2009 Press Releases
Belize Benefits from the Merida Initiative (January 7, 2009)
President Bush signed legislation on June 30, 2008 approving funding for the first year of the Merida Initiative.
The Merida Initiative is a partnership between the governments of the United States of America, Mexico, and Central America to confront the violent national and transnational gangs and organized criminal and narcotics trafficking organizations that plague the region.
The project provides equipment and training in support of law enforcement operations and technical assistance to promote the long-term reform, oversight and advancement of the security agencies. The United States Congress approved an initial US$ 400 million for Mexico and US$ 65 million for Central America, the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
“This multi- year program demonstrates the United States’ commitment to work in partnership with our neighbors to confront criminal organizations whose illicit actions undermine public safety, erode the rule of law, and threatens the national security of the United States,” says U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter.
Total direct funding for Belize is US$ 1,495,907. Belize will also benefit from several regional educational exchange and other social programs under the Initiative.
The funding will support the following programs: Central American Fingerprint Exchange, Improved Policing/Police Equipment, Improved Prison Management, Stockpile of Weapons Management, Drug Crime Sharing Information Program, Improved Border Inspection and Educational Exchanges including the Community College Initiative and Summer Institutes.