US Chargé d’Affaires Goes To Jalacte

Southern Belize hosted a high-level diplomatic visit this week as U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Katharine Beamer toured key sites in the region to strengthen economic and security cooperation between the United States and Belize.

Beamer visited the Port of Big Creek, a vital gateway for regional commerce and a major hub for Belize’s sugar exports to the U.S. During her tour, she met with port officials to explore ways to enhance trade, support infrastructure, and create jobs. She stressed that strong partnerships not only facilitate the movement of goods but also reinforce supply chains and advance shared security objectives across the Caribbean Basin.

The visit underscored Washington’s ongoing commitment to deepening economic ties while supporting efficient and secure maritime operations.

Beamer also visited the Jalacte Border Crossing with Guatemala, meeting frontline officers from Belize Immigration, Customs, and the Agricultural Health Authority. She highlighted their daily work in intercepting illegal crossings and contraband, protecting both Belizean and American communities from transnational criminal networks. A statement from the US Embassy in Belize says, “These officers engage daily in critical interagency coordination and enforcement to strengthen border security, uphold the rule of law, and support regional stability. Strong borders in partner countries mean safer communities in the United States. Through targeted U.S. assistance, we’re helping Belize build enforcement capacity that delivers results and keeps America safe.”

Finally, the diplomat toured the Belize Defence Force Forward Operating Base in Sarstoon, discussing the military-to-military partnership and collaborative efforts to counter transnational crime. The embassy said, “Belize continues to be a strong advocate for regional security and an excellent partner.”