A contentious government initiative in Belize designed to provide employment for young men from gang-afflicted neighborhoods is facing renewed scrutiny. The Leadership Intervention Unit’s (LIU) program, which employs approximately 350 individuals in Belize City for community beautification projects, has come under question following the city council’s recent awarding of a separate $33,000 weekly contract to Reliable Waste Solutions for similar cleaning and beautification services.
Acting Director Andrew Dawson confirmed the program remains operational despite what he described as “slight hiccups” in efficiency. Participants in the LIU initiative earn approximately $350 twice monthly for working on beautification projects within their own communities, with supervisors receiving slightly higher compensation.
The program targets individuals who have been largely excluded from formal employment sectors, aiming to foster civic pride while simultaneously improving neighborhood environments. Dawson emphasized the psychological impact of environmental improvements, noting that enhancing community spaces can positively influence mindsets and reduce violence.
Despite these objectives, the program continues to face public skepticism. Dawson acknowledged the challenge of operating a program that lacks widespread public acceptance, though he maintains that those directly involved understand the initiative’s importance through various sessions and conversations conducted by the conflict trace team.