160 years in this small town on the Caribbean Sea, the U.S. Embassy and staff will relocate 55 miles inland up a two-lane road into the rainforest to the capital city, Belmopan. [...] |
2006-11-15 14:02:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ABLD ASEC PREL BH |
| 06BELIZE105 |
BELIZE: 30 DAYS OUT - NATIONAL MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS [...] In the run up to country-wide municipal elections on March 1, neither of the major political parties appears to have a clear hold on what they consider to be their main constituencies. The Belize City mayoral race looks to be a dead heat. Recent unseasonable heavy rains and road erosion, in [...] |
2006-02-02 15:00:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON BH |
| 06BELIZE106 |
THE JANUARY 30 P5+2 STATEMENT DELIVERED [...] No summary [...] |
2006-02-02 15:00:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PARM KNNP PREL IR EU AORC BH |
| 06BELIZE117 |
BELIZE: THREE AMCITS ACQUITTED OF TRAFFICKING [...] (U) In October 2003, in the remote southern Belize town of Punta Gorda, three American citizens were charged with unlawful carnal knowledge and trafficking-in-persons. After over three years of postponed trials the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) dropped the cases against all three. On [...] |
2006-02-06 16:07:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KWMN SOCI PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 06BELIZE147 |
BELIZE: UNESCO CONVENTION ON CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS [...] The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (the Convention) has not been included on the agenda for cabinet discussion or the next meeting of the Belizean National Assembly. [...] |
2006-02-14 21:21:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD SCUL UNESCO BH |
| 06BELIZE198 |
BELIZE: RUN-UP TO THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS [...] (SBU) The ruling Peoples United Party (PUP) recently had manifesto launches in nine municipalities. The Belize City event focused on lower taxes, more jobs and good governance. Some observers have contrasted the PUP's event with the more subdued UDP Plan of Action launch (REF A). Leader of [...] |
2006-03-01 17:10:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL KWMN ECON PINR BH |
| 06BELIZE200 |
BELIZE: SIXTH ANNUAL ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS [...] (U) The following responses are keyed to Ref A "Checklist" paragraphs 21-24. 2. (SBU) Para 21: Overview of Belize's activities to eliminate trafficking in persons: A. Belize is a transit and destination country for international trafficked men, women and children, though apparently [...] |
2006-03-01 17:13:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCRM PHUM KWMN ELAB SMIG ASEC KFRD PREF BH |
| 06BELIZE211 |
OPPOSITION DOMINATES BELIZE'S MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS [...] (U) The opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) dominated Belize's March 1 municipal elections. The UDP won eight of nine mayoral races, and garnered 56 of 58 councilor seats. Prior to the elections, the PUP controlled six of nine municipalities. Many races were close, and voter turnout ra [...] |
2006-03-03 16:34:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL KWMN PINR BH |
| 06BELIZE230 |
BELIZE: RELATIONS ESTABLISHED WITH OMAN [...] (U) Belize established diplomatic relations with the Sultanate of Oman on March 3, in New York. Charge d' Affairs, Janine Coye-Felson, of the Belize Mission to the United Nations signed on behalf of Belize. The Government of Belize (GoB) stated that establishment of relations with Oman is a [...] |
2006-03-13 21:19:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR ECON BH |
| 06BELIZE237 |
BELIZE: FIRST WOMAN MAYOR FOR BELIZE CITY SEEMS TO [...] (U) Zenaida Moya, the second woman mayor in Belizean history (after current United Democratic Party (UDP) Mayor Elsa Paz of San Pedro), was inaugurated on Thursday March 9. She is the first woman to become mayor of Belize City -- the largest urban area in the nation -- and also its first UDP [...] |
2006-03-16 13:51:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL KWMN PINR BH |
| 06BELIZE248 |
BELIZE RESPONSE US-CARICOM MINISTERIAL INITATIVE ON [...] (SBU) Per reftel, post passed non-paper and draft Initiative concerning the U.S.-CARICOM Initiative to Combat Illicit Trafficking in Arms (CITIA) to CEO Lawrence Sylvester of the Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and to North American Desk Officer Aisha Borland. 2. (SBU) Borland no [...] |
2006-03-17 20:43:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETTC PARM PREL MASS OAS XL BH |
| 06BELIZE250 |
BELIZE WILL NOT ATTEND OAS CICTE VI [...] (U) Per reftel A, in response to post's inquiry, the Government of Belize (GOB) indicates that it will not send a delegation to the Sixth Regular Session of CICTE in Bogota, Columbia. GOB did send Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of Home Affairs Alan Usher to the conference last [...] |
2006-03-17 20:55:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER PREL ECON MARR MASS CVIS OAS VE BH |
| 06BELIZE269 |
BELIZE: RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE OPPOSING RESOLUTION TO [...] (U) Per reftel, post PolOff delivered demarche to Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Desk Officer for Central America - Guatemala, Taiwan and the Caribbean Alphonso Gahona. 2. (SBU) Gahona sought information from the Belize Mission to the United Nations (UN) on the proposed resolution [...] |
2006-03-23 16:19:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECLAC BH |
| 06BELIZE272 |
BELIZE: MESSAGE ON HOST COUNTRY MEETINGS WITH HAMAS [...] (SBU) Per reftel PolOff delivered demarche to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U.S. Desk Officer Gianni Avila with a copy of enclosed unclassified statement. 2. (SBU) Avila stated that MFA had no comment at this time. ------- Comment ------- 3. (SBU) Annually, during September National [...] |
2006-03-24 12:34:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL BH |
| 06BELIZE282 |
BELIZE: ALLEGATIONS MADE AGAINST FORMER BELIZE CITY [...] (U) The recently replaced mayor of Belize City faces allegations of financial improprieties during his final days in office. Separately, the new mayor of Orange Walk Town has announced a financial audit to clean house. The allegations of corruption come as no surprise in the wake of recent [...] |
2006-03-27 20:49:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR SOCI EFIN BH |
| 06BELIZE289 |
BELIZE: SOLICITOR GENERAL ACCUSED OF VIOLATING CODE [...] (SBU) In December 2005, the watchdog group the Association of Concerned Belizeans (ACB) called for an investigation of the privatization of the Belize Companies Registry (BELIPO) alleging possible unethical actions by Solicitor General Elston Kaseke, Minister of Foreign Affairs Godfrey Smith a [...] |
2006-03-29 15:47:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 06BELIZE331 |
BELIZE: AWARENESS CAMPAIGN CITED AS SUCCESSFUL IN [...] (U) Local media outlets have reported the arrest and charging of a 69 year old German-born naturalized Belizean on rape and two counts of trafficking-in-persons charges. On April 10, Henry Stein was charged for having sexual relations and taking nude photographs of a 12 year old girl on two [...] |
2006-04-18 12:13:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KWMN SOCI PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 06BELIZE341 |
BELIZE: CABINET RESHUFFLE [...] (C) In an effort to shore up his Government's diminished popularity, Prime Minister Said Musa has re-shuffled his Cabinet, reintegrating popular members of the ruling People's United Party (PUP). Whether Musa can restore the PUP's fortunes in time for the next national elections, which must [...] |
2006-04-20 20:17:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR SNAR ECON EFIN EIND EPET BH |
| 06BELIZE358 |
BELIZE: DEMARCHE DELIVERED REGARDING VENEZUELAN [...] No summary [...] |
2006-04-25 22:05:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | OVIP PGOV PREL PTER BH |
| 06BELIZE369 |
BELIZE: UPDATED BIO OF NEW MINISTER OF FOREIGN [...] (SBU) Eamon Harrison Courtenay, DOB: 11 June 1960, married to Denise Courtenay (nee Mitchell) with two children: Gavin Harrison and Alyson Giselle, was appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 11 APR 2006 and re-appointed Senator on 18 APR 2006. From 2003 to August 2004 Courtenay [...] |
2006-04-27 15:18:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 06BELIZE379 |
BELIZE BECOMES EARLY MEMBER TO THE LATIN AMERICAN [...] SUMMARY. On April 26, Prime Minister the Right Honorable Said Musa and Regional Representative of Save the Children - Sweden Per Tamm signed an agreement to implement Belizean cooperation in the Latin American Network for Missing persons (aka Red Latinoamericanos Desaparecidos). The signing [...] |
2006-04-28 17:57:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM SOCI PGOV PREL PINR KWMN BH |
| 06BELIZE434 |
BELIZE: SOLICITOR GENERAL KASEKE ON THE WAY OUT [...] (U) The contract of Solicitor General Elson Kaseke will not be renewed; Attorney General Francis Fonseca made the announcement at a press conference on May 11. Fonseca cited Kaseke's legal successes for Belize and competence as an attorney, but said that it had been a mutual decision, and "Mr [...] |
2006-05-15 20:10:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR SNAR CJAN SOCI KJUS KCRM BH |
| 06BELIZE459 |
(C) BELIZE: FOREIGN MINISTER MAINTAINS GOB NOT [...] (C) Over a private luncheon on May 18, the Government of Belize (GoB)'s Minister of Foreign Affairs Eamon Courtenay indicated the following to Ambassador Dieter: (A) He wanted "to make clear" that Belize was not actively lobbying other CARICOM members to vote against Guatemala's election [...] |
2006-05-23 20:42:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PBTS UNSC BH GU VZ |
| 06BELIZE471 |
BELIZE: DEMARCHE IN ADVANCE OF NAM MINISTERIAL [...] No summary [...] |
2006-05-26 15:46:00 | Embassy Belmopan | SECRET | KNNP PREL AORC UNSC IEAB BH |
| 06BELIZE472 |
BELIZE: DEMARCHE SEEKING PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR IRAQI [...] No summary [...] |
2006-05-26 16:00:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | KDEM KPAO PREL PGOV BH |
| 06BELIZE481 |
BELIZE: DEMARCHE DELIVERED PSI OEG MEETING [...] Per reftel, post delivered points to Aiesha Borland, desk officer of Belize's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on May 24, 2006. 2. Post sent certified copy of Embassy diplomatic note 057, Government of Belize diplomatic notes 539 dated October 19, 2005, and 464 dated September 5, 2005, togeth [...] |
2006-05-31 21:17:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | KNNP MNUC PARM BH |
| 06BELIZE486 |
BELIZE: DELIVERY OF POINTS ON IRAN STATEMENT [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-02 19:03:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PARM BH IR |
| 06BELIZE487 |
DEMARCHE: TESTING CARICOM CONSENSUS IN SUPPORT OF [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-02 19:27:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL UNSC PBTS OAS BH GT VZ XL |
| 06BELIZE491 |
BELIZE: WILL GOB SELL ITS WHALING VOTE? [...] (SBU) In recent weeks media speculation has increased as to how Belize will vote in the upcoming International Whaling Conference (IWC). Belize is a member of the IWC, which is scheduled to meet in June. The Government of Belize (GOB) is in arrears in payment of its dues (REF A), and last ye [...] |
2006-06-06 15:41:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIS PGOV PREL SENV JA TW BH |
| 06BELIZE499 |
BELIZE: ATTENDANCE AT PSI HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-07 19:07:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | MNUC KNNP PARM US PL XX BH |
| 06BELIZE502 |
BELIZE: DEMARCHE FOR PROFESSOR RUTH WEDGWOOD'S [...] (U) Per reftel, PolOff delivered demarche to Ambassador Amalia Mai, CEO of Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Belize MFA U.N Desk Officer Alphonso Gahona. Mai stated that she would pass along the diplomatic note and Professor Wedgwood's C.V. to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 2. [...] |
2006-06-07 19:08:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM US UNHRC BH |
| 06BELIZE506 |
BELIZE: DEMARCHE TO BENEFICIARIES OF CBTPA [...] Per reftel, post delivered demarche to Ambassador Amalia Mai, CEO of Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nancy Namis, Director General of the Belize Directorate for Foreign Trade. Post will report any substantive GOB response. DIETER [...] |
2006-06-07 19:12:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD BB GY GJ JM NS TD WTRO BH |
| 06BELIZE518 |
BELIZE: DEMARCHE DELIVERED HCOC - ENCOURAGING [...] (SBU) Per reftel post delivered demarche and non-paper points to CEO of the Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amalia Mai and United Nations Desk Officer Alphonso Gahona. Post will report any response. DIETER [...] |
2006-06-12 17:47:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MNUC KSCA ETTC TSPA BH |
| 06BELIZE530 |
BELIZE: FOLLOW-UP DEMARCHE ON NAM STATEMENT ON IRAN [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-14 14:34:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL AORC IAEA KNNP UNSC IR BH |
| 06BELIZE532 |
BELIZE: DEMARCHE TO NAM/G-77 ON UN REFORM: NAM [...] Per reftel, post delivered demarche talking points to Aiesha Borland and Gianni Avila Desk Officers of Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on May 24, 2006. Belize Desk officer responsible for U.N affairs Alphonso Gahona was on leave, and neither Borland nor Avila had any immediate comment. [...] |
2006-06-14 16:36:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT AORC UNGA BH |
| 06BELIZE533 |
BELIZE: 2006 TIP REPORT DEMARCHE DELIVERED [...] (SBU) Per reftel, post delivered, on June 5, report and talking points to CEO Ambassador Amalia Mai and U.N. Desk Officer Alphonso Gahona of Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Together with the report, PolOff presented the 60- day mini-plan. Mai's reaction was polite but muted; she noted, [...] |
2006-06-14 16:36:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCRM PHUM KWMN PREL PGOV SMIG VZ CU BH |
| 06BELIZE543 |
BELIZE: SHIP REGISTRY RESPONSE TO CURTAILING THE [...] (S) Following the demarche of March 30, the MFA referred questions (reftel) to the Belizean ship registry company, IMMARBE (International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize), which has provided post a copy of its reply to the MFA: BEGIN TEXT ---------- We refer to your fax transmission date [...] |
2006-06-16 16:49:00 | Embassy Belmopan | SECRET | PARM PREL KN KNNP MNUC EWWT PHSA BH |
| 06BELIZE562 |
(C) BELIZE: PM MUSA ON GUATEMALA-VENEZUELA UNSC [...] (C) Belize appreciates U.S. assurances that its recent TIP Tier 3 ranking is not linked to its unwillingness to support Guatemala's candidacy for a seat on the UNSC, and will make a concerted effort to implement the 60-day mini-plan, according to Prime Minister (PM) Said Musa. Guatemala sh [...] |
2006-06-23 15:27:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM PBTS SMIG UNSC KWMN OAS BH GU |
| 06BELIZE844 |
BELIZE JOINS CENTRAL AMERICAN BANK FOR ECONOMIC [...] On September 25, local media reported that the GoB - in an effort to access more capital from foreign sources - indicated its intent to join the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). With over $4.5 billion in assets and an additional $5 billion in cash available to its membe [...] |
2006-09-26 20:08:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN BH |
| 06BELIZE937 |
BELIZE: GOB CONSTRUCTING HOLDING TANKS FOR [...] On October 18, Econ FSN spoke with Zaid Flores, General Manager of the Belize Banana Grower's Association and one of three owners/directors of the Big Creek Port, who confirmed that the Government of Belize (GoB) has contracted the services of the Big Creek Port to handle all on-ground logisti [...] |
2006-10-25 22:05:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN ENRG EPET PREL SOCI BH |
| 06BELIZE96 |
BELIZE: BIO OF NEW TAIWAN AMBASSADOR [...] (SBU) Summary. The Embassy of Taiwan announced the appointment Joseph Ting Shih as the new Ambassador to Belize. Shih comes from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand, and is expected to arrive within the next week. End Summary. 2. (SBU) Shih's curriculum vitae is: Educ [...] |
2006-01-31 21:14:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR ECON NZ AIT BH |
| 06BELIZE960 |
HOW MANY BELIZEANS DOES IT TAKE TO SCREW IN A LIGHTBULB? [...] (SBU) In an effort to fulfill its 2003 election campaign promise to 2. (U) The bulbs, manufactured by Phillips, would cost roughly BZ $4.5 3. (SBU/NF) Comment. Based on recent press coverage of the Energy Sav DIETER [...] |
2006-10-31 18:31:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL BH |
| 06BELIZE961 |
HOW MANY BELIZEANS DOES IT TAKE TO SCREW IN A LIGHTBULB? [...] (SBU) In an effort to fulfill its 2003 election campaign promise to 2. (U) The bulbs, manufactured by Phillips, would cost roughly BZ $4.5 3. (SBU/NF) Comment. Based on recent press coverage of the Energy Sav DIETER [...] |
2006-10-31 18:35:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL BH |
| 06BELIZE963 |
HOW MANY BELIZEANS DOES IT TAKE TO SCREW IN A LIGHTBULB? [...] (SBU) In an effort to fulfill its 2003 election campaign promise to 2. (U) The bulbs, manufactured by Phillips, would cost roughly BZ $4.5 3. (SBU/NF) Comment. Based on recent press coverage of the Energy Sav DIETER [...] |
2006-10-31 18:37:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL BH |
| 06BELIZE964 |
HOW MANY BELIZEANS DOES IT TAKE TO SCREW IN A LIGHTBULB? [...] (SBU) In an effort to fulfill its 2003 election campaign promise to 2. (U) The bulbs, manufactured by Phillips, would cost roughly BZ $4.5 3. (SBU/NF) Comment. Based on recent press coverage of the Energy Sav DIETER [...] |
2006-10-31 18:49:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL BH |
| 06BELIZE966 |
HOW MANY BELIZEANS DOES IT TAKE TO SCREW IN A LIGHTBULB? [...] (SBU) In an effort to fulfill its 2003 election campaign promise to 2. (U) The bulbs, manufactured by Phillips, would cost roughly BZ $4.5 3. (SBU) Comment. Based on recent press coverage of the Energy Saving DIETER [...] |
2006-11-01 13:22:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL BH |
| 06BELIZE968 |
HOW MANY BELIZEANS DOES IT TAKE TO SCREW IN A LIGHTBULB? [...] (SBU) In an effort to fulfill its 2003 election campaign promise to lower BelizeansQ electricity bills, Prime Minister Said Musa announced plans to replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient fluorescent ones in every home in the country. The Cuban government donated 30 [...] |
2006-11-01 13:32:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL BH |
| 06BELIZE970 |
BELIZEAN CHILDREN SEXUALLY EXPLOITED, ILO/IPEC SAYS [...] According to the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC the results of its study on the commercial sexual exploitation of child and adolescents (CSEC) in Belize Q conducted in cooperation with the International Labour OfficeQs (ILO) International Programme on the Elimination of Chi [...] |
2006-11-01 21:05:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PHUM SOCI KOCI KCRM BH |
| 06BELIZE971 |
GLENN GODFREY MADE ME DO IT! [...] (U) Summary. On the first day of testimony at the resumed Developm Finance Corporation (DFC) investigative hearings, former general manage Roberto Bautista said that changes in policy left the Corporation vulne to significant losses. Lending policies were Qrelaxed,Q and the DFC Bo instructed [...] |
2006-11-01 21:06:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PGOV PREL BH |
| 06BELIZE973 |
GLENN GODFREY MADE ME DO IT! [...] (U) Summary. On the first day of testimony at the resumed Development Finance Corporation (DFC) investigative hearings, former general manager Roberto Bautista said that changes in policy left the Corporation vulnerable to significant losses. Lending policies were "relaxed," and the DFC Boar [...] |
2006-11-02 19:42:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PGOV PREL BH |
| 06BELMOPAN56 |
TERRORIST FINANCE: DOMESTIC USG DESIGNATIONS DELIVERED TO [...] Per reftel, on December 7 poloff delivered domestic USG designations of Hizballah-related individuals/entities in the Tri-Border Area to Ambassador Amalia Mai, Chief Executive Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. Copies of the designations were also delivered to Geral [...] |
2006-12-07 19:45:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ETTC KTFN PREL PTER BH |
| 06BELMOPAN66 |
BELIZE: PARLIAMENT APPROVES BROV LOAN AND "SUPER BOND" AS [...] Summary: The House of Representatives and the Senate met in emergency sessions on December 8 and 11, respectively, and approved a second USD 25 million loan from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BROV) (ref A) and the issuance of new bonds equivalent to USD 565 million. These two financi [...] |
2006-12-14 21:15:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EAID PGOV PREL SOCI BH |
| 06BELMOPAN75 |
CHAIRMAN OF DFC COMMISSION OF INQUIRY DIES IN CUBA [...] On December 13, local media reported that David Price, Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry charged with investigating the financial dealings of the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), died in Cuba. Price, who suffered from diabetes, flew by air ambulance to Cuba on November 13 to seek tr [...] |
2006-12-18 17:47:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EINV PGOV BH |
| 07BELMOPAN121 |
BELIZE: SUCCESS OF SUPERBOND EXCHANGE OFFER DAMPENS RUMOR [...] Summary: On January 31, the Government of Belize announced a USD 565 million bond exchange offer (ref A) that has given the government relief from sovereign debt default and has dampened rumors of early general elections. The new 2007/2008 budget is expected on March 2 and will be the first t [...] |
2007-02-21 18:08:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EAID PGOV PREL SOCI BH |
| 07BELMOPAN13 |
BELIZE - TIC FOLLOW UP [...] Per reftel, Post contacted the Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Directorate of Foreign Trade, and the Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO) to inform them of the proposed DVCs and to confirm the existence of DVC capabilities in country. Although Post has received no formal [...] |
2007-01-11 12:10:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD BH |
| 07BELMOPAN131 |
BELIZE: FORMER AMBASSADOR CAUGHT SMUGGLING CASH [...] (U) A former Belizean Ambassador to Guatemala is facing accusations of using his diplomatic credentials to facilitate international money laundering after he was caught trying to enter Panama with a huge amount of undeclared U.S. cash. Moises Cal had also served in the Foreign Ministry as Am [...] |
2007-02-23 14:05:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SNAR PREL ECON BH |
| 07BELMOPAN150 |
BELIZE - SEVENTH ANNUAL TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (TIP) [...] (U) Responses are keyed to the checklist (paras 27-32) in Ref. A. 2. (SBU) Overview of BelizeQs Activities to Eliminate Trafficking in Persons A. Belize is a transit and destination country for internationally trafficked men, women, and children. Trafficking occurs within the countr [...] |
2007-03-02 22:00:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCRM PHUM KWMN SMIG KFRD ASEC PREF ELAB BH |
| 07BELMOPAN17 |
FOLLOW UP TO BELIZE UPDATES ON WORST FORMS OF CHILD LABOR [...] Since the submission of Ref. B, the Government of Belize (GoB) has provided additional information to Post on its efforts to combat the worst forms of child labor. Post believes it is important that these additional points be included in any reporting on child labor in Belize. 2. The GoB [...] |
2007-01-11 21:11:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB EIND ETRD PHUM SOCI USAID BH |
| 07BELMOPAN179 |
BELMOPAN: PLANNED PROTESTS AND STRIKE SCHDULED [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Belize's national unions have planned a protest at the Belize National Assembly this morning, March 16, 2007, during scheduled budget debates. Radio announcements last night stated the nationwide strikes that had been discussed would also commence. While the size of the protest [...] |
2007-03-16 14:36:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC PGOV ELAB BH |
| 07BELMOPAN184 |
BELIZE LABOR UNION PROTEST FIZZLES [...] Labor unionists staged a protest on March 16 in front of the National Assembly building while parliament was in session debating the government's FY 2007/2008 budget. 2. The National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) organized the demonstration in opposition to the budget and to protest the Min [...] |
2007-03-16 22:38:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PREL PGOV ECON ASEC BH |
| 07BELMOPAN185 |
BELMOPAN - UPDATE ON BELMOPAN PROTEST; SO FAR VERY [...] (U) SUMMARY: As of 1530 local (1730 EDT), Te planned protest at Belize National Assembly in Belmopan (REF A) is still in process, and has been peaceful. The protest will likely continue until the National Assembly completes debate this evening. Utilities so far have not been interrupted. The [...] |
2007-03-16 22:38:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC ELAB PGOV BH |
| 07BELMOPAN225 |
HIV/AIDS IN BELIZE [...] Summary: A forum on HIV/AIDS funding addressed an overview of the epidemic in Belize, a critique of the government's response, and an assessment of current challenges. Donor groups agreed to work together to prod the government towards a more effective delivery of HIV/AIDS services. End Sum [...] |
2007-03-29 16:02:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | SOCI EAID PGOV PREL BH |
| 07BELMOPAN287 |
BELIZE: OPPOSITION LEADER DISCUSSES THE WAY AHEAD [...] (C) SUMMARY: Opposition leader Dean Barrow told us that he expects victory in the upcoming election but is taking nothing for granted. Government corruption and a "reform agenda" will be his main issues in the campaign. He foresees good relations with the U.S., believes momentum is buildin [...] |
2007-04-30 22:43:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR ECON BH |
| 07BELMOPAN301 |
WHALES Q BELIZE VIEWS ON IWC MEETING [...] On April 30 poloff spoke with Beverly Wade, BelizeQs IWC representa 2. Key issues at IWC meeting. Wade believes that commercial whaling r 3. BCB bowhead whales. Wade told poloff that Belize will likely suppo 4. Revised Management Scheme (RMS). Wade believes that the RMS is a p [...] |
2007-05-04 21:00:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EFIS KSCA PREL IWC ETRD BH |
| 07BELMOPAN304 |
WHALES - BELIZE VIEWS ON IWC MEETING [...] On April 30 poloff spoke with Beverly Wade, Belize's IWC representative and administrator of the Belize Fisheries Department, to deliver reftel demarche. Responses below are keyed to reftel. 2. Key issues at IWC meeting. Wade believes that commercial whaling remains a key issue for the [...] |
2007-05-04 21:15:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EFIS KSCA PREL IWC ETRD BH |
| 07BELMOPAN313 |
FUEL SECTOR COMPETITION IN BELIZE [...] (SBU) Summary. With the recent discovery of oil in Belize and the anticipated delivery of PetroCaribe fuel, a privately-owned marine terminal has recently constructed in the south of Belize. Esso, the sole importer of fuel in Belize, believes that up to forty percent of its future imports may [...] |
2007-05-07 20:08:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EPET ENRG ETRD EINV ECON EFIN PREL BH |
| 07BELMOPAN330 |
BELIZE: GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE OF PRIVATE DEBT [...] Summary: Belizean Prime MinisterQs signing of an unlimited guarantee for a multi-million dollar loan to a privately-run hospital has led several cabinet ministers to question his judgment and the Leader of the Opposition to call for his resignation. Four cabinet ministers have publicly stated [...] |
2007-05-11 12:38:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV EFIN ECON SOCI BH |
| 07BELMOPAN338 |
BELIZE RESPONSE - INL DELEGATED AUTHORITIES [...] No summary [...] |
2007-05-16 22:10:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR KCRM BH |
| 07BELMOPAN342 |
BELIZE: POLITICAL DEMONSTRATIONS PLANNED [...] A special session of the Belizean House of Representatives has been called for Friday, May 18. The Prime Minister was forced to convene the meeting to address dissent over his decision to provide a government guarantee of a 33 million dollar private debt (reftel). He will presumably reque [...] |
2007-05-17 21:33:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ASEC BH |
| 07BELMOPAN346 |
BELIZE HOSTS SECOND CARICOM-SICA SUMMIT [...] Summary: Belize hosted the Second Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ? Central American Integration System (SICA) summit in Belize City on May 12, 2007. Topics discussed included trade liberalization, social and cultural issues, energy, security, and governance. The group agreed to meet every t [...] |
2007-05-18 22:30:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL ETRD ENRG KCRM BH |
| 07BELMOPAN358 |
BELIZE: GOVERNMENT FACES ANOTHER TOUGH [...] Prime Minister Musa struggled to hold his cabinet in line following a large demonstration held on May 18 against his decision to provide a government guarantee of a BZ$ 33 million (US $16.5 million) private debt (Reftel). He put off a House of Representatives vote to authorize his commitment [...] |
2007-05-24 21:17:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ASEC BH |
| 07BELMOPAN397 |
BELIZE'S ATTENDANCE AT THE CONFERENCE ON THE CARIBBEAN [...] Ayesha Borland, U.S. Desk Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT), confirmed to post June 12 that Prime Minister (and Minister of Finance and National Development) Said Musa will lead the Belize delegation to the Conference on the Caribbean. 2. Musa will be ac [...] |
2007-06-13 21:28:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL KSUM BH |
| 07BELMOPAN43 |
Appointment of Director of Public Prosecution [...] Summary: Ambassador and Consul called on Belize's newly-appointed Director of Public Prosecutions to review his plans for prosecution of several high-profile cases of interest to the USG. During the meeting the DPP expressed interest in training opportunities for his staff to improve skills [...] |
2007-01-19 20:31:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PHUM CASC PREL PINR KCRM BH |
| 07BELMOPAN435 |
BELMOPAN: DIRECTOR, BELIZE IMMIGRATION MEETS WITH [...] (C) SUMMARY: On June 21, 2007, Gareth Murillo, Director of Immigration, met with RSO Belmopan to share information re a suspected corrupt Immigration Officer assisting a Cuban with a counterfeit Guatemalan passport and U.S. visa, and the political pressure to issue visas to Chinese (and the flo [...] |
2007-06-28 17:46:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | ASEC CVIS BH |
| 07BELMOPAN453 |
2007 USITC BIENNIAL CARIBBEAN BASIN INITIATIVE INVESTMENT [...] As in past years, post relied upon information from the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) - GOB's lead agency in attracting foreign investment to Belize - to obtain answers to questions raised in reftel. 2. The Fiscal Incentive Act is one of the most well-known in [...] |
2007-07-16 21:01:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECON BH |
| 07BELMOPAN492 |
BELMOPAN: GOB RESPONSE TO SEAWELL EXTRADITION REQUEST [...] (U) This is an action request. See para 5. 2. (U) In response to Embassy's formal request for an update on the Seawell Extradition request, the following diplomatic note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was received August 3, 2007. 3. (U) TEXT OF DIPLOMATIC NOTE NO. 495 COMPLIMEN [...] |
2007-08-06 19:38:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL KTIA BH |
| 07BELMOPAN494 |
ACTION REQUEST: POST'S ASSESSMENT OF CENTRAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: Our assessment, based on discussions within Country Team and with regional law enforcement officers covering Belize, is that inclusion in regional efforts to strengthen border protection and to combat alien smuggling would be of great benefit. Anti-gang efforts aimed at prevent [...] |
2007-08-06 22:17:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS PTER BH |
| 07BELMOPAN495 |
CHAVEZ HAS FRIENDS IN BELIZE [...] (SBU) Summary. Since November 2006 Venezuela has given the Belizean government a US$5 million grant, US$50 million in loans, and US$1.6 million for road construction. Several sources have confirmed that recently an additional US$10 million grant has been promised. The government appears to b [...] |
2007-08-06 22:17:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON EFIN EAID BH VE |
| 07BELMOPAN5 |
BELIZE: PM MUSA OPTIMISTIC ABOUT 2007 [...] (U) In his New Year's Message, published in the December 31 edition of The Reporter (one of Belize's weekly newspapers), Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Said Musa was optimistic about the country's future - particularly in the areas of the economy and the border dispute with Guatemala. [...] |
2007-01-04 19:49:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EFIN BH |
| 07BELMOPAN51 |
BELIZE'S DAIMLERCHRYSLER AGENT DONATE TO PLWAS [...] On January 17, Bravo Motors, Belize's authorized agent/distributor for DaimlerChrysler, donated the proceeds of a 2006 Nissan Grand Raffle to "The Living With Hope Foundation" to help people living with HIV and AIDS. 2. Bravo Motors is the authorized agent in Belize for DaimlerChrysler and [...] |
2007-01-23 22:56:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | KHIV SOCI BH |
| 07BELMOPAN520 |
BELIZE-VENEZUELA: NEW BRV AMBASSADOR TO BELIZE [...] (SBU) With timing perhaps linked to Prime Minister Musa's visit to Venezuela for the PetroCaribe Summit, the BRV Embassy in Belize circulated on August 14 an announcement that the Mission's Charge d'Affaires, Roberto J. Dubuc, was being transferred to the Internal Service in the Ministry of F [...] |
2007-08-16 21:36:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PINR BH VE |
| 07BELMOPAN522 |
(C) BELIZE-VENEZUELA: NO INVITATION FOR CHAVEZ [...] (C) MFA Chief Executive Officer (deputy minister equivalent) Amalia Mai told Charge August 16 that although Belize has good relations with Venezuela and appreciates financial assistance from the BRV, Hugo Chavez will "never" be invited to Belize as long as the current government is in power [...] |
2007-08-16 21:37:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL BH VE |
| 07BELMOPAN524 |
TFJM01: BELMOPAN SITREP: EAC MEETING AND PREPARATIONS [...] Embassy Belmopan EAC met at 1000 local to review situation and preparations for Hurricane Dean. Given the new track of the hurricane and the likelihood of serious danger for northern Belize and coastal areas including the cayes, the EAC decided: -- local staff were excused at 1200 to compl [...] |
2007-08-20 20:46:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | AEMR ASEC CASC MARR PREL PINR AMGT BH |
| 07BELMOPAN526 |
TFJM01: BELIZE PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND [...] SUMMARY: The GOB is requesting international assistance to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Dean. Prime Minister Musa declared two northern districts disaster areas. Urgent needs include equipment to test the safety of water supplies, bulk food to replenish stockpiles used in the emerge [...] |
2007-08-22 21:19:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | AEMR EAID MARR PREL AMGT BH |
| 07BELMOPAN541 |
BELMOPAN: HURRICANE DEAN WRAP-UP [...] SUMMARY: Hurricane Dean provided an opportunity to exercise our new hurricane plan, revised since we moved from Belize City to Belmopan. Things generally went very well though there are some lessons learned that we will work into the upcoming Crisis Management Exercise. Although the genera [...] |
2007-09-06 15:35:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL AEMR PGOV BH |
| 07BELMOPAN593 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: CONDEMNING RAPE AS AN INSTRUMENT OF [...] No summary [...] |
2007-10-04 21:01:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC UN PHUM KWMN SOCI BH |
| 07BELMOPAN594 |
CUBA'S MEDICAL DIPLOMACY IN BELIZE [...] Summary. Since 1999, Cuba has been sending doctors, nurses, and medical technicians to work free of charge in Belize. Ninety-two Belizean students currently study medicine in Havana on Cuban government scholarships. More than 1,500 patients have traveled from Belize to Cuba for free surgery. [...] |
2007-10-04 22:30:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PROP EAID SCUL SOCI BH |
| 07BELMOPAN604 |
BELIZE: CHILD ABDUCTION CASE RESOLVED [...] Summary. A six-year-old Belizean girl was taken by her father to the United States in February 2007 without permission. The Embassy initially received negative press when the incident took place. On October 7 the girl was returned to Belize and the Embassy received thanks in the press and fr [...] |
2007-10-12 21:49:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | CASC PREL BH |
| 07BELMOPAN614 |
BELIZE: PREPARING FOR UPCOMING ELECTIONS [...] (SBU) Belize will call national elections between January and March 2008. Belize's two major political parties have swapped power peacefully since acquiring independence in 1981. In the upcoming elections, the House of Representatives will expand from 29 to 31 seats. Despite efforts in recent [...] |
2007-10-17 22:14:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 07BELMOPAN620 |
BELIZE-DEMARCHE DELIVERED-TERRORISM FINANCE: DESIGNATION [...] No summary [...] |
2007-10-22 22:06:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN KTFN PTER ETTC PREL BH |
| 07BELMOPAN621 |
BELIZE - DEMARCHE DELIVERED WTO DOHA ROUND NEGOTIATIONS [...] Per reftel, on October 19, 2007, Post delivered demarche to Ayesha Borland of the Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. 2. Post will forward any substantive response from the Government of Belize. DIETER [...] |
2007-10-22 22:07:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD WTRO BH |
| 07BELMOPAN624 |
(C) CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS IN THE BELIZE OIL SECTOR [...] (C) Summary: Several U.S. firms have complained to the Embassy that bribes are determining which companies are being awarded oil exploration contracts in Belize. One company claims to have recorded several government ministers soliciting bribes. The opposition party has taken the informat [...] |
2007-10-23 20:53:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET PGOV ECON EFIN ENRG KCOR BH |
| 07BELMOPAN645 |
BELIZE: NOTE RECEIVED AT LAST ON SOFA [...] (SBU) Embassy received on October 29 diplomatic note 695 from the MFA agreeing to the terms of the SOFA as we proposed them in July via note 07/038. (There are some minor typos but nothing of substance. A copy of the MFA note has been e-mailed to WHA/CEN, Rois Beal.) The note makes no refe [...] |
2007-10-30 21:39:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | MARR PREL MASS MOPS BH |
| 07BELMOPAN649 |
BELIZEAN GOVERNMENT UNRESPONSIVE IN CRIMINAL CASES [...] (U) SUMMARY: While Belizean police have been very cooperative in returning U.S. fugitives, efforts requiring the cooperation of higher levels of the Belizean government have repeatedly led to stonewalls and dead ends. Action on extradition requests has been slow to come. Cases then languish i [...] |
2007-11-02 15:18:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ASEC BH |
| 07BELMOPAN650 |
BELIZE INPUT TO CARIBBEAN BASIN RECOVERY ACT REPORT [...] No summary [...] |
2007-11-02 20:42:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON BH |
| 07BELMOPAN655 |
STRONG MS-13 PRESENCE IN WESTERN BELIZE [...] (SBU) Recent reports from Belize of the Mara Salvatrucha gang (MS-13) presence in Belize (REFTELS A, B) indicated a stronger base of operations than previously known. Reports from a Confidential Source (CS) (REFTEL A) led RSO to independently determine MS-13 strength in the Cayo District of we [...] |
2007-11-06 21:52:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC AMGT BH |
| 07BELMOPAN657 |
BELIZE: CORRUPTION SPAWNS NEW POLITICAL PARTIES [...] (SBU) Frustration with repeated corruption scandals has generated several new third party movements in Belize. A noteworthy development is a recent alliance designed to give third parties a stronger voice acting together. However, this alliance is not likely to make an impact on the two-party [...] |
2007-11-08 16:17:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 07BELMOPAN664 |
(U) BELIZE: AMBASSADOR PRESSES FOR BETTER RESPONSE [...] (U) Ambassador and DCM met with Foreign Minister Lisa Shoman to express concern about the lack of response to our requests, under the bilateral Stolen Car Treaty, for the return of vehicles stolen from the U.S. We currently have multiple requests pending regarding three vehicles. Although [...] |
2007-11-13 14:10:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | CJAN ASEC KTIA BH |
| 07BELMOPAN687 |
BELIZE REPLY TO G/TIP INTERIM ASSESSMENT SURVEY [...] Summary. The Government of Belize (GoB) continues to take significant steps to address human trafficking issues, primarily on the public awareness and investigative fronts. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Committee (the Committee), continues to meet monthly and provides additional resources [...] |
2007-11-29 21:18:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | KCRM KWMN PGOV PHUM PREL SMIG SOCI BH |
| 07BELMOPAN700 |
BELIZE: INTEGRITY COMMISSION INEFFECTIVE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Belize's Integrity Commission has not prosecuted a public official for corruption since the body was formed in 1994. The current head of the commission privately told poloff that he would resign if reforms were not instituted prior to the upcoming election. The commission's inac [...] |
2007-12-06 15:45:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 07BELMOPAN713 |
(C) BELIZE OIL: CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS REACH PRIME [...] (C) Summary: Two U.S. energy firms have complained to the Embassy that bribes determine who receives oil exploration contracts in Belize. One company official who claims to have actually paid a bribe and has electronically recorded numerous conversations, alleges that the Prime Minister's d [...] |
2007-12-13 20:42:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON EFIN ENRG EPET SOCI BH |
| 07BELMOPAN715 |
BELMOPAN: UPDATE ASSESSMENTS ON CENTRAL AMERICA SECURITY [...] 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 st [...] |
2007-12-14 19:27:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PINS PTER SNAR ES BH |
| 07BELMOPAN72 |
BELIZE BATTLES OVER SHARE OF TOURIST FEES [...] A dispute between the Belize City Council (CitCo), the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), and the Government of Belize (GoB) continues to dominate the news. At issue is the division of the USD 7.00 head tax every cruise ship passenger must pay to the GoB. While the GoB is amenable to giving the Cit [...] |
2007-02-01 17:45:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV EIND BH |
| 07BELMOPAN73 |
ONE OF BELIZE'S THIRD POLITICAL PARTIES FIRST TO LAUNCH [...] Summary: On January 17, the Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) political party officially launched its 2008 general elections campaign. Party Chairman Paul Morgan laid out five areas that would form the basis of the party's political manifesto: National Unity, Culture of Productivity, Family [...] |
2007-02-01 17:46:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL SOCI BH |
| 07BELMOPAN91 |
BELIZE: ANTI-TIP PROGRAM GETS MORE CASH [...] Summary. On January 30, poloff met with Anita Zetina (Chair of the Belize Anti-Trafficking Committee and Chief Executive Officer at the Ministry of Human Development) and Ayesha Borland (Desk Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to discuss the government's latest efforts in combating T [...] |
2007-02-09 16:49:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV KCRM KWMN BH |
| 07BELMOPAN94 |
BELIZE: FINANCING SCANDAL HEARINGS RESUME [...] Summary. On January 25, the long-awaited hearings into the financial dealings of the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) finally resumed - minus Commission Chairman David Price, who died in December. Testimony from a DFC secretary, the finance manager, and the current Governor of the Beliz [...] |
2007-02-12 18:48:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN PGOV PREL BH |
| 07BELMOPAN96 |
BELIZE: IIP SPEAKER KELLNER JUMPSTARTS EMBASSY'S GOOD [...] See action request in para 7. ------- Summary ------- 2. During his two-day (January 24-25) visit to Belize, IIP Speaker Ken Kellner met with university students, civic leaders, and government officials to share his experiences as Senior Counsel for the House of Representatives Commit [...] |
2007-02-12 19:10:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | OIIP EAID PGOV KPAO BH |
| 07BELMOPAN97 |
BELIZE: FORENSIC AUDIT UNCOVERS "POSSIBLE ILLEGALITIES" IN [...] (SBU) The draft report of a forensic auditor's review of the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) - released on February 1 - revealed conflicts of interest, procedural irregularities, and possible illegalities. Mark Hulse, a chartered accountant, appeared before the DFC Commission of Inquiry [...] |
2007-02-12 20:14:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PGOV BH |
| 08BELMOPAN100 |
BIO -- BELIZE MINISTER OF EDUCATION PATRICK FABER [...] Patrick Faber was appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to cabinet on Monday, February 11, 2008. Following is his biography. Address as: Minister Patrick Faber, Mr. Minister Full Title: The Honorable Patrick Faber DPOB: March 21, 1978, Belize City 2. Education: 2003 Master's D [...] |
2008-02-20 21:37:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN101 |
BIO -- BELIZE ADVISOR/CONSULTANT, MINISTRY OF FINANCE, DR. [...] Dr. Carla Barnett was appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow on Monday, February 11, 2008. Following is her biography. Address as: Dr. Barnett DPOB: February 16, 1958; Belize City, Belize 2. Education: 1990 University of the West Indies, Ph.D. in Economics 1984-1985 University of [...] |
2008-02-20 21:37:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN102 |
BIO -- BELIZE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EMIL [...] Emil Agruelles was appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow as Speaker of the House of Representatives on Monday, February 11, 2008. Following is his biography. Address as: Mr. Emil Arguelles Full Title: Speaker, House of Representatives DOB: July 4, 1972 2. Education: 1998 Leg [...] |
2008-02-20 21:37:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN103 |
BIO -- BELIZE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF [...] Gaspar Vega was appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to cabinet on Monday, February 11, 2008. Following is his biography. Address as: Minister Vega, Mr. Minister Full Title: The Honorable Gaspar Vega POB: San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District 2. Education: Vega graduated f [...] |
2008-02-20 21:37:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN108 |
BELIZE: POSITIVE INITIAL MEETINGS WITH PM AND [...] (C) SUMMARY: Initial meetings with Prime Minister Barrow and Deputy Prime Minister Vega went well. Both said that they felt bilateral relations were on a good track. They said that the main challenge ahead was to run a clean administration, and while they were optimistic about the future t [...] |
2008-02-21 20:45:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV SNAR EPET SOCI BH |
| 08BELMOPAN109 |
BELIZE: NEW GOVERNMENT REQUESTS LAW ENFORCEMENT [...] (C) During the Ambassador's initial meeting with Prime Minister Dean Barrow (reported septel), the PM made a pitch for wireless intercept equipment for the Police Special Branch. He said that the capability was essential to anti-drug and anti-gang efforts in Belize. In response we noted th [...] |
2008-02-21 22:24:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL SNAR SOCI PINR ASEC BH |
| 08BELMOPAN111 |
BELIZE: INITIAL MEETING WITH NATIONAL SECURITY [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador's initial meeting with National Security Minister Perdomo and his deputy was encouraging. Perdomo recognizes that there are serious problems to be addressed in law enforcement and is interested in cooperating more closely with us on improving the effectiveness [...] |
2008-02-25 16:55:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL SNAR MASS SOCI PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN120 |
BELIZE: FOREIGN MINISTER/ATTORNEY GENERAL POSITIVE [...] (C) SUMMARY: Belize's new Attorney General and Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington told the Ambassador February 20 that he did not see any major problems in the bilateral relationship. He seems likely to focus most attention on the justice system and less on his foreign affairs portfolio. Co [...] |
2008-02-25 21:58:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV SNAR SOCI PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN130 |
BELIZE'S MISSING VENEZUELAN MILLIONS [...] (U) On December 28, 2007, the Government of Belize received a US $10.0 million grant from the Government of Venezuela. The money was earmarked for home investment, social projects, and a new sporting complex in Belize City. The outgoing government went on a spending spree and disbursed the en [...] |
2008-03-05 17:43:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN PGOV PREL BH |
| 08BELMOPAN131 |
(C) BELIZE: GOVERNMENT REQUESTS ASSISTANCE [...] (C) Attorney General/Foreign Minister Elrington has asked the Ambassador for USG assistance in tracking a Venezuelan grant made just before the election and now the subject of controversy over the amount provided (REF A). Elrington requested any information we might be able to provide on the [...] |
2008-03-05 20:16:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL SNAR SOCI PINR ASEC BH |
| 08BELMOPAN133 |
BELIZE: BLUE LANTERN CASE NUMBER 05-050090555, M4 [...] Embassy contacted the Commander of the Belize Defense Force (BDF), Brigadier-General Lloyd Gillett, who confirmed that the BDF is purchasing M4 carbines from I. I. & E., Inc. Gillett said that the BDF intends to buy a total of 50 M4s from I. I. & E. The weapons will be used to equip a U.S.-tr [...] |
2008-03-06 20:20:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ETTC KOMH BH |
| 08BELMOPAN140 |
BELIZE RESPONSE TO REPORT ON FISCAL TRANSPARENCY [...] (SBU) The government of Belize publishes its annual budget on a compact disk that is made available upon request. It also publishes a summary of the budget on the government of Belize website. Revenues and expenditures are documented on the disk and website. However, politics often appears to [...] |
2008-03-12 15:11:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON PREL BH |
| 08BELMOPAN147 |
BELIZE - EIGHTH ANNUAL TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (TIP) REPORT [...] (U) Responses are keyed to the checklist (paras 27-32) in reftel A. 2. (SBU) Overview of Belize's Activities to Eliminate Trafficking in Persons A. Belize is a transit and destination country for internationally trafficked men, women, and children. Trafficking occurs within the cou [...] |
2008-03-13 20:18:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCRM PHUM KWMN SMIG KFRD ASEC PREF ELAB BH |
| 08BELMOPAN148 |
BELIZE - EIGHTH ANNUAL TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (TIP) REPORT [...] No summary [...] |
2008-03-13 20:18:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCRM PHUM KWMN SMIG KFRD ASEC PREF ELAB BH |
| 08BELMOPAN149 |
BELIZE - EIGHTH ANNUAL TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (TIP) REPORT [...] No summary [...] |
2008-03-13 20:18:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCRM PHUM KWMN SMIG KFRD ASEC PREF ELAB BH |
| 08BELMOPAN153 |
BELIZE: PM BARROW'S VISIT TO WASHINGTON [...] (C) SUMMMARY: Prime Minister Barrow looks forward to a positive meeting with the President. He has told us that he thinks the bilateral relationship is on a good track. Domestically he has faced several early challenges since he took office less than six weeks ago, the largest one being th [...] |
2008-03-13 22:27:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL SOCI PINR ASEC BH |
| 08BELMOPAN163 |
BELIZE DEMANDS RETURN OF FOREIGN GRANTS [...] (U) Summary. The newly elected government of Belize recently discovered that Venezuela and Taiwan had each granted US$10 million to the GOB. While ostensibly for housing construction and social programs, the funds were diverted by the previous Prime Minister to the privately held Belize Bank t [...] |
2008-03-19 15:23:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV EFIN PREL PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN165 |
(C) BELIZE: GOVERNMENT TO SHUT DOWN THE ONLY [...] (C) SUMMARY: With no warning, the GOB is sending mixed signals about its intentions regarding Belize Natural Energy, the sole oil-producing company in Belize. BNE is a Belizean corporation but has significant U.S. investment. The timing of a government letter telling BNE to remedy seven d [...] |
2008-03-19 20:15:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EPET EINV BH |
| 08BELMOPAN168 |
BELIZE RESPONSE TO ACTION REQUEST: MERIDA INITIATIVE [...] (U) On February 19 to 21st, Ambassador Dieter and DCM Hill conducted initial meetings following general elections in early February with high-level ministers including the new Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of National Security. During these me [...] |
2008-03-19 21:36:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PINS PREL PTER SNAR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN169 |
BELIZE: NEW GOVERNMENT THRONE SPEECH DELIVERS LEGISLATIVE [...] (U) Summary. On March 14, the new Government of Belize proposed a legislative plan that focused on government reform, education, health, and crime. The announced reform agenda seeks to combat corruption and institutionalize transparency. The plan also included new and expanded programs and ser [...] |
2008-03-19 22:17:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON PREL SOCI BH |
| 08BELMOPAN172 |
BELIZE: [...] (U) Summary. Following a crushing defeat in February's general elections, former People's United Party's Prime Minister Said Musa resigned as party leader. A leadership struggle ensued between his preferred successor and a group of reformers who had challenged party leadership in the past. Th [...] |
2008-03-20 22:17:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN180 |
(C) BELIZE: GOVERNMENT APPEARS TO BACK AWAY FROM [...] (C) Following Embassy intervention, it appears that the GOB is going to step back from a threat to terminate the production sharing agreement (PSA) of the sole oil producing company in the country. A March 17 letter to Belize Natural Energy (BNE), a firm with substantial U.S. investment, cit [...] |
2008-03-26 22:09:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET EINV PREL BH |
| 08BELMOPAN187 |
BELIZE: PARTY LEADER IS AN ELECTION UPSET FOR THE PUP OLD [...] (U) On March 30, the People's United Party (PUP) held a convention in the nation's capital to determine the party's new leader. Initially, three candidates were vying for the top position: Johnny Briceno, Mark Espat, and Francis Fonseca. Espat and Briceno withdrew from the election several we [...] |
2008-03-31 21:43:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN188 |
BIO -- BELIZE: John Briceno, [...] John Briceno was elected to be the Opposition Party Leader at the People's United Party (PUP) leadership convention on Sunday, March 30, 2008. Following is his biography. AKA: Johnny Briceno; or Juan Briceno Address as: Hon. John Briceno DOBP: July 17, 1960, Orange Walk Town, Belize [...] |
2008-03-31 22:12:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN192 |
(C) ZUBAIR KHAN -- RSO SOURCE ALLEGES [...] (C) SUMMARY: An RSO source alleges Pakistani-Belizean national, Zubair Khan, is involved with drug trafficking, money laundering, and has possible ties to Lebanese Hezbollah and Pakistan al-Qaeda associations. END SUMMARY. 2. (C) Information provided by source is unconfirmed. RSO sourc [...] |
2008-04-04 21:28:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | ASEC PTER CVIS KCRM BH |
| 08BELMOPAN222 |
BELIZE DEMARCHE DELIVERED: NPT PREP COMMITTEE MEETING [...] No summary [...] |
2008-04-25 17:48:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG KNNP MNUC PARM PREL NPT IAEA BH |
| 08BELMOPAN223 |
BELIZE DEMARCHE DELIVERED: PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE [...] No summary [...] |
2008-04-25 17:48:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL ES EUN PHUM BH |
| 08BELMOPAN235 |
RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES - BELIZE [...] Belize is an import dependent country and the impact of increasing global prices for commodities and high energy costs directly add upward pricing pressure to the economy. The inflation rate reached a ten-year record high of 4.5% in the first quarter of 2008. Dairy products, chicken, corn, [...] |
2008-05-08 14:22:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL BH |
| 08BELMOPAN252 |
BELIZE: HAND GRENADE ATTACK LATEST ESCALATION OF GANG [...] At least one teenager was killed and nearly a dozen more wounded, some critically, when An explosive, probably a grenade, was thrown into a group of youths Sunday evening, May 18. The suspect in the attack, who is still at large, is believed to be approximately 16. According to police the at [...] |
2008-05-19 21:42:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC SOCI PGOV CASC BH |
| 08BELMOPAN253 |
BELIZE -- DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH CUBAN PEOPLE [...] Embassy has attempted to place an op-ed with major media outlets in Belize. At this time we have not received a commitment to publish. 2. We have posted information on the Day of Solidarity on the Embassy website along with a link to solidaridadcuba.org. 3. On May 21 Embassy staff ar [...] |
2008-05-20 15:29:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM KDEM PREL KPAO SOCI CU BH |
| 08BELMOPAN254 |
BELIZE RESPONSE TO GLOBAL MARITIME PARTNERSHIPS [...] On May 19, Poloff met with Ayesha Borland of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss reftel concerning Global Maritime Partnerships (GMP). 2. Ms. Borland stated that Belize, as a sea-bordering nation, would have an interest in and could certainly benefit from an organization that promo [...] |
2008-05-20 17:41:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | EWWT EAID ECIN ECON EFIS MARR MASS MCAP MOPS PHSA |
| 08BELMOPAN263 |
BELIZE -- DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH CUBAN PEOPLE [...] Embassy Belmopan distributed op-ed to major media outlets in Belize. Belize newspapers are published weekly and no confirmation of publication was received. 2. Information on the Day of Solidarity was posted on the Embassy website along with a link to solidaridadcuba.org. 3. Embassy [...] |
2008-05-22 20:08:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM KDEM PREL KPAO SOCI CU BH |
| 08BELMOPAN265 |
BELIZE SECURITY ASSESSMENT [...] (C) SUMMARY: Our assessment, based on discussions within Country Team and with regional law enforcement officers covering Belize, is that inclusion in regional efforts to strengthen border protection and to combat alien smuggling would be of great benefit. Anti-gang efforts aimed at preven [...] |
2008-05-23 19:19:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PTER PREL MASS MOPS XL BH |
| 08BELMOPAN29 |
BELIZE: VENEZUELAN CASH MAKES AN IMPACT ON THE ELECTION [...] (U) The ruling People's United Party (PUP) is putting a US$10 million grant from Venezuela to work quickly in the runup to elections called for February 7. Although the grant was first announced in the summer of 2007 (ref A), the funds were received less than two weeks ago, around the time o [...] |
2008-01-18 16:16:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV EFIN BH |
| 08BELMOPAN323 |
(U) BELIZE: PM PUSHES WINDFALL PROFITS TAX FOR OIL [...] (C) SUMMARY: A windfall profits tax on oil production is coming to Belize. The only questions are how much of a bite it will take and how much of a disincentive it will be to U.S. investors. While the Prime Minister and government say they are consulting and taking industry concerns into [...] |
2008-07-09 21:52:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET EFIN ENRG PREL EINV BH |
| 08BELMOPAN325 |
BELIZE: OUTSTANDING EXTRADITION REQUESTS [...] Charge and Poloff called July 10 on Attorney General Sedi Elrington to discuss outstanding extradition requests for Mark and Gary Seawell and Rhett Fuller. We sought assurances that the recent change over of the Solicitor General would not add additional delay to the cases. 2. Elrington [...] |
2008-07-10 21:18:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL CJAN ASEC BH |
| 08BELMOPAN328 |
BELIZE RESPONSE TO UNGA ATTENDANCE [...] No summary [...] |
2008-07-11 22:27:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OTRA OVIP KSEP UNGA BH |
| 08BELMOPAN333 |
(U) UK INTERESTED IN COORDINATING SUPPORT FOR [...] (C) The UK has been pleasantly surprised by the progress Belize and Guatemala have made in moving their border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ref) and is looking at ways to support the two countries' efforts. Matthew Forbes, FCO Section Head covering Central America, told Ch [...] |
2008-07-18 14:00:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PBTS BH |
| 08BELMOPAN336 |
WINDFALL PROFITS TAX ON BELIZE'S OIL INDUSTRY [...] (SBU) Summary: After months of difficult negotiations, on July 16, the GOB introduced a new windfall profits tax (aka petroleum surcharge) on the country's current and future domestic oil producers. Belize Natural Energy Ltd. (BNE) received a special arrangement on current production, accoun [...] |
2008-07-23 21:50:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ENGR EPET PREL EINV |
| 08BELMOPAN342 |
POSITIVE SIGNS AFTER FIVE MONTHS IN OFFICE? [...] (SBU) The GOB released the national budget on July 14, addressing several of the 21 pledges made in the pre-election United Democratic Party (UDP) manifesto. At first glance, the GOB has demonstrated some measurable progress compared to their manifesto and the public remains cautiously optimis [...] |
2008-07-24 20:54:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL BH |
| 08BELMOPAN343 |
GOB STILL "IMAGINING THE POSSIBILITIES" IN THE BUDGET [...] (U) On July 14 2008, Prime Minister Dean Barrow presented the national budget for FY 2008/2009 budget. It is a relatively balanced budget of US$412.4 million, up by 12.2% over last year's revised figure of US$367.7 million. Much of the increase results from capital III expenditures aimed at p [...] |
2008-07-24 20:59:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD PGOV |
| 08BELMOPAN376 |
BELIZE DEMARCHES DELIVERED: IRANIAN ENTITIES [...] No summary [...] |
2008-08-22 22:05:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | KNNP MNUC IR GM PREL PARM EFIN BH |
| 08BELMOPAN378 |
BELIZE DEMARCHES DELIVERED: REJECTING RUSSIAN [...] No summary [...] |
2008-08-27 20:48:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV GG RU BH |
| 08BELMOPAN388 |
BELIZE, A RETURN TO THE PAST? [...] (C) Discussions of misappropriation and mismanagement in the Ministry of Economic Development,s leading foreign trade organization and allegations of ministerial level corruption developed further last week. Today,s Cabinet meeting will determine the outcome according to the CEO of the Ministr [...] |
2008-09-03 21:08:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV BH |
| 08BELMOPAN400 |
BELIZE RESPONSE UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE [...] (C) Poloff delivered reftel demarche to Ayesha Borland, Desk Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Poloff expressed the U.S. commitment to protect human rights and urged the GOB to take a stand against all no-action motions. Ms. Borland responded that Belize has in the past supported a [...] |
2008-09-12 21:01:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL UN BH |
| 08BELMOPAN423 |
BELIZE RESPONSE: HIJACKING OF BELIZE-FLAGGED CARGO [...] (S) Poloff delivered reftel demarche September 27 to Mr. Oliver del Cid, Deputy Coordinator of the National Security Council Secretariat, Ministry of National Security. Mr. del Cid stated that IMMARBE, the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize, was concerned about the welfare of t [...] |
2008-09-27 21:17:00 | Embassy Belmopan | SECRET | EWWT MOPS PREL PHSA XA SO RS LG UP BH |
| 08BELMOPAN424 |
BELIZE RESPONSE: HIJACKING OF BELIZE-FLAGGED [...] No summary [...] |
2008-09-29 16:05:00 | Embassy Belmopan | SECRET | EWWT MOPS PREL PHSA XA SO RS LG UP BH |
| 08BELMOPAN438 |
BELIZE REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE ON M/V FAINA [...] (SBU) Post received an e-mail message from Oliver del Cid, Deputy Coordinator of the National Security Council of Belize on Monday October 13, 2008. The email includes correspondence from the Belizean ship registry office and from TOMEX, the ship's agent. The text of the forwarded messages is [...] |
2008-10-14 20:50:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EWWT MOPS PREL PHSA BH |
| 08BELMOPAN46 |
BELIZE: AUDITOR GENERAL ISSUES SCATHING REPORT [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The most recent report of Belize's Auditor General paints a bleak picture of "widespread" waste, fraud and abuse in the public sector. Like many of the reports of scandals and corruption in the current government, this one made a brief sensation in the press and then faded fr [...] |
2008-01-24 19:31:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON SOCI BH |
| 08BELMOPAN471 |
CONGRATULATIONS MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA FROM [...] Per instructions reftel, below is the text of a congratulatory message from Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow to President-Elect Barack Obama. Original will be forwarded to S/ES-CR by pouch. 2. Begin text: 5th November 2008 Dear Mr. President-Elect, It gives me great pleasure to e [...] |
2008-11-10 21:11:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | OPDC PREL OVIP BH |
| 08BELMOPAN474 |
CONGRATULATIONS MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA FROM [...] Per reftel, below is the text of a congratulatory message from Belize Governor-General Sir Colville Young to President-Elect Barack Obama. Original will be forwarded to S/ES-CR by pouch. 2. Begin text: The Honourable The President-Elect Barack Obama Washington DC United States of Ame [...] |
2008-11-12 14:59:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | OPDC PREL OVIP BH |
| 08BELMOPAN49 |
BELIZE RESPONSE TO UPDATE FOR DUBLIN GROUP MEETING [...] No summary [...] |
2008-01-24 22:34:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN503 |
FORMER BELIZE PM CHARGED WITH THEFT OF USD 10 MILLION [...] (U) Amidst cries from a small crowd shouting, "leave our daddy alone", Said Musa, former Prime Minister of Belize, entered the courtroom today to face a single charge of theft of USD 10 million alleged to have occurred in December 2007 (reftel). Over 40 police officers were dispatched to the s [...] |
2008-12-04 22:22:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN505 |
BELIZE: MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES ON LAND TITLES AND [...] (SBU) Summary: Charge and POLOFF met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega on December 3, 2008. Vega said he was working hard to eliminate the backlog of over 5,000 land transfer and title cases inherited from the previous government. He estimated it will t [...] |
2008-12-04 22:36:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EPET BH |
| 08BELMOPAN506 |
THE PUP DIVIDE: UPDATE ON THE OLD GUARD'S ANTICS [...] The People's United Party (PUP) has remained relatively quiet following its staggering defeat in the February general elections (ref A). Recently though, internecine struggles have resurfaced as former PMs Said Musa and George Price (sometimes referred to as the father of the nation) lent the [...] |
2008-12-05 21:16:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL PINR |
| 08BELMOPAN51 |
BELIZE OAS SANTA ROSA PROJECT UPDATE [...] On January 23, Poloff spoke with Sergio Benitez, the Deputy Director of the OAS closely working on the Santa Rosa relocation project in Belize. He stated that last week he received a special request from the GOB to expedite the completion of three of the remaining nine houses to February 4. [...] |
2008-01-25 16:35:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PBTS OAS GT BH |
| 08BELMOPAN517 |
BELIZEANS REACT STRONGLY TO THE SIGNING OF THE ICJ [...] (SBU) FM Wilfred Elrington returned home to a barrage of questions from the local press after the signing of the compromis in Washington, DC on Monday December 8, 2008. He and Belize's lead negotiator, Ambassador Fred Martinez, held a press conference immediately upon their return. Elrington [...] |
2008-12-15 15:01:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PBTS GT BH |
| 08BELMOPAN537 |
BELIZE DEMARCHE DELIVERED: IRANIAN ENTITIES DESIGNATION [...] Per reftel, designation information for Assa Corp. and Assa Co. Ltd. and associated press releases were delivered to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief Executive Officer Alexis Rosado, the Governor of the Central Bank Glenford Ysaguirre, and the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit Ge [...] |
2008-12-30 17:32:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | KNNP EFIN PARM IR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN55 |
BELIZE: ELECTION POLLS SUGGEST SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT [...] (SBU) Two recent polls suggest significantly different outcomes for the February 7 national elections in Belize. A survey by SPEAR, the Society for the Promotion of Education and Research, projects turnout close to 90%, and gives the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) the edge over the r [...] |
2008-01-31 20:33:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV BH |
| 08BELMOPAN57 |
BELIZE: SENATE REFERENDUM ADDS CONFUSION TO CAMPAIGN [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In addition to the national election on February 7, Belizeans will be asked to vote on whether they favor an elected Senate to replace the current appointed body. The government added the referendum to the general election ballot with no warning, in effect allowing only the 30 [...] |
2008-02-01 21:36:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV BH |
| 08BELMOPAN63 |
BELIZE: ELECTION COVERAGE PLAN [...] Summary: Post has prepared a plan to cover 22 of the 31 constituencies in Belize for the general elections taking place this Thursday, February 7, 2008 (reftel A). In total, 16 election observers from U.S. Embassy Belmopan will travel throughout the country. Each observation team is expecte [...] |
2008-02-06 19:29:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL ASEC BH |
| 08BELMOPAN64 |
BELIZE: ELECTION CAMPAIGN CONCLUDES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Observers of Belize's election campaign refer to issues of class and race to predict voting patterns but most agree that after ten years in power and numerous corruption scandals it will be difficult for the government to be reelected on February 7. The two major political [...] |
2008-02-06 20:21:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL SOCI BH |
| 08BELMOPAN65 |
BELIZE: ELECTION GENERALLY PROCEEDS SMOOTHLY [...] As of approximately 1600 local time (1700 Washington time) Belize's election is proceeding smoothly. The Embassy's 16 observers have visited dozens of polling stations throughout the country and have generally found officials well-organized and lines of voters moving smoothly. 2. There h [...] |
2008-02-07 22:20:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ASEC SOCI PREL BH |
| 08BELMOPAN74 |
BIO -- BELIZE PRIME MINISTER DEAN BARROW [...] Dean Oliver Barrow was elected Prime Minister of Belize on February 7, 2008. Following is his biography. Address as: Mr. Prime Minister, Prime Minister Barrow Full Title: The Honourable Dean Barrow DPOB: March 2, 1951, Belize City 2. Education: Barrow received his Bachelor of L [...] |
2008-02-11 14:05:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN8 |
BELIZE: GENERAL ELECTIONS FEBRUARY 7 [...] After months of rumors and speculation, Prime Minister Musa announced the day of general elections in Belize: Thursday, February 7, 2008. He also announced that a referendum regarding an elected Senate will take place on the same day. 2. Announcement of the election date was to some exten [...] |
2008-01-09 15:41:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN81 |
BIO -- BELIZE MINISTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY CARLOS T. [...] Carlos T. Perdomo was appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to cabinet on Monday, February 11, 2008. Following is his biography. Address as: The Honourable Carlos Perdomo, Mr. Minister, or Minister Perdomo POB: Belize 2. Education: Educated at St. John's College - a Jesuit educati [...] |
2008-02-13 21:27:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN82 |
BIO -- BELIZE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN [...] Wilfred Elrington was appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to cabinet on Monday, February 11, 2008. Following is his biography. To be addressed as: Mr. Minister or Minister Elrington More commonly known as: "Sedi" Elrington POB: Pickstock, Belize City, Belize 2. Education: S [...] |
2008-02-13 21:28:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN83 |
BIO -- BELIZE MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, COMMERCE, [...] Erwin Rafael Contreras was appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to cabinet on Monday, February 11, 2008. Following is his biography. Address as: Minister Contreras, Mr. Minister, Full Title: The Honorable Erwin Contreras DPOB: July 4, 1966; Cayo, Belize 2. Education: 1990-1993 [...] |
2008-02-13 22:23:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR PGOV BH |
| 08BELMOPAN88 |
BIO -- BELIZE SENIOR GOVERNMENT ADVISOR (MINISTERIAL RANK) [...] Dr. Manuel Esquivel was appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to the position of Senior Government Advisor with Ministerial Rank on Monday, February 11, 2008. Following is his biography. Address as: The Right Honourable Dr. MANUEL ESQUIVEL DPOB: May 2, 1940, Belize City 2. Educa [...] |
2008-02-14 20:08:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR PGOV BH |
| 08BELMOPAN93 |
(C) BELIZE: WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FROM THE BARROW [...] (C) SUMMARY: Based on his comments to us and his initial actions and appointments since taking office, we are hopeful that Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his newly-elected government will offer more opportunities to advance important bilateral issues than the previous government. Barrow's [...] |
2008-02-15 22:18:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EINV EPET PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN97 |
BIO -- BELIZE MINISTER OF HEALTH PABLO MARIN [...] Pablo Marin was appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to cabinet on Monday, February 11, 2008. Following is his biography. Address as: Mr. Minister, or Minister Marin Full Title: The Honorable Pablo Marin POB: Corozal, Belize 2. Education: Marin was educated at St. Francis Xavie [...] |
2008-02-20 21:36:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR BH |
| 08BELMOPAN99 |
BIO -- BELIZE MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CIVIL AVIATION [...] Manuel Heredia was appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to cabinet on Monday, February 11, 2008. Following is his biography. Address as: Minister Heredia, Mr. Minister Full Title: The Honorable Manuel Heredia, Jr. DPOB: San Pedro, Belize 2. Education: N/A 3. Career/ Emplo [...] |
2008-02-20 21:37:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR BH |
| 09BELMOPAN111 |
BELMOPAN - ANNUAL OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT [...] (U) Overall Crime and Safety Situation Crime throughout Belize continues to remain a problem and has steadily risen over the past two years. Major crimes in Belize (defined as murder, rape, robbery, burglary, theft and carnal knowledge) increased in 2008 by 8.1% from 2007. Most disturbing [...] |
2009-03-20 21:13:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC BH |
| 09BELMOPAN119 |
WHA/CEN DIRECTOR WEBSTER'S MEETINGS IN BELIZE [...] (U) SUMMARY: WHA/CEN Office Director Christopher Webster met with Belize government officials, a Hand in Hand Ministries official, and American Chamber of Commerce board members on March 5 and 6 to discuss bilateral and regional issues including security and the Merida Initiative, the Guatemal [...] |
2009-03-25 22:22:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV ECON OAS BH |
| 09BELMOPAN120 |
TOWARD MEANINGFUL REHABILITATION: HATTIEVILLE PRISON IN [...] (U) Summary. Hattieville Prison (also known as Belize Central Prison and the Kolbe Foundation) is Belize's only prison. With an inmate population of approximately 1,470--including men, women and youth, the prison provides on-site medical care, dental care via referrals, and mental health assess [...] |
2009-03-26 14:18:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 09BELMOPAN123 |
2009/2010 BUDGET FOR BELIZE INTRODUCES NEW FUEL TAX [...] On March 6, 2009, Prime Minister Dean Barrow presented his second budget for FY 2009/2010 to the National Assembly. After projections of a budget surplus in 2008/2009, the new budget will result in a deficit of 1.7% for the next fiscal year. This turnaround reflects an increase in the governm [...] |
2009-03-30 20:01:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN ETRD PGOV BH |
| 09BELMOPAN147 |
EMBASSY BELMOPAN: TERRORISM FINANCE COORDINATION [...] Name and contact information for Embassy Belmopan Terrorism Finance Coordination Officer (TFCO) and Deputy Terrorism Finance Coordination Officer (DTFCO) are below. TFCO until June 5, 2009 Susanne Kuester Acting Political/Economic Section Chief 501-822-4011 ext. 4113 kuestersg@state.gov k [...] |
2009-04-16 17:23:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | KTFN EFIN ETTC PTER |
| 09BELMOPAN164 |
BELIZE: EAC PREPARATION AND STATUS UPDATE FOR H1N1 FLU - [...] Summary: The EAC convened on April 28 to review the information known about the H1N1 flu virus outbreak, and to review post's Tripwires for Pandemic Flu. The EAC decided to restrict travel of American personnel and their families to neighboring Mexico and Guatemala until further notice as a [...] |
2009-04-30 17:47:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AEMR KFLU ASEC CASC AMGT BH |
| 09BELMOPAN171 |
BELIZE RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE: HONDURAN INITIATIVE [...] (U) CDA met with MFA CEO Ambassador Alexis Rosado on May 5 and delivered the subject demarche. CDA informed Rosado that WHA/CEN Office Director Christopher Webster had delivered the same demarche to Belizean Ambassador to the U.S. Nestor Mendez in the evening of May 4. 2. (C) Rosado sta [...] |
2009-05-05 22:13:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL OAS BH CU HO |
| 09BELMOPAN185 |
IDB 15 MM LOAN SUPPORTS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN BELIZE [...] The Inter-American Development Bank signed a loan agreement with the GOB on April 27 to provide USD 13.3 million (BZD 26.6 million) to expand the tourism industry in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The Ministry of Tourism and the Belize Tourism Board as acting agencies will [...] |
2009-05-14 21:55:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EFIN BH |
| 09BELMOPAN186 |
USG FUNDED CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE OPENS [...] On May 7, 2009 the Serpon Sugar Mill Archaeological Reserve officially opened. CDA J.A. Diffily and Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia cut the ribbon to commemorate the event. The event received wide TV coverage. This milestone sees the realization of a restoration project that was made pos [...] |
2009-05-14 21:55:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OEXC SCUL BH |
| 09BELMOPAN200 |
BELIZE DEMARCHE DELIVERED: DESIGNATION OF DPRK [...] Poloff delivered reftel nonpaper to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Desk Officer on May 19 and the Financial Intelligence Unit Director on May 20. Post will report any substantive response. FEATHERSTONE [...] |
2009-05-21 19:57:00 | Embassy Belmopan | SECRET | EFIN ETTC PREL PARM KNNP BH |
| 09BELMOPAN206 |
EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE MISSES BELIZE [...] On May 28, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Honduras, followed by a 4.8 magnitude aftershock. While the earthquake was felt in Belize, only minor shaking was experienced. No major damage has been reported by the Government of Belize, and only minor damage has been observed b [...] |
2009-05-28 22:16:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | SOCI REF EAID AEMR BH |
| 09BELMOPAN229 |
BELIZE'S MONEY-GRAM MONEY LAUNDERING INVESTIGATIONS [...] Recent GOB investigations into money laundering operations conducted through a MoneyGram sub-agency in Belize have revealed identity theft through the fraudulent use of the Belize City Council's drivers license database during the period October 2007 to December 2008. 2. Money Exchange In [...] |
2009-06-11 20:53:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR EFIN EINV BH |
| 09BELMOPAN238 |
CHIEF JUSTICE QUASHES CASE AGAINST FORMER PRIME MINISTER [...] No summary [...] |
2009-06-25 21:59:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON PREL EFIN BH |
| 09BELMOPAN25 |
BELIZE FAREWELL CALLS TO FM AND PM: UNUSUAL [...] (C) Summary. During a candid farewell call with the Ambassador, the Foreign Minister/Attorney General (FM) stated that both he and the Prime Minister (PM) were unhappy with the performance of the Chief Justice (CJ). The FM also mentioned that he was certain the former Prime Minister and for [...] |
2009-01-21 22:38:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR BH |
| 09BELMOPAN258 |
BELIZE CONDEMNS THE REMOVAL OF HONDURAS' PRESIDENT ZELAYA [...] The GoB on 29 June 2009 issued a press release condemning the actions of the military in Honduras, which led to the forceful removal of Honduras' President Jose Manuel Zelaya. In so doing, the Government of Belize also refused to accept the installation of Roberto Micheletti by the Congress as [...] |
2009-06-30 22:00:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PINR PREL KDEM HO BH |
| 09BELMOPAN277 |
RESPONSE TO BIENNIAL CARIBBEAN BASIN INVESTMENT SURVEY [...] Post has relied on the Statistical Institute of Belize and the quasi-governmental Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) for information related to investment incentives granted to Belizean exporters under the Caribbean Basin Initiative. 2. The Belize Fiscal Incentive A [...] |
2009-07-15 21:31:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECON OTRA BH |
| 09BELMOPAN298 |
DENGUE OUTBREAK [...] Summary: Belize is experiencing an upsurge in cases of dengue fever with about 200 clinically-diagnosed cases in the last two months. The health authorities in the adjacent Mexican state of Quintana Roo (QR) are providing the GOB assistance to control the outbreak. End Summary. 2. The [...] |
2009-07-31 21:50:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL SOCI BH |
| 09BELMOPAN299 |
SUPPLY OF ELECTRICAL POWER IN BELIZE [...] Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), whose major shareholder is Fortis Inc. of Canada, is Belize's primary distributor of electricity. Since the beginning of the year, regulatory conflicts with the Public Utilities Commission continue to dominate BEL's focus. More recently, a shortage of supply [...] |
2009-07-31 21:51:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG ECON EINV BH |
| 09BELMOPAN305 |
CCJ MAY BECOME BELIZE'S FINAL APPELLATE COURT [...] On June 19, 2009, Prime Minister Dean Barrow proposed a bill to the House of Representatives for a constitutional amendment that would replace the Privy Council in London as the final appellate court for Belize with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). This proposal is in keeping with the obl [...] |
2009-08-05 15:44:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV XL BH |
| 09BELMOPAN314 |
CITRUS GREENING THREATENS BELIZE'S CITRUS INDUSTRY [...] In May 2009, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) confirmed the presence of citrus greening in Belize. This disease represents a serious threat to an industry which significantly contributes to the Belizean economy in terms of foreign exchange earnings and employment in the rural s [...] |
2009-08-11 20:22:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON BEXP EAGR PGOV BH |
| 09BELMOPAN320 |
EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT FUND ACTIVITIES IN BELIZE: SUGAR, BANANAS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT [...] Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi Alemanni, the Head of the European Commission's (EC) Delegation to Belize, visited Belize from 20th to 24th July 2009 to promote several European Development Fund initiatives. More than Euro 46 million has been allocated to assist rural Belizean agricultural communi [...] |
2009-08-21 16:50:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | EUN BH PGOV PREL |
| 09BELMOPAN332 |
GOB ASSUMES CONTROL OF BELIZE TELEMEDIA LIMITED [...] On August 24, Prime Minister Dean Barrow first introduced the Belize Telecommunications Amendment Bill to the House of Representatives. The Bill was passed and certified by the Governor General August 25th. This Bill allows the Government of Belize to nationalize one of the largest private en [...] |
2009-09-04 20:17:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EIND EINV BH |
| 09BELMOPAN348 |
BELIZE FM MEETS WITH NEW AMBASSADOR [...] AMB and DCM called on FM Wilfred Elrington on September 17, immediately in advance of AMB's presentation of credentials to the Governor General, Sir Colville Young. Ambassador Adalbert Tucker, Director for Foreign Trade and Alfonso Gahona, Office Director for the Americas were also present. [...] |
2009-09-18 22:28:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL BH |
| 09BELMOPAN349 |
BELIZE PM MEETS WITH NEW AMBASSADOR [...] AMB and DCM met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow immediately after AMB presented his credentials to the Governor General on September 17. Barrow said the bilateral relationship is good and he has no complaints. On the business side, our relations are proceeding well. He very much appreciates [...] |
2009-09-22 22:08:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL BH |
| 09BELMOPAN370 |
THE BELIZE MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM [...] Summary. In Belize, mental health services are provided to citizens and residents through the Belize Mental Health Program (BMHP), which is coordinated and supervised by the Ministry of Health. The system is newly emerging, serves approximately 15,000 patients, and had its own approved, gover [...] |
2009-10-06 17:22:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 09BELMOPAN391 |
BELIZE DEMARCHE DELIVERED: 64TH UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THIRD [...] (U) Post delivered reftel points to GOB MFA North American Desk Officer Ayesha Borland on October 26. 2. (U) Ms. Borland reported that there would be no change from Belize's position in past votes regarding the resolutions on Iran, Burma and DPRK and indicated that Belize's positions on thes [...] |
2009-10-27 13:05:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV BH PREL |
| 09BELMOPAN400 |
FRAUD SUMMARY - BELMOPAN [...] Per Reftel B, U.S. Embassy Belmopan provides the following information for the period March, 2009 - September, 2009: a. COUNTRY CONDITIONS: Fraud encountered during visa and American Citizen Services interviews remains at moderately low levels. Post saw a slight increase in NIV fraud. Be [...] |
2009-10-30 21:35:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | KFRD CVIS CPAS CMGT ASEC KCRM BH |
| 09BELMOPAN407 |
SHAKE UP IN THE PEOPLE'S UNITED PARTY [...] John Briceo, leader of the People's United Party (PUP) has recently proposed changes to Senators representing the opposition and to the party's executive committee. The expanded membership has been justified as a measure to bridge the division that has permeated the party since his assumption [...] |
2009-11-05 16:25:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL BH |
| 09BELMOPAN411 |
FINANCIAL WOES AT THE BELIZE CITY COUNCIL [...] During the last week of September, the Belize City Council (CitCo) became embroiled in two financial and political crises. These situations have emanated from charges levied against the Mayor and members of the financial staff, and from demonstrations by workers and sanitation companies for pa [...] |
2009-11-06 19:10:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV BH |
| 09BELMOPAN421 |
BELIZE RESPONSE FOR 2009 TIP INTERIM ASSESSMENT [...] Summary. Although the issue of addressing trafficking in persons is given support from the highest levels of the Government of Belize (GoB) and Belizean Anti-Trafficking in Persons Committee (the Committee), continues to meet monthly, there is limited progress to report for the interim period [...] |
2009-11-12 20:17:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | KCRM KTIP KWMN PGOV PHUM SMIG BH |
| 09BELMOPAN424 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: U.S. CANDIDACY FOR THE INTERNATIONAL [...] Poloff delivered reftel demarche and diplomatic note on USG candidacy for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council to Ayesha Borland, Western Hemisphere Desk Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 17. Director of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs [...] |
2009-11-17 19:49:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC IMO EWWT PHSA UK BH |
| 09BELMOPAN425 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: U.S. CANDIDACY FOR THE WORLD HEALTH [...] No summary [...] |
2009-11-17 19:49:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC PREL TBIO EAID WHO BH |
| 09BELMOPAN443 |
Demarche Delivered: Opposing UNGA Resolutions with [...] (U) Per reftel, on November 24 PolOff delivered demarche to Government of Belize (GoB)'s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Americas Desk Officer Ayesha Borland. Regarding opposition to UNGA resolutions with anti-Israeli bias, Ms. Borland informed PolOff that the GoB had discussed the issue and woul [...] |
2009-11-25 14:57:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL UNGA KPAL IS BH |
| 09BELMOPAN444 |
Demarche Delivered: Opposing UNGA Resolutions with [...] (U) Per reftel, on November 24 PolOff delivered demarche to Government of Belize (GoB)'s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Americas Desk Officer Ayesha Borland. Regarding opposition to UNGA resolutions with anti-Israeli bias, Ms. Borland informed PolOff that the GoB had discussed the issue and woul [...] |
2009-11-25 14:57:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL UNGA KPAL IS BH |
| 09BELMOPAN45 |
BELIZE: CHILD LABOR INFORMATION FOR TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT [...] Per reftel, Post submits its updated report on child labor information for Belize for USDOL's use in preparing its congressionally-mandated report on child labor as required by the Trade Development Act of 2000. ------- Summary ------- 2. Child labor does exist in Belize but is not co [...] |
2009-01-30 20:46:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB EIND ETRD PHUM SOCI BH |
| 09BELMOPAN463 |
Demarche Delivered on "Defamation of Religions" [...] No summary [...] |
2009-12-08 17:07:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM UN UNGA BH |
| 09BELMOPAN485 |
ZABANEH FAMILY PURCHASES PRIVATE UNIVERSITY [...] (C) SUMMARY: In December 2009, Dr. Louis Zabaneh stunned the Belizean education community with his surprise acquisition of Galen University. The Zabaneh family is purportedly involved in a number of illicit activities including money laundering and drug smuggling. Over the last year, the [...] |
2009-12-22 17:43:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINR SOCI BH |
| 09BELMOPAN486 |
AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH GOB ABOUT BTL NATIONALIZATION [...] (C) Summary: On December 15 the Ambassador, DCM, and Econoff met with Financial Secretary Joseph Waight and Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) board member Alan Slusher. Waight and Slusher provided valuable information about the state of the economy, as well as information about the lead up to t [...] |
2009-12-22 22:39:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV BH |
| 09BELMOPAN49 |
BELIZE: COURTESY CALL ON FM WILFRED ELRINGTON [...] The CDA and PolOff met with FM Wilfred Elrington on January 27 to assure him that despite the expected gap between Ambassadors, there would be no diminution in the relationship or the range of exchanges between the GOB and the USG. Elrington said he understood and expected to carry on business [...] |
2009-02-02 17:44:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 09BELMOPAN50 |
CANE FARMERS' STRIKE THREATENS SUGAR INDUSTRY [...] On January 27, 2009, the Belize Cane Farmers Association initiated a general strike. The decision followed a one-day strike in which the cane farmers refused to deliver their cane to the factory at Tower Hill for processing. The controversy was caused by the introduction of a core sampler, a [...] |
2009-02-02 22:10:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON PGOV ETRD PREL |
| 09BELMOPAN57 |
FORMER PRIME MINISTER TO STAND TRIAL FOR THEFT [...] On February 10, 2009, Magistrate Earl Jones of the Municipal Court in Belmopan handed down a judgment finding that enough evidence had been submitted against former Prime Minister Said Musa for a prima facie case to be heard. As a result he ordered that Musa stand trial in the Supreme Court on [...] |
2009-02-11 16:37:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON PREL BH |
| 09BELMOPAN66 |
BELIZE - NINTH ANNUAL TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (TIP) REPORT [...] (U) Responses are keyed to reporting questions in (paras 23-25) in ref A. --------------------------- The Country's TIP Situation --------------------------- 23A. (SBU) Belize is a transit and destination country for internationally trafficked men, women, and children. Trafficking oc [...] |
2009-02-19 21:39:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KTIP ELAB KCRM KFRD KWMN PGOV PREF SMIG BH |
| 09BELMOPAN80 |
PREVIEWING BELIZE'S MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2009: UDP LIKELY [...] Summary: After a landslide victory in the 2008 general elections, the United Democratic Party (UDP) is now preparing for the 2009 municipal elections amidst criticism for lacking a clear policy agenda and a weakened economy. The new Peoples United Party(PUP) leadership has declared its deter [...] |
2009-02-27 21:54:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PINS SOCI BH |
| 09BELMOPAN83 |
BELIZE: 2009 SPECIAL 301 REVIEW [...] (SBU) Belize was removed from the Special 301 Watchlist in 2008, but concerns remain in enforcement of IPR laws and prosecution of offenders. 2. (U) Belize and IPR Laws and Conventions: Belize has fulfilled its obligation under the World Trade Organization (WTO) to implement the Agreement o [...] |
2009-03-03 17:48:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV ETRD KIPR BH |
| 09BELMOPAN87 |
LOW VOTER TURNOUT AS BELIZEANS GO TO THE POLLS FOR [...] Summary. Embassy observers visited the Belize City, Orange Walk, and Belmopan districts to observe the municipal elections today. These district elections were generally well-organized and calm, and media reports indicate the mood was similar throughout the country. Voter turnout has been e [...] |
2009-03-04 22:44:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL ASEC SOCI BH |
| 09BELMOPAN88 |
BELIZEAN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS: LOW VOTER TURNOUT FAVORED [...] Belize's March 4th municipal election resulted in another landslide victory for the incumbent United Democratic Party (UDP). The UDP won 61 of 64 contested seats. All elected mayors were from the UDP party, including in the Toledo District where the previous mayor was from the People's United [...] |
2009-03-05 22:23:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL ASEC SOCI |
| 09BELMOPAN92 |
GRENADE ATTACK AT THE RESIDENCE OF BELIZE'S [...] (U) On Tuesday, March 3, 2009, the residence of Gregory Gibson, Belize,s Comptroller of Customs, was targeted by unknown assailant(s) who threw a grenade onto the third floor balcony. Comptroller Gibson currently resides at #2 Signa Street, Belama, Phase 1, Belize City. The incident occurred [...] |
2009-03-11 21:30:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | ASEC PTER PINR HO BH |
| 09BELMOPAN97 |
CABINET RESHUFFLE OR POLITICAL PAYBACK? [...] Summary: Less than one week after the incumbent United Democratic Party (UDP) won a landslide victory in municipal elections, the Prime Minister (PM) has reshuffled his cabinet. These changes involve the removal of one Minister -- Marcel Cardona, changed portfolios for three more, and the rest [...] |
2009-03-13 17:14:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL PINR BH |
| 10BELMOPAN104 |
UDP GOVERNMENT'S SECOND ANNIVERSARY BRINGS BUDGET SHORTFALLS [...] (U) SUMMARY: On February 9 the Prime Minister held his quarterly press conference in Belize City. The main issues discussed were his Government's successes, social assistance programs, the economy, and crime and security. The PM also answered an onslaught of questions from the media, includi [...] |
2010-02-24 15:07:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PINS SOCI ECON BTIO BH |
| 10BELMOPAN53 |
OPENING OF THE 2010 SUPREME COURT SESSION [...] SUMMARY: On January 18, 2010, the formal opening of the Supreme Court was marked by a church ceremony and addresses delivered by Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh (CJ) and Attorney General and Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington (AG). In their statements, the CJ and AG sought to end tensions from 200 [...] |
2010-02-01 22:21:00 | Embassy Belmopan | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV BH |
| 10BELMOPAN55 |
BELIZEAN PUBLIC IN AN UPROAR OVER FOREIGN [...] (U) SUMMARY: A comment made by Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington following a meeting at the Organization of American States (OAS) has stirred widespread discontent among Belizean nationalists, NGO,s, and political leaders. Elrington was quoted as describing Belize,s border with Guatemala as [...] |
2010-02-02 20:40:00 | Embassy Belmopan | CONFIDENTIAL | PBTS PGOV PREL OAS BH GT |