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Belize and the United States are set to officially launch a new Biometric Data Sharing Program aimed at strengthening border security and improving migration management. The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, launched the program this morning at the Ministry of Immigration in Belmopan. The initiative is a partnership between the U.S. Government and the Government of Belize. Minister of Home Affairs spoke on the role of the police in this biometric program.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration: “What this means for migration and what this means for border security and national security is groundbreaking because many might not know but whenever a traveler enters the country there are screening processes that take place. Of course there is the initial screening process followed by what could be described as a very lengthy secondary process in the event an individual is providing misleading information as it relates to their travel documents or their travel purpose. And so this will certainly expedite that process because now we’re going to be tapping into international database regarding a particular individual, like I said, who is or may be subjected to secondary screening. So we’re truly grateful for this level of partnership that we have with the United States because this is certainly going to enhance our migration and border security. So it’s already being used at some of our border points. There is a training that will take place as we roll out the infrastructure as well to all our border points. And so we can expect fully uploaded, I would say, within the next two to three months. It is also worth noting that this BDSP is something that is already within our region. Belize is not the first country to do this in conjunction with the United States of America. There is also Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica that have subscribed to this and that, of course, it has enhanced their migration in their country.”
The ceremony was attended by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Katharine Beamer, Minister of Immigration Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs Oscar Mira, and other senior government officials. The Biometric Data Sharing Program is designed to enhance border security and public safety through the responsible use of biometric technology at airports and border entry points. Officials say it will also improve migration management and help authorities better identify persons entering and exiting the country. Minister Musa says the program represents an important step in strengthening Belize’s border controls while working closely with international partners.
Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs: “Know who you are. So this is about identity, this is about people that come to Belize sometimes with fraudulent passports and we have no idea who they are. This will enable us to ensure that we verify your identity. But it’s not only at the border points. So the Mobile Interdiction Unit will be moving around Belize and they can and will stop personnel and identify them if they have passed the border points already and we have several areas along the borders that are porous, that we cannot control and in those areas the Mobile Interdiction Unit is going to make sure that they identify these people. So our involvement through the Belize Police Department will be through the Mobile Interdiction Unit and that unit will be specialized unit that is going to be not at the entry points but moving around the country. So the Mobile Interdiction Unit is going to be vetted, we are going to ensure that the officers that are assigned to that unit are voted officers and that they pass all scrutiny.”
The U.S. Embassy notes that the program will support safer and more efficient border operations, as both countries continue to collaborate on regional security and migration challenges.
English (US) ·