Border Meeting Draws Criticism for Ignoring Narco Concerns

Belize and Quintana Roo officials from Mexico met on Wednesday in the Corozal Free Zone to talk business, borders and better cooperation.

The talks covered several big topics, including how both countries can tackle gender-based violence, deal with worsening beach erosion in the Chetumal Bay, improve coordination on joint projects, and even introduce a special border pass for residents of Mexico’s five southern states who regularly travel to Belize.

Both sides also agreed to update two major agreements that guide economic cooperation, including one that governs how Belize and Chetumal work together through the Corozal Free Zone.

Mexican officials said Belize’s ports could actually help businesses in southern Quintana Roo save money when shipping goods. They also discussed how working more closely with Belize could open doors to CARICOM markets, especially for producers looking to expand.

Belize’s delegation included Minister Thea Ramirez, CEO Narda Garcia, CEO Tanya Santos, Ambassador Oscar Arnold, CEO Neri Ramirez from the Corozal Free Zone, BELTRAIDE’s Executive Director Ishmael Quiroz, Director Lincoln Blake, Director Dayna Blades, Director Lawrence Thompson, and other government officials.

But while officials talked trade and cooperation, Belizeans online had a very different focus. Some questioned why there was no mention of narco-related threats, especially with recent tensions. One such incident involved a well-known Corozal Free Zone businessman who survived what appeared to be an execution attempt on the George Price Highway, allegedly linked to the Mexican cartel.

One person asked, “Nothing about Narco Terrorism. No Police Representation?” Others took aim at the delegation itself, wondering whether the right people were even at the table. Responding to concerns about narco activity, another commenter wrote, “nada. That is the most pressing issue at this time. It was a family trip, basically.”