Monthly Archives: November, 2026
Dr. Love
Doctor Love: Making This Home
Doctor Love is the island's and possibly the world’s greatest authority on just about everything. The Doctor answers questions concerning any subject except religion or politics. Persons needing additional assistance or counseling should contact the Family Services Division at 227-7541. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of The San Pedro Sun. Write Doctor Love at PO Box 51, San Pedro Town, Belize, or email: dr.love@sanpedrosun.com
Government
Belize Targets Lower Trade Costs and Expanded Export Opportunities Following WTO Mission
Belize is taking steps to turn the findings of its latest World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Policy Review into practical improvements aimed at reducing trade costs, strengthening local businesses, and expanding export opportunities.
Business & Economy
Cabinet Discusses Measures to Ease Belize’s Rising Cost of Living
The Government of Belize is developing a plan to address the high cost of living, which continues to place financial pressure on thousands of families across the country. Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño has confirmed that Cabinet is discussing additional measures to provide relief to struggling households. Although the government has not yet disclosed the specific initiatives, it says the proposed measures are expected to be implemented between November 2026 and March 2027.
Government
Belize Ends 36-Year Cuban Medical Brigade Agreement, Offers Individual Contracts
The Government of Belize announced on October 31 that Belize and Cuba will not renew their longstanding Cuban Medical Brigade agreement, ending the 36-year arrangement. Instead, the Ministry of Health and Wellness will offer individual employment contracts to Cuban doctors and other health professionals currently serving in the country.
Education
Rotary Offers Teachers Funding for Innovative Classroom Projects
The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye has launched an Educational Innovation Grant, inviting teachers on the island to apply for support for creative classroom projects. Applications are due by December 15th, and recipients will be announced after a review. Led by Sandy Lapp, the club’s youth services and education chair, the program aims to help educators turn ideas into practical learning opportunities that improve student engagement and understanding.
Conservation
Vessel Monitoring System Rollout Postponed Following Fishers’ Concerns
Plans to install Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) on boats operated by fishers licensed to harvest stone crab claws and sharks have been postponed after fishing communities raised concerns. Installation was scheduled to begin on October 22, 2026, as part of efforts to align with international fisheries management requirements. According to fisheries authorities, the system is intended to improve monitoring and management while enhancing fishers’ safety at sea.
Business & Economy
Cost of living climbs as consumer confidence hits lowest level in over two years
Higher grocery bills, fuel prices, and utility costs continued to pressure household budgets in September, as Belize’s inflation rate reached 4.7 percent and consumer confidence fell to its lowest level since April 2024.
Sports
Belize Competes in Inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival
The Belize U-15 Male National Football Team competed in the inaugural 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, from October 24 to 30. Among the young players representing Belize was San Pedro’s Malick Bowden, who gained valuable international experience alongside his teammates.