National Security Strategy of Belize 1. 2. Maintain the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belize; Reduce violent crime and dismantle local, cross border, and trans-national criminal networks; 3. Strengthen the criminal justice system and ensure the rule of law; 4. Protect Belize from terrorism; 5. Provide the necessary environment for a stable and vibrant economy; 6. Strengthen the institutions of democratic governance; 7. Improve delivery of healthcare at all levels and reduce the impact of health related threats; 8. Reduce the risks associated with rapid and slow-onset of natural and human-caused hazards; 9. Improve and expand nationwide access to education up to the tertiary level; 10. Protect Belize’s natural resources; 11. Achieve Energy and Food Security. This National Security Strategy (NSS) incorporates the State’s major security policies, goals, responsibilities and actions into an overall master plan for the fulfilment of the national security vision for Belize. The NSS outlines the combined use of the political, economic, social, informational, and security instruments of national power. It clarifies the institutional framework within which the security forces and civil institutions of the state will coordinate their activities to create an integrated and cohesive national security network to safeguard national interests. It also prescribes the complementary roles and responsibilities of public and private sectors, as well as members of civil society in supporting national security. Transnational threats coupled with an increasingly complex internal security environment, has resulted in the blurring of traditional agency boundaries with various entities now recognizing that they have a role to play in promoting national security. There remains a need to enhance coordination and Executive Summary 4