Belize Strengthens Regional Disaster Response Through SICOFAA

Belize is strengthening its regional disaster response and aviation partnerships through continued participation in the System of Cooperation Among the American Air Forces, better known as SICOFAA. Representing the country at the annual Conference of the Chiefs of the American Air Forces, held recently in the Dominican Republic, were Air Chief Lieutenant Colonel Kenroy Smith and Belize’s official SICOFAA representative, Captain Andre Ayuso.  SICOFAA brings together the air forces of countries across the Americas to improve cooperation in areas such as humanitarian assistance, disaster response, search and rescue operations, and professional development. Through joint exercises and coordinated planning, member states work to improve their ability to respond quickly during regional emergencies.  The importance of that collaboration was demonstrated in 2025 after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica. SICOFAA member nations mobilized aircraft, rescue teams, engineering units, medical personnel, and humanitarian supplies to support relief efforts across the island.  For Belize, participation in the organization strengthens national disaster preparedness by providing access to regional airlift capabilities, medical evacuation support, search and rescue resources, and established emergency coordination systems. Those partnerships are expected to enhance the country’s ability to respond to hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters while ensuring assistance can be mobilized quickly when required.  According to the BDF, relationships built through organizations such as SICOFAA ensure that, should Belize ever face a major national emergency, it would not stand alone but would be able to rely on the support and solidarity of partners throughout the Americas.