BELMOPAN – Belize has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the United States, setting the stage for a Biometric Data Sharing Partnership (BDSP).
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration Minister, Francis Fonseca, who signed the agreement with Kristi Noem, the Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, said the objective of the new partnership is to enhance border security and public safety through the sharing of information.
“The foundation for this MOC is the Letter of Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Merida Initiative, which sought security cooperation among the United States, Mexico and the countries of Central America to combat the threats of drug trafficking, transnational organised crime, and money laundering,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It said the key implementing agencies are the Police Department and the Department of Border Management and Immigration Services.
“Data sharing will improve the ability to make informed decisions, detect criminality and assess risk while facilitating lawful international travel and migration. These agencies will be able to access information on known or suspected terrorists, deported felons, smugglers, gang members, alerts, watchlists and other derogatory indicators.”
The ministry said that personal data is protected and cannot be transferred to a third party and that the MOC is governed by the laws of Belize, and all Belizeans continue to enjoy the protection of the Constitution and other relevant national legislation.
“There is no connection between the proposed National ID and this Memorandum of Cooperation.
“Although a small nation, Belize is not immune to organised, transnational crime, as has been seen from the international trade of drugs, contraband, and people, as well as the presence of foreign criminals in the country. The MOC on the BDSP now strengthens national capacity and further reinforces joint efforts to make the entire region safer and more prosperous for all citizens,” the ministry noted. (CMC)
