Written by Blair Glencorse

If you are interested in governance in Belize, you’d be surprised at how difficult it is to find substantive information or networks. Most indices that measure these kinds of issues are not able to access sufficient data. There are several newspapers, but these are published weekly and the quality is variable. At the same time, while a civic infrastructure has developed around core priority sectors in the country- including the environment in particular- the community of organizations working on governance more directly is almost non-existent. This is problematic because it is clear- here, here and here for example- that there are substantive governance challenges in Belize that are undermining progress to fight poverty and inequality, and exacerbating insecurity. 

At the same time, Belize largely respects the civil liberties of its citizens, there is space to advocate around key challenges and- as everywhere- there are some incredible young people that- if provided with the right support- can kickstart change, inside and outside government. The country is so small- with a population of just 400,000 or so in total- that concerted efforts to build an eco-system of change-makers and focus on key areas of potential reform- could lead to dramatic changes quickly.

That is why Accountability Lab is excited to be partnering with the US Embassy in Belmopan and The Love Foundation– an amazing youth focused NGO- to launch two of the Lab’s programs in Belize in 2023. First, in conjunction with the Belizean Ministry of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform and Religious Affairs, we will run an Integrity Innovation Lab- which will bolster the Ministry’s training Unit and work with 14 reformers from within the Belizean government at all levels to super-charge their reform efforts. These change-makers will receive hands-on support to push for change and be integrated into a vibrant network predicated on the ideas of integrity and citizen-centric decision-making. We will simultaneously build a communications campaign around this work to generate public awareness and buy-in to the process.

Second, we will launch our well-known Accountability Incubator in early 2023- through which we will support 12 female civic-activists with the best ideas for accountability, governance and anti-corruption from across the country to grow their ideas and collaborate for impact. These ideas will be developed by the “accountapreneurs” themselves- but could range from alternative approaches to budget transparency, to creative ideas for climate accountability, to new efforts to reform policies. Globally, the Incubator has supported almost 300 accountapreneurs who have built a vibrant global learning community- into which the Belizean participants will be integrated to provide a safe, supportive space to grow and improve their accountability efforts.  

Across both of these programs we are placing an important emphasis on diversity in every way- it remains difficult for marginalized populations in Belize to access opportunities of this kind and we want to ensure that their voices are heard, their ideas are lifted up and their contributions are valued.

We are excited about the potential of this work to change accountability dynamics in Belize and support the right people with good ideas for changing governance dynamics. Here at the Lab we’re all about collective solutions and shifting narratives and support towards those that can find them- and these efforts represent a great start.

We’ll keep you updated and welcome ideas and feedback on our work in Belize! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we’ll be posting updates!

Sheena Adams