Monthly Archives: January, 2026
Business & Economy
New U.S. Policy May Affect Money Sent to Belize
New United States regulations impose a 1% federal excise tax on certain remittances sent from the U.S., effective January 1, 2026, targeting transfers made through Western Union, MoneyGram, cash, money orders, and cashier’s checks. The measure is part of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which was signed into law in July 2025.
Business & Economy
Electricity Rates Rise, BEL Says Maintaining Service Will Be Challenging
Now in 2026, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) began rolling out new electricity tariffs on January 1st, following approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC approved a three-cent-per-kilowatt-hour increase over 30 months. BEL had requested an increase of nearly five cents over 24 months.
Sports
501 Run Club begins 2026 with weekly island fitness runs
The community-based 501 Run Club kicked off the New Year with its first run of 2026 on Friday, January 2nd. The club hosts weekly runs every Friday at 5:30AM to promote running and encourage healthy living on the island. The activity is open to everyone, including visitors. Participants meet with organizers at Central Park every Friday morning. The run/walk typically covers 5 kilometres, taking participants north from Central Park onto Pescador Drive. Runners loop around the San Juan roundabout, return along Pescador Drive, and finish back at Central Park.
Entertainment
San Pedro welcomes 2026 with New Year’s Eve celebrations
San Pedro Town ushered in 2026 with a New Year’s Eve celebration at Saca Chispas Field on Tuesday, December 31, beginning at 10PM. The event was organized by the San Pedro Town Council and featured DJ Jash and the Gilharry-7 Band as the main entertainers, and a fireworks display at midnight. The festivities transformed the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena, commonly known as Saca Chispas Field, into a lively hub of music and celebration. Live DJ sets carried through the night, drawing residents and visitors alike to dance under the stars as anticipation built toward the midnight countdown.
Pets & Animals
SAGA Completes Over 1,400 Spay and Neuter Surgeries in 2025
On Wednesday, December 31st, SAGA Humane Society in San Pedro Town closed out the year with its final spay-and-neuter campaign, successfully providing 101 free surgeries. The initiative also included a vaccination campaign and multiple free microchip implants for pets.
