'Despite Belize City being dangerous...' Expat

John (200.75.240.245) -

* Despite Belize City being dangerous, what have you heard about the rest of the country, in Belize? ...

My understanding is that there's no infrastructure. And it's hot as hell. At least in Panama City, there's air conditioning everywhere and the roads are good. Everything I know about Belize was from two Belizian women I had dinner with, on a lay over in Houston. They said that with the exception of Ambergis Caye, it's very dangerous.

Read the rest of "Costa Rica Jones"....

Comment #1 Ted (63.176.159.163) -

Well I have been browsing about the latest world news and I stumbled upon a story about a public school in San Pedro, Belize which has a number of suffering students due to lack of proper foot bridges and facilities. A very disturbing and alarming news both locally and internationally. Is this the future of education of the children living in the slums of Belize? I hope international forces like UNESCO or the UN will aid to these children's aid.

Comment #2 Karla (63.176.159.141) -

Besides it being hot in Belize, how is the living? Is it expensive?

Comment #3 Wendall (63.176.159.111) -

What are the schools like in Belize?

Comment #4 Kelly (63.176.159.178) -

So I am guessing that the crime here is off the charts. Is the crimes that are commited serious crimes or just little crimes? I know that there is really no "little" crimes, so I am meaning less serious ones.

Comment #5 cwemoy (63.176.159.107) -

So much scorn poured upon Belize. My guess there is something positive about the country. Is there completely no infrastructure at all? It seems the state of affairs is not that bad after all because infrastructure contributes to the economy in many ways. The country has 1594 miles of road 303 of these being concrete in nature. There are about four highways that connect it to its neighbors like Mexico and Guatemala.

There has also been an increase in telephone subscribers from 3, 300 in 1995 to the present number of about 30, 000 in 1999.

Comment #6 Steven (200.32.229.199) -

San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye, Belize, is very tourist friendly as I know from coming here for many years.

A good friend of mine, who lives in San Pedro, and happens to be one of the only Psychiatrists in the country, has told me several times that it is safe in San Pedro. I concur, as I have a condo about one mile north of the center of town. I've been coming here for many years and have never heard of any serious concerns that tourists should have. Crime seems to be centered around drugs, as in many communities of the US. Those tourists that are not looking for trouble should not find it. Yet, I would not stray too far away from the population hubs or venture in strange areas at night. Stay within a mile or so of the center of San Pedro during the daylight hours and you should be in the mainstream of safety.

Yes, kids are being ignored in the sense that many of them do not go to school as their family cannot afford the education costs and there are not enough public schools. In fact I'm thinking of starting a non-profit to finance more school buildings on Ambergris Caye and the Mainland.

Infrastructure has improved in the San Pedro area in the past few years. Dirt roads have been paved and the downtown area has seen a makeover.

Belize City is a different story. A cab driver told me that they have a murder a day there. This was during the day that he told me this. Then he said, "but don't worry, all the drug dealers are sleeping now". So, stay with a group or in a car. And always watch your valuables. The theft rate is high. There are some good areas there but not too many.

Belize is a beautiful country and there are many wonderful things to do. So don't be afraid to visit, stay with a group or guide and have fun!

Comment #7 moy (63.176.159.19) -

Steve, your post is the best so far, plus the fact that you are speaking in first person even makes it sink the more. Every city in the world has its own unique experience in crime. There are the exceptions in that respective authorities have not done enough to combat the vice. The absolute truth is there is no harm in going to Belize and taking every sort of precaution. If poverty looms large and children are not able to school, I guess it is not only the mandate of the UN and UNESCO to make things right..

Comment #8 Dean (63.176.159.113) - 01/08/10 22:11

This is the reason why it is highly suggested that you choose a reliable travel and tour agency if you would want to enjoy the positive side of the country.

Comment #9 ScottPH from North America (Contact Member) - 01/12/10 13:21

"Despite Belize City being dangerous..."

Belize is a third world country, so there are some unfortunate statistics that go along with that. Very little money and very little manpower makes progress difficult. Luckily, things are getting better fast. Of course, everything varies from town to town, some are safer than others, some have better infrastructure, etc...

Belize City definitely doesn't have a murder a day, but it does have the highest crime rate in the country, and most people recommend not staying there longer than necessary. Experiences vary by person, of course. Belmopan, the capital, is also seeing a slight increase in crime. The rest of the country is considered far safer, and Belize is definitely worth a visit.

For a much more in depth look at Belize, check out Paradise Hunter's articles.

• Paradise Hunter - Belize

Comment #10 Calcie (63.176.159.220) - 02/05/10 20:30

Hmmm.. I did not know that Belize have such problems with regards to its crime rate. But just like Scott had said, there is so much more about Belize than those crime problems right? This is why despite the dangers Belize could be having, there are still some good stuffs to see in this country. We just have to be careful wherever we go. Have a good day everyone. Ciao.

Comment #11 Sammy (109.111.97.235) - 03/01/10 22:19

Yeah, aside form those problems, I think there is much more to see and discover in the said country. There are lots of beautiful country all over the world and I must say that Belize is one of the best. And I have to admit that Belize is my top favorite when it comes to vacation destination. Have a great day guys and keep all of those posts coming in.

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