In other words, not only do I think it was wise for the "founders" to set up these barriers for the overt reasons mentioned, but there has been, to my way of thinking, an unanticipated benefit of slowing growth and keeping the old world charm.
But jmo.
Old world charm and third world conditions are two seperate issues.
On one hand excluding forieners from the work force may benefit a few Belizeans but denying some like oh, let's say......doctors the right to move there and work for pay can't be in the true best interest of the Belizean people.
Obviously my opinion on this particular issue is biased.
We have visited many of the islands in the Bahamas including Atlantis. The kids loved Atantis and we liked it also. I think that is a really good example of how "Americanization" hasn't ruined the Bahamas. Most of the Bahama islands are very tranquil and uncomercialized. Only a few are "Disney Landish" but at the same time the "Disney" like attractions bring lots of jobs and money into an area.
I'm not advocating a Disney like attraction in Belize I'm just saying a more open competitive market historically brings more jobs and more money not less.
Cuba is a great example of a closed market and the long term effects on the local job market and sandard of living for the majority of the Cuban people.