Monthly Archives: November, 2025
Government
The Ministry of E-Governance and the World Bank Group Kick Off the National Cybersecurity Assessment Consultation Initiative
The Ministry of E-Governance, in partnership with the World Bank Group, hosted the kick-off meeting for a national cybersecurity assessment consultation at the Grand Resort and Residences in Belize City.
Environment
Government Enforces Tough Penalties for Improper Wastewater Disposal
On November 20, 2025, the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, in collaboration with the Department of the Environment (DOE) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, issued a strong reminder to the public about the dangers and legal consequences of improper wastewater disposal. The nationwide notice highlights that untreated wastewater, including sewage, greywater, industrial effluent, and other liquid waste, poses serious risks to public health and the environment.
Community and Society
San Pedro Town Establishes Sister-City Relations with San Mateo Atenco, Mexico
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, has formally established sister-city relations with the Mexican municipality of San Mateo Atenco, located in the State of Mexico, west of Mexico City. The partnership was officially sealed during the Seminario Internacional de Innovación en los Gobiernos Locales (International Seminar on Innovation in Local Governments), held November 25th–26th. The seminar focused on strengthening cooperation among municipalities and ensuring that resources designated to combat violence against women reach local governments directly.
Community and Society
Local Partnership Brings Much-Needed Repairs to New Horizon School Grounds
The grounds of the New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist Primary School in the DFC area received much-needed rehabilitation after recent floods left the schoolyard in poor condition. Local tour guide Oscar Iboy, in partnership with private-sector supporters, donated sand and gravel to fill and level the affected areas. The initiative aims not only to improve conditions at New Horizon but also to assist other schools affected by flooding from heavy rainfall.
Community and Society
New Legislation Aims to Close Gaps in Belize’s Domestic Violence Response
The Government of Belize has introduced legislative reforms aimed at strengthening protections for survivors of domestic violence. On November 20, 2025, two significant amendments were tabled in Belmopan: The Justices of the Peace (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Together, these updates aim to provide faster, more accessible emergency protection, particularly during nights, weekends, holidays, and other periods when the courts are closed.
Business & Economy
GST-Free Weekends Return for 2025 Christmas Shopping
Belizeans are set to benefit from two GST-free weekends this Christmas season, announced by the Belize Tax Service. The tax relief will take place on December 6–7 and December 20–21, allowing shoppers nationwide to purchase standard-rated goods without paying the usual 12.5% General Sales Tax (GST).
Community and Society
Return to Happiness Workshop Held in San Pedro
From November 20 to 22, 2025, a three-day training workshop for the Return to Happiness (RTH) Program took place at Sagebrush Community Church in San Pedro. Organized by UNICEF and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), the workshop aimed to provide community members with practical tools to help children recover from trauma caused by natural disasters and other distressing events.
Community and Society
Island Community Raises Flag in Stand Against Gender Violence
On November 25th, San Pedro joined the national observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with an official flag-raising ceremony at Central Park. The event, organized by the San Pedro Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Committee, highlights the island community’s commitment to raising awareness, strengthening prevention efforts, and supporting the national call to end all forms of violence across Belize.
