Belize Tightens Free Zone Security in ‘Northern Fortress’

Tonight, we’re back at the northern border, where concern over the Corozal Free Zone’s security has shifted from whispers to urgency. The government says it’s tightening controls and working more closely with Mexico, an eight‑million-dollar push branded “Operation Northern Fortress”, to keep organized crime from exploiting the zone. On the water, the Belize Coast Guard has ramped up patrols along the Rio Hondo, recently seizing illicit cargo staged outside the Free Zone’s perimeter, believed to be bound for Mexico, even as they caution they couldn’t confirm which network was behind it. To sharpen the response, the Prime Minister merged Enterprise with Home Affairs, putting Minister Oscar Mira on point; he’s pledged to brief with Free Zone leadership and ensure businesses can operate “without fear.” Against that backdrop, today’s handover is meant to turn strategy into action. C.E.O. Neri Ramirez says after completing the new Santa Elena/Corozal Free Zone Access Road, built to improve safety, traffic flow, and efficiency, the zone is now adding two security assets: an ATV for the Belize Police Department to boost patrols inside the zone and along the border, and a house to serve as a B.D.F. headquarters. But as Minister Mira reminds us, this is more than a photo‑op.

 

Nery Ramirez, C.E.O., Corozal Free Zone

“Today, we gather to celebrate yet another significant accomplishment for our border community. First, we successfully constructed the new Santa Elena/Corozal Free Zone Road, a development that greatly improved the safety, traffic flow, and overall efficiency. And now, we are proudly adding new security assets that will further strengthen the safety and operations at this important entry point. This morning, we officially present an ATV to the Belize Police Department enabling officers to conduct more frequent and efficient, and effective patrols throughout the Corozal Free Zone and the border area. In addition, we are providing a house to serve as a headquarters for the Belize Defense Force personnel stationed here. The ATV was generously donated by the Corozal Free Zone investors at a value of thirty-nine thousand, eight hundred and thirteen dollars and eighteen cents.”

 

Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs & Enterprise

“It is much more than just the handing over of two assets, it is about how we respond together when our security is threatened and I can go and cite many instances where the security of the Free Zone has been breached. We have seen the risk to businesses, to officers and to ordinary citizens, and these are not simple issues, they are real worries for the people who work and invest in the Free Zone. And it was in the bimonthly interagency meetings where customs, immigration, police, BDF, BAHA, and the Free Zone management and others sat together that this reality was made. Around that table, we spoke plainly about the challenges and from those honest conversations came practical solutions.”