Contents Foreword by the Prime Minister of Belize Message from the Minister of National Security Executive Summary............................................................................................................................................. 4 The Strategic Environment.............................................................................................................................. 6 The Contemporary International System ....................................................................................... 6 National Security Vision ................................................................................................................................... 8 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 8 National Interests ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Security ........................................................................................................................................... 9 Political ............................................................................................................................................ 9 Economic and Social .................................................................................................................. 10 The National Security Strategy – Goals ........................................................................................... 12 The Strategy ........................................................................................................................................................... 13 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 13 Concepts and Required Capabilities ................................................................................................ 13 Maintain the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Belize ......................................... 14 Reduce violent crime and dismantle local, cross border, and trans-national criminal networks .................................................................................. 15 Strengthen the criminal justice system and ensure respect for the Rule of Law....................................................................................................... 17 Protect Belize from Terrorism .................................................................................................. 18 Provide the necessary environment for a stable and vibrant economy ................... 19 Strengthen the institutions of democratic governance ................................................. 20 Improve delivery of healthcare at all levels and reduce the impact of health related threats ..................................................................................... 21