The purchase of an $8-million-dollar primary radar for Belize was approved during the meeting. 

SAN PEDRO, Ambergris Caye, Fri. Sept. 9, 2022

Members of the Central American Corporation of Aero Navigation Services (COCESNA) met in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, for the organization’s 244th Ordinary Meeting. The meeting was held last week, on September 8 and 9, and saw the approval of the purchase of an $8-million Primary Radar for Belize. This “top-of-the-line” piece of equipment will upgrade the Secondary Radar currently being used in Belize and will be used to improve aviation services, track weather, and provide meteorological data, and even to monitor the routes of drug planes in the fight against narco-trafficking.

“The radar will also be able to detect non-cooperating aircraft and assist in the fight against narco-trafficking in Belize and the region,” a release from the Government of Belize states.

“Belize is poised in a highly favorable position at this time. We are assuming our rightful place around the table and taking a leadership role in the decisions that impact our country and our region,” Minister of Civil Aviation, Hon. Andre Perez said during his remarks at the meeting. 

Next year the International Civil Aviation Organization will conduct its second audit on Belize. The next meeting of the COCESNA board will be held later this year in Montreal, Canada, during the 41st International Civil Aviation Organization General Assembly from September 27 to October 7.