Belmopan, March 19, 2024.
Hon. Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, represented Belize at the Infosegura Seventh Regional Project Board Meeting in El Salvador. The virtual meeting, held under the theme “Project Management of Evidence-based Information for Citizen Security in Central America and the Dominican Republic,” aimed to strengthen evidence-based public policy across the region.
The meeting brought together representatives from six countries: Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. Key discussions focused on the progress made in data-sharing protocols, which has resulted in the formalization of a standardized framework for data exchange. This framework ensures compatibility and interoperability across various systems and organizations, enhancing data quality, consistency, and reliability for decision-making and analysis.
The regional project aims to strengthen policy formulation based on evidence by improving the quality and comparability of regional statistics on citizen security. It also focuses on increasing coordination and collaboration of effective citizen security strategies across borders.
In Belize, the Infosegura Project, implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries through the Belize Crime Observatory (BCO) in partnership with UNDP Belize, plays a crucial role in achieving these objectives. Minister Kareem Musa highlighted the significant achievements made through engagement in data-sharing protocols. He acknowledged the support of Infosegura, USAID, UNDP, and other partners in strengthening initiatives such as BCO and modernizing systems like the Prison Information Management System and Laboratory Information Management System.
In his remarks, Minister Musa stated, “The progress made in enhancing information management and evidence-based decision-making in the region, including Belize, is a testament to the unwavering support of our partners. Together, we’ve strengthened critical data-sharing mechanisms, minimizing discrepancies, and enhancing reliability for decision-making and analysis.”
The initiatives undertaken in Belize align with the government’s strategic plans for a safer, digitally empowered country. Leveraging data analytics, technology, and collaborative frameworks, the Government continues to enhance public safety strategies and ensure data quality for informed decision-making.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries remains committed to building a robust data-driven ecosystem, fostering partnerships, and driving innovation for a safer and resilient Belize.
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