Introduction
Recently, the Government of Belize announced with great fanfare the receipt of a $250 million “grant” from the United States. To the average citizen, this might sound like a generous gesture, a boon to a small nation like ours. However, history has repeatedly shown us that when the United States offers money to Latin American countries, it is never just a gift. There are always strings attached—strings that often lead to disastrous consequences for the receiving nation. The question Belize must ask itself is this: at what cost are we accepting this money?
A History of Dangerous “Gifts”
The United States has a long history of offering financial aid, “assistance,” or “grants” to Latin American nations, only for those countries to become ensnared in the complexities of political influence, economic control, and military intervention. Let’s take a look at a few examples.
- Guatemala (1954)
In the early 1950s, the U.S. provided “aid” to Guatemala under the pretext of helping its development. However, after President Jacobo Árbenz initiated land reforms that threatened the interests of American corporations, particularly the United Fruit Company, the CIA orchestrated a coup in 1954, ousting Árbenz from power. This intervention resulted in decades of civil war, economic stagnation, and a severely weakened political system. This is what happens when U.S. money comes with political conditions. - Nicaragua (1980s)
During the Cold War, the U.S. provided substantial financial aid to the Contras in Nicaragua to overthrow the Sandinista government, which the U.S. deemed socialist. While the aid was branded as support for “freedom fighters,” it led to years of bloodshed, political instability, and a shattered economy. The money came with the condition that the U.S. dictated who should govern Nicaragua. - El Salvador (1980s)
El Salvador received millions of dollars in U.S. aid during its civil war. However, much of that money was funneled into military and paramilitary groups, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians. The U.S. positioned itself as a benefactor, yet the real cost was human lives and a country divided by violence.
Belize: A Repetition of History?
Now, Belize finds itself in a similar situation. The $250 million grant from the United States appears to be a blessing, but we must ask: what are the hidden conditions? History teaches us that U.S. “aid” is never free—it always comes with an agenda. Will Belize now be expected to fall in line with U.S. foreign policy objectives in the region? Will our sovereignty be compromised as a result?
One of the most concerning possibilities is that this grant could come with expectations for military or security cooperation. Belize, a peaceful nation, could find itself drawn into U.S.-led initiatives, such as anti-drug operations or border security efforts that ultimately serve U.S. interests rather than our own. This has been the case in countries like Colombia and Mexico, where U.S. “aid” for anti-drug efforts has escalated violence, without addressing the root causes of the issues.
Moreover, Belize must also consider the long-term economic implications of this grant. Often, U.S. financial assistance is tied to neoliberal economic policies that benefit American corporations more than the local economy. The U.S. may push for privatization of resources, deregulation of industries, or other policies that open the door for American businesses to exploit Belizean resources while offering little benefit to the local population. We’ve seen this in nations like Chile, where U.S.-backed economic policies in the 1970s and 1980s led to greater inequality and economic dependence on foreign interests.
The Government’s Lack of Foresight
It seems the Government of Belize is either ignorant of these historical precedents or is choosing to look the other way due to the immediate monetary benefits. Yet, as history has shown, these short-term gains often result in long-term suffering. By accepting this grant without critically assessing the conditions attached to it, the Government is putting Belize’s future at risk.
Belizean leaders must recognize that every “gift” from the United States comes with an agenda. This is not an act of charity; it is a political and economic transaction designed to benefit the U.S. in the long run. In the past, leaders of other Latin American nations have been lured by the promise of U.S. money, only to see their countries destabilized by foreign intervention, economic control, or military entanglements. Belize must not follow the same path.
Conclusion: A Call for Caution
The $250 million grant may look like a windfall for Belize, but history tells us to be cautious. We cannot afford to be naive about the intentions behind this money. The Government of Belize must act with wisdom, foresight, and a deep understanding of the geopolitical dynamics at play. If we accept this grant without fully understanding and addressing the potential strings attached, we may find ourselves, like so many other Latin American nations before us, trapped in a web of U.S. control and influence.
“Whenever you see the U.S. doing something, it is part of a larger plan, this is historical.” – Patrick Faber, House Representative
As a country, we must demand transparency from our leaders and ensure that any financial assistance from foreign powers, including the United States, is truly in the best interest of the Belizean people—not just today, but for generations to come. Belize’s sovereignty, independence, and future prosperity are at stake.
History is our proof. Will Belize learn from it? Only time will tell.
Until Next Time…
I Am,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III
