Guatemala Overview

Guatemala, located in Central America (bordering Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador) is considered to be one of the most dangerous nations in the world (outside a war zone). Guatemala today, bears a legacy of societal violence, shaped by a civil war between the years of 1960 – 1996 in which Genocide was committed by Government forces. During the 36-year period, an estimated 200,000 people were killed or believed to have disappeared and violations reported of human rights against civilians.

Due to the rising safety concerns for travellers, Black Mountain Solutions provides security services in Guatemala.

Factors Affecting Security in the Region

In the year 2018, an average of 101 murders were reported weekly, making Guatemala’s crime rate one of the highest across the Americas. Violence induced by poverty, organised crime groups, drug trafficking, and affluence of guns readily available on the streets has influenced the high crime rate. According to Insight Crime, Guatemala has one of the highest gun ownership rates per capita in Latin America, the organization also mentioned that 75% of homicides involve a firearm.

Another factor shaping the high homicide rate has derived from the influence of highly powerful criminal elements made up of politically connected retired military & police officers with connections to the drug trade and other criminal entities. Guatemala, with porous borders, sparse jungles and situated in the middle of the drug supply route between Central America and the United States has seen a presence of drug trafficking activity in recent years.

Corruption Rate in Guatemala

According to Transparency International Guatemala scored 146/180 on the Corruption Perception Index 2019 in which corruption has played a role in the existing high crime rate. According to the head of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (ComisiónInternacional contra la ImpunidadenGuatemala – CICIG), stated that over 97 percent of crimes in the country remain unpunished. Corruption is strife across all levels of the Government, evidently from the scandal in which the former President and Vice President of Guatemala were arrested in 2015 for alleged involvement in cases of corruption.

As civil society groups in early 2020 are calling for the current president to be arrested for alleged corruption charges the latter is often a strong factor to frequent nationwide protests and demonstrations that are often carried out against the Government.

Even though most demonstrations are intended to be peaceful, situations can escalate leading to violence. In many cases main arterial routes are often blocked across the country by organised anti-government movements such as the Health, Teachers or Farmers unions. Black Mountain recommends that any enterprise operating within Guatemala monitor the local and national situation regularly in order to plan ahead in reference to staff movements in and around the country.

Amid all this, we work at our best to ensure you get dependable security services in Guatemala.

Secure Transportation & Executive Protection Services in Guatemala City

The two main risks encountered by international travelers are theft and armed robbery. All areas within Guatemala City are deemed unsafe, including the upscale neighborhoods. It is not uncommon for armed robberies to be carried out by criminals during daylight hours on busy streets. Criminals often target victims whilst in their vehicles static at traffic lights and junctions. The criminalistic method of operation is usually two armed bandits operating on a motorbike in which they pull up to a victim’s vehicle and demand money or personal belongings of value.

Security Services in Guatemala

Black Mountain Solutions recommends that all staff is briefed on risks and threats faced within Guatemala and consequently trained on security awareness and how to avoid becoming a target of such crimes. Black Mountain Solutions senior management bears experience in conducting operations in Guatemala and can provide staff with Security Awareness training. Training packages can be tailored to the client’s requests and appetite.

Black Mountain Solutions can provide Security Services Guatemala in:

  • Guatemala City
  • Antigua
  • Other areas of interest

If you need more information or want to book our security services in Guatemala, get in touch.

Contact us

Black Mountain Solutions Ltd

Capital Tower, Calle 100 No 7-33, Torre 1 Piso. 14, Bogota, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Map

General Enquiries

Email: [email protected]

Security Director’s:

Freddie Ellis

Tel: +57 300 432 0647
Email: [email protected]

Gordon Wells

Tel: +57 310 621 4485
Email: [email protected]