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Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
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OP
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This certainly sucks�.
To many, Belize is the perfect tourism destination, but the grim statistics about the insecurity and violence is prompting reaction by governments. Today, the Canadian government issued a travel advisory to its citizens planning to visit the jewel. According to the Canadian government, "criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize. Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013." The advisory also warns Canadians to be careful near the western border with Guatemala where armed robberies occasionally occur.
It further states that cases of sexual assault against female travelers have been reported. In respect of travel within Belize, the alert says that roads are often poorly maintained and lit and that Canadians should be careful crossing bridges on the Hummingbird and Southern Highways. The alert extends to travel by sea because passenger boats are deemed unsafe and so are public buses and taxis. All in all, it's not good news for visitors planning a trip to Belize.
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 25
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ok well that pretty much sucks. I am planning a trip to Ambergris Caye by myself end of May. Single woman, 51yo. So is it your suggestion not to travel alone...???
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 47
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Well all the Canadians that are here visiting must not have read that report. You are just fine. Please come and enjoy. There are problems in Bz. just as anywhere else in this world but with a little common sense you will be just fine. Please come and enjoy our beautiful island.
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 25
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Well thanks for the reply.
I am going to be traveling abroad alone for the first time in my life. So, its a bit scary. Any suggestions on groups or good travel agents you know of in Belize that could help me make the correct arrangements to help me feel secure by myself.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Bird in in Sunny South Florida. ;-)
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,461
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Not unexpected, eh?
Apr 17, 2014 Canada issues a travel advisory against Belize
A United Nations report recently released has placed Belize as the third most dangerous country in the world and that dubious distinction might be having some effect. So far this year, there have been twenty-eight murders as a crime wave sweeps across the country. To many, Belize is the perfect tourism destination, but the grim statistic about the insecurity and violence is prompting reaction by governments. Today, the Canadian government issued a travel advisory to its citizens planning to visit the jewel. According to the Canadian government, "criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize. Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013." The advisory also warns Canadians to be careful near the western border with Guatemala where armed robberies occasionally occur. It further states that cases of sexual assault against female travelers have been reported. In respect of travel within Belize, the alert says that roads are often poorly maintained and lit and that Canadians should be careful crossing bridges on the Hummingbird and Southern Highways. The alert extends to travel by sea because passenger boats are deemed unsafe and so are public buses and taxis. All in all, it's not good news for visitors planning a trip to Belize.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,461
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The Canadian govt had no choice but to issue this warning, but think it prudent to look at each incident and note few would relate to a visitor on vacation. Most of these incidents involved Canadians residing in Belize. I think you follow the same guidelines you would at home and you will be fine. I travel all over Belize, alone and with others and know my do's and don'ts, mostly all common sense
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 9
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Just checked the Canadian gov't website and contrary to the posts on this thread, a Travel Advisory has NOT been issued. However it does state that travellers should exercise a high degree of caution (and follows up with the warnings contained in the first post). Check it out yourself. http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/belize.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,208
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This is what it actually says on the site.
"There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Belize. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to a high rate of violent crime throughout the country."
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 25
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Wow what an amazing photographer. If this is anything like what I imagine Belize to be....i'm very intrigued!
Awesome web site and audio. Brought tears to my eyes!!
Thank you!!!
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,062
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McAfee lives there now........fueling the fires??
_ _ _ _ _ _ _________________ _ _ _ _ _ _ But then what do I know, I am but a mere caveman
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