Belize and U.S. Modernizes Borders with Biometric Data Tech

Security at Belize’s international gateways is getting a high-tech upgrade as the government officially rolls out a new biometric screening system in partnership with the United States. Travelers entering the country will now undergo facial recognition and fingerprint scanning under the newly launched Biometric Data Sharing Program. Designed to tighten border security and streamline migration management, the technology is being deployed at all major airports and strategic land border crossings. News Five’s Britney Gordon has more details on the event.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Belize is stepping up its border security with cutting-edge technology. A brand-new Biometric Data Sharing Program, launched in partnership with the United States, is now in effect. So, if you’re traveling through Belize’s airports, expect fingerprint and facial recognition scanners at checkpoints. The goal is to stop fraudulent documents and flag anyone who could pose a threat to public safety before they even enter the country. Immigration Minister Kareem Musa says this upgrade is a big boost to Belize’s security protocols.

 

Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration

“What this means for migration and what this means for border security and national security is groundbreaking because many might not know, but whenever a traveler in enters the country. There are screening processes that take place. Of course, there is the initial screening process followed by what could be described as a very lengthy secondary process. In the event an individual is providing misleading information as it relates to their. Travel documents or their travel purposes.”

 

And so this will certainly expedite that process because now we’re going to be tapping into international database regarding a particular individual, like I said, who is or maybe subjected to secondary screening.  Belizean officials are also being trained to utilize the technology, which is expected to be rolled out across Belize’s borders within the next two months.

 

Katherine Beamer, Charge D’affaires, U.S. Embassy

“Today’s event marks the formal handover of approximately two hundred and fifty thousand US dollars in biometric data security partnership funded by the US State Department’s Bureau of INL. And this milestone continues the enduring partnership between the US Department of Homeland Security and Belize’s Ministry of Immigration, as well as other key agencies through the BDSP. We are not only sharing critical biometric data to bolster the safety of Belize in the United States, but most importantly, we are exchanging expertise, building capacity, and promoting best practices in border security. So the software that you see and the hardware over here is just one piece of the story, this is the beginning of a long partnership between Belize and the United States.”

 

Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira also expressed strong support for introducing these tools, saying they will give law enforcement greater power to track potential threats and respond more effectively.

 

Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs

“Our involvement through the Belize Police Department will be through the a mobile interdiction unit, and that unit will be a specialized. The unit that is going to be not  at the entry points but moving around the country. So the mobile interdiction unit is going to be vetted. We’re going to ensure that the officers that are assigned to that unit are vetted officers and that they pass all scrutiny.”

 

Musa also addressed privacy concerns, assuring Belizeans that the technology works to keep the nation safe rather than compromising their personal data.

 

Kareem Musa

“II think it is oftentimes something that Belizean are worried about. But in fact, if  you are a Belizean National, you actually have nothing to worry about coming into Belize because we have all your information already. This is for international travelers who are providing an international passport that may be fraudulent or a travel document that may be fraudulent or criminal enterprises entering our country for nefarious activities. And so this is more catered towards them. Like I said this is something that is a secondary screening and so not everyone is going to be subjected to this. It is only if you’re providing misleading information or if an immigration officer is suspicious.”

 

Belize now joins regional partners like Mexico and Panama in adopting Biometric Data Sharing Program technology. Britney Gordon for News Five.