TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS IN BELIZE - OAS

the diversity of the population is very wide: during some years the majority of
the population spoke English and their ancestors came from Africa; later on and
until now an important Spanish speaking mixed races group has emerged; there
are native Mayas, garifunas and minorities from Europe, India, China and
Arabic countries.
Belize is a multi-ethnic society that, as such, has a prolific and mixed culture
where surprising differences can be appreciated in its language, music and
gastronomy. The diversity isn’t only cultural, it is also geographical, with an
extended plain full of rivers and marshy waters in the north and, in the south,
the Maya mountains and a coast protected by one of the longest reefs in the
world. This diverse landscape brings infinite productive and trade opportunities.
Tourism, of course, is one of the main activities in the country.
With such a multi-ethnic population living in a country that got its independence
not so long ago, it is no miracle that one of the books used at school is called
“Belize: a nation in the making”. And it is true that they are building up their
identity. It’s not an easy task considering that only some years ago they were
part of the United Kingdom and, last but not least, they are very near the United
States, an economic and cultural giant that is very attractive for the population.
Brain drain is an increasing issue because young professionals seeking for
better salaries leave their country towards the United States, the main
commerce partner of Belize. Estimates state that 65.000 Belizeans live in the
States. What does it mean to be a Belizean? It is an open question that must be
addressed from that diverse reality that includes migration flaw and population
on the move. “Defining what it means to be a Belizean is not easy, and it can
tend to increase social tensions. The debate still continues over whether Belize
is a Central American or a Caribbean nation. But even more immediate has
been the question of who is the true Belizean –the English or the Spanish
speaker, the Belize City resident or the immigrant orange picker in Stann
Creek? In a multi-ethnic, multilingual nation, however, there can be no single
unifying culture, Belize is a potpourri. There can be a national bird or plant, but
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