Belize Airport Authority Opens New Bidding for Security Contracts

The Belize Airport Authority (BAA) has issued an invitation for bids for the provision of security services at the country’s local aerodromes.  The move comes after the BAA announced the cancellation of two controversial contracts with Four Diamond Security Limited and I-Security Limited earlier this year.  The previous contracts, valued at a combined $28.5 million, had come under intense public scrutiny and media criticism after reports revealed that proper tendering procedures were not followed in their awarding. A subsequent investigation by the newly appointed BAA Board of Directors confirmed that the contracts had been awarded without adhering to standard procurement practices.  In a statement, the BAA confirmed that it had amicably secured deeds of release from both companies, formally concluding all previous contractual obligations. The Authority has stressed its commitment to transparency and adherence to due process in this new tendering process.  The invitation for bids is a key step in the BAA’s “forward-looking security strategy” aimed at ensuring Belize’s airports meet the highest international standards. The new contract will cover security services at local airports, which have been operating under temporary arrangements since the suspension of the previous contracts.  The BAA has not yet disclosed the full details of the bidding requirements or the timeline for the contract award, but it is expected that the new process will be open and competitive to ensure the selection of a qualified and experienced security provider. The Authority has assured the public that operations at all aerodromes will continue seamlessly during this transition.