The Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies conducted a three-day workshop to assist the Belizean government in implementing its National Security Strategy in early July in Belize City. Under the direction of Dr. Richard D. Downie, CHDS director, four CHDS faculty members worked with 13 ministry Chief Executive Officers, the Police Commissioner, the Commander of the Belize Defense Force, and directors and deputy directors of various specialized agencies to create a process for identifying and prioritizing program actions and resources necessary to create a more secure Belize.

The workshop employed a “Capabilities Based Planning” methodology practiced by multiple national security and defense institutions to identify end results desired to accomplish one of the strategic goals identified in the strategy. The benefits of this approach, according to Downie, is that it lets the participants build consensus first on what is to be accomplished, not on why to buy.

Downie expressed satisfaction with the results, noting that “CHDS is especially pleased to help Belize focus on how to develop a comprehensive solution to its security needs.”

On behalf of the Belizean Government, Ambassador Lawrence Sylvester, the Special Assistant to the Minister of National Security, thanked Downie and the CHDS team for their assistance, noting that the event had provided valuable insight into how constructive dialogue and an effective framework can advance Belize’s national security agenda.

Members of the CHDS team, in addition to Downie, were Dr. E. Richard Downes, faculty team chief, and facilitators Dr. Evan Ellis, Dr. Michael Gold-Biss, and Dr. Salvador Raza. Linda Denning, operations coordinator, headed the support team.