June 9, 2025
City of Belmopan, Belize —The Belize Policy Research Institute (BELPRI-UB), a new policy institute affiliated with the University of Belize and focused on evidence-based policymaking, and Global Financial Integrity (GFI), a Washington, D.C. based research organization, dedicated to curbing illicit financial flows have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize a strategic partnership aimed at promoting transparency, good governance, and financial accountability in Belize.
The MOU, signed on May 23, 2025, establishes inter-institutional cooperation between BELPRI-UB and GFI to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, combat money laundering, and promote greater financial transparency. The partnership also aims to enhance the quality of policy research on key financial governance issues in Belize and facilitate the exchange of best practices in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region, knowledge sharing, and joint public education initiatives focused on integrity, accountability, and financial transparency.
“We are proud to collaborate with BELPRI as it aims to strengthen Belize’s public policy through high-quality, evidence-based research. This agreement reflects our shared vision of building stronger institutions through transparency, research, and civic engagement,” said Tom Cardamone, President and CEO of Global Financial Integrity.
Dr. Dylan Vernon, Executive Director of BELPRI-UB, stated, “There is a clear need for locally grounded research and analysis in these areas, and it’s important that we leverage our collective efforts.”
Both organizations expressed optimism about future collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a more transparent, accountable, and equitable future for Belize and the wider Caribbean region.
CONTACT
Mr. Leon Dawson, Caribbean Regional Manager
Global Financial Integrity
Mr. Devon Paulino, Policy Analyst
Belize Policy Resource Institute – UB
About GFI – Global Financial Integrity (GFI) is a Washington, D.C. – based think tank, focused on producing high-caliber technical analyses of illicit financial flows, corruption, financial crime, illicit trade, and money laundering. We engage with civil society and advise governments on effective policy solutions, and promote pragmatic transparency measures in the international financial system as a means to improve global development and security and reduce inequality. By working with partners to increase transparency in the global financial system and promote trade integrity, GFI seeks to create a safer and more equitable world.
About BELPRI- Belize Policy Resource Institute – University of Belize is a not-for-profit, independent policy think tank based in Belize, formed in partnership with the University of Belize. BELPRI-UB is dedicated to conducting and publishing multi-disciplinary policy studies on topics relevant to Belize’s national development priorities. BELPRI-UB will provide informed policy advice, host periodic public policy discussions and conferences on sectoral or thematic topics, maintain a public policy tracker, and other relevant activities.