Belmopan—The U.S. Embassy announced the recipients of the 2019 Central America Regional Security Initiative, Economic Support Fund (CARSI ESF) grants during an award ceremony on October 9, 2019. The three grants, totaling $750,000 USD, support good governance, using civil society engagement to strengthen government effectiveness. The United States has invested more than $42 million USD since 2008 through CARSI to fund programs to support justice initiatives, at-risk youth, good governance, and citizen security in Belize.
The 2019 grantees’ programs advance at least one of two key objectives. The first objective is strengthening the partnership between civil society and government partnership. The second objective is improving government services to respond to gender-based violence and trafficking in persons especially vulnerable and marginalized populations.
During the ceremony, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges emphasized, “We hope the grants contribute to increased citizen participation and oversight so that government at all levels is more responsive to the Belizean people.”
The 2019 CARSI ESF grantees are:
- RET USA, Inc.
Project: Responsible Engagement for Transition to Improved Response to Gender-based Violence and Trafficking in Persons - Youth Enhancement Services
Project: Protective and Enabling Environments for Marginalized Women, Girls, and Children Affected by CSEC, Trafficking, and Domestic Violence - Trust for the Americas
Project: Transformation to an Open Public Administration Belize
The U.S. Embassy thanks all the 2019 CARSI ESF applicants for their thoughtful and innovative proposals. The United States is proud to partner with these three grantees as they work to make a better future for the people of Belize.
