Belize’s Tourism Image at Risk? This is the Death Index No One Looks At
Belize may look like paradise to some tourists, but that very same image may be tarnished by the death toll on the country’s highways.
“When countries look at other countries for tourism purposes, one of the things they look at is the death index. Often times we think that only murders count. But it’s beyond murders. When you look at the death index, we look at every category of death. And in particular murders and those that occur in road accidents,” said Ministry of Transportation CEO Chester Williams on Monday.
He added, “So it is imperative for us as a government and respective departments to make sure we do our best to collaborate with each other to be able to enhance road safety.”
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The Department of Transport launched its Inter-Agency Traffic Enforcement Capacity Building Programme in Belmopan on Monday. Chief Transport Officer Leon Gentle said the week-long programme is divided into five modules covering traffic wardens’ powers of arrest, updated DUI legislation, report writing, certified motorcycle helmet standards, breathalyser training, electronic evidence, body cameras, dash cameras and case file preparation.
Williams also revealed that Belize has now adopted five motorcycle helmet standards approved by the Bureau of Standards, which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture. He said that the move followed international research showing that more than 60% of motorcycle fatalities involved riders who were not wearing helmets, while over 30% of those who were wore uncertified helmets.
However, Williams added that the standards cannot be enforced until public consultations are completed and the regulations are brought into law.
Meanwhile, Belize Automobile Touring Association’s Gloria Murga said the programme is ultimately about one goal: saving lives. She said, “Our main call is for us to have people out there to ensure that they follow the rules and regulations that are established by the country of Belize and by the government. We want to have everyone out there to be able to survive.”