What does the US want in return for US$125  million?

It’s the question Belizeans keep asking about the US$125 million Millennium Challenge Compact: what’s the catch?

MCC Country Director Jenner Edelman was asked the question directly during today’s episode of Open Your Eyes. Her answer leaned on decades of partnership rather than any hidden condition.

“Belize and the US have been longstanding partners,” Edelman said. “We have enjoyed a close bilateral partnership for many, many decades now. We share very close economic ties. We’re your number one trading partner.”

She pointed to tourism as evidence of that relationship as she cited that hundreds of thousands of Americans visit Belize every year. “We share extensive people-to-people connections,” she said, adding that shared security interests and development priorities also underpin the deal.

“So from our perspective, what’s good for Belize is good for the American people as well. Investing in energy, skills, and workforce development also helps the American people,” Edelman added. 

According to Edelman, this compact is an extension of a trading and security relationship already decades old.