Government
BEL Applies for Adjustments to Electricity Rates to Cover Increases in Energy Supply Costs
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) informs its Customers that it has submitted a rate case application to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for an increase of 5.55 cents in the average price of electricity, by way of adjustments to the associated tariffs, to take effect from January 1, 2026.
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.
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.
Government
ICJ Hears Guatemala’s Oral Arguments to Intervene in Sapodilla Cayes Case
On Wednesday, November 26th, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) finished public hearings on Guatemala’s request to intervene in the sovereignty dispute over the southern Sapodilla Cayes, a case currently before the Court between Belize and Honduras. The oral arguments started on Monday, November 24th, at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, with legal teams from Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras presenting their arguments. The ICJ will now consider Guatemala’s request and announce a decision at a later public hearing.
Environment
COP30 Highlights Ongoing Global Challenges in Climate Policy
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) wrapped up on November 17th in Belém, Brazil, after two weeks of negotiations involving more than 55,000 participants and 194 nations. The summit brought together world leaders, scientists, activists, and vulnerable countries, including Belize, to address climate finance, deforestation, and adaptation amid intensifying global climate threats.
Government
Belize Advances Science-Based, Collaborative Pathway for Sustainable Fisheries Management
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, together with the Belize Fisheries Department, reaffirmed the central role of healthy fisheries as a cornerstone of Belize’s Blue Economy. Fisheries remain vital to national food security, cultural identity, and the livelihoods of thousands of Belizeans, making their sustainable management an essential pillar in the country’s pathway to a resilient, nature-positive Blue Economy.
Government
Government of Belize Launches MICS7 Results in Partnership with Statistical Institute of Belize and UNICEF
The Government of Belize, in collaboration with the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), proudly announces the official launch of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS7) results. This milestone event coincides with the observance of World Children’s Day, reinforcing Belize’s commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its international obligations to safeguard and promote the well-being of every child.
Conservation
PACT receives GCF Approval to Develop Major Climate Resilience Project for Belize’s National Protected Areas System
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) is pleased to announce that the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a Project Preparation Facility (PPF) Service to support the development of the full proposal for the climate project, "Strengthening the Belize National Protected Areas System (BNPAS) to Provide Resilience and Reduce Vulnerability of Communities Against Climate Change."
Government
Minister of State for Foreign Trade Represents Belize at CARICOM’s Sixty-First COTED Meeting
Hon. Marconi Leal, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, led Belize’s delegation and chaired the Sixty-First Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on November 20-21, 2025, in Georgetown, Guyana.
Government
Government of Belize and the IDB Present National Digital Transformation with Unveiling of the National Digital Infrastructure Plan
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics, the Ministry of E-Governance (MoEG), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), officially presented the National Digital Infrastructure Plan, a comprehensive blueprint designed to strengthen Belize’s digital backbone and accelerate national digital transformation.
Government
Belize’s Public Utilities Commission Approves 13.5% Water Rate Hike for 2026
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has officially approved a 13.5% increase in the Mean Water Rate (MWR) for Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL), effective April 1, 2026. The adjustment follows the PUC's release of its Initial Decision in the 2026 Full Tariff Review Proceeding for BWSL, which marks significant changes to water tariffs and billing structures for customers nationwide.v
