USAID Grants $600,000 U.S. to Support Migrants in Belize

The United States Agency for International Development has committed six hundred thousand U.S dollars to assist the International Office of Migration in Belize. The funds are been granted to provide migrants with greater access to healthcare, education and to improve their overall livelihood. The announcement was made during this morning’s press briefing inside the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan.

Mileydi Guilarte

Mileydi Guilarte, Deputy Assistant Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development

“Belize is not alone in facing these challenges. For many years, the U. S. Agency for International Development, USAID, has been a strong partner of Belize and its people. And this interagency delegation is a reflection of our continued commitment. In particular, USAID has been proud to support the government of Belize in the implementation of its amnesty program, allowing migrants residing in Belize to obtain legal status and access to a pathway to citizenship. As we collectively address historic levels of displacement and evolving migration flows in the region, initiatives like this one are critical. I am pleased to announce six hundred thousand U. S. dollars, which is one point two million Belizean dollars in additional funds for the International Office of Migration to continue supporting the important work in Belize, coordinating closely with key government counterparts in migrants  hosting districts from San Pedro to Valley of Peace and to Punta Gorda and beyond. Providing legal status is crucially important, but needs goes beyond. The support will continue to help migrants to integrate in host communities, access healthcare, enroll their children in school, and learn English in a second language, as a second language. Giving migrants the opportunities and tools to build livelihoods in their new communities benefits the entire region.”