National Security Strategy of Belize • Economic Freedom— A strong market-based economy free of corruption will enhance our national security. Economic growth, supported by trade and free markets, creates employment, improves income levels, and increases the standard of living of all Belizeans. It is in Belize’s national interest for the state to promote economic growth through public sector support of viable private sector economic activities. Self-reliant private sector participation remains crucial to the medium and long term economic sustainability of the nation. • Employment— we must implement measures to increase employment since poverty and inequality breed crime, violence, and social unrest. According to a World Bank Study of Labour Force Growth in the Caribbean region, Belize by the year 2020 will have one of the highest average percentage increase per annum in the labour force. In the year 2000 it was estimated at 82,000. By the year 2020 this will rise to 146,000 or a 2.9 percent rise per year. For us to take advantage of this demographic bonus, we will have to continue to expand the economic opportunities and improve our productivity and competitiveness in order to generate enough jobs for our young population. • International Debt, Investment, and Aid — because international investment requires stability, Belize’s economic and security interests are inextricably linked. Belize therefore has a vital interest in freeing itself of the burden of the current external debt. We must ensure that we structure our debt repayments in such a way that they do not siphon away the money that is vital to develop the country. • Education—Belize must invest in its human capital through education. Eradicating illiteracy and focusing investment in the education of children is crucial. Belize must also develop a Future-Ready national curriculum including increased attention to science, math, engineering, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. • Natural Resources — Belize’s future prosperity is inextricably linked to its natural resources and assets. They include our oil reserves, agricultural capacity, archaeological heritage and above all, our land and maritime areas. The proceeds of natural resources are for the benefit of all Belizeans. • Immigration - Belize must formulate a long-term immigration policy. This will not only counter the threat from the migration of Mareros from the Central American Region, but ensure that all immigrants are integrated into Belizean society. There is also a need to raise the profile of the migration topic on the national agenda and the need to build the capacity of the Immigration and Nationality Department. There is also a need for policies to limit the areas in which migrants may be employed to protect the Belizean labour force. The importation of unregulated labour also retards development because they overwhelm our social services which leads into a “race for the bottom” with other developing countries. National Security Vision 11