By Jennifer Peirce In recent years, the “mano dura” strategy of widespread imprisonment has been popular among many political leaders. Now, in the face of evidence that it has not reduced violence levels, some governments are taking a different tack. This is the case in Belize, a small country of only about 350,000 residents and an unusual vulnerability to natural … [Read more...] about How Belize Can Reduce Crime by Investing More in At-Risk-Youth
Belize
Belize is Raising the Bar
By John Primo The IDB is Leading Procurement Initiatives to Increase Transparency. Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, citizens nowadays are demanding greater transparency in government activities, improved public services, more effective national institutions, and an efficient use of state resources. Governments spend a significant portion of their resources on … [Read more...] about Belize is Raising the Bar
Recycling for a better life
Recyclers at Mile 3 Transfer Station, November 2014 A feeling of sadness ran through me as Carmelita told me about her life growing up in the “jungle”. The “jungle” as Belize City residents would know, was the old unsightly dumpsite at mile 3 on the George Price Highway that used to overwhelm the outskirts of Belize City with a horrible stench. Prior to the Solid Waste … [Read more...] about Recycling for a better life
Turning Caribbean Islands into “Climate Smart Islands”
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Author, dfaulder As a climate change adaptation consultant living and working in a small island developing State like Jamaica, I would like to reflect about some particular challenges that SIDS are facing today when it comes to sustainable development. The truth is that small islands by no means are facing small … [Read more...] about Turning Caribbean Islands into “Climate Smart Islands”
Welcome to Belize’s Cayo District
(with contributions from Sybille Nuenninghoff and Jacqueline Dragone) While Belize inhabits just a small corner of Central America, it boasts a diverse natural landscape and a rich culture with roots firmly planted in both the Caribbean as well as the intriguing history of the Mayan world. The Cayo District, located in western Belize, in particular, hosts a myriad of natural … [Read more...] about Welcome to Belize’s Cayo District