Community and Society
CBA Clears San Pedro Building Unit to Continue Operations
The Central Building Authority (CBA) has confirmed that the San Pedro Building Unit is cleared to continue operating after lifting its decertification on October 30. The authority clarified the unit’s status on Monday, November 2nd, following concerns about the impact on building applications and inspections.
Community and Society
San Pedro Stakeholders Oppose New Airport Proposal as Council Rejects Closure of Existing Airstrip
A proposed new airport in northern Ambergris Caye and the potential closure of the existing John Greif II Municipal Airport continue to raise concerns among San Pedro residents, business owners, and tourism stakeholders. While participants at a recent tourism industry meeting opposed the new airport proposal, the San Pedro Town Council has formally objected to closing the downtown terminal.
Government
GOB Strengthens Development Partnership Coordination Through Joint Country Portfolio Performance Review
The Government of Belize recently concluded a Joint Country Portfolio Performance Review (CPPR), held from October 26-28, 2026, bringing together the World Bank Group, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to strengthen coordination and improve the implementation of development projects and investments across the country.
Government
Member of Parliament attends meeting on Citizen Security and Administration of Justice
he Honourable Miguel Guerra, Member for Cayo West, represented the National Assembly of Belize at the 17th Meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission on Citizen Security and Administration of Justice (CISCAJ), convened by the Forum of Presidents of Legislative Powers (FOPREL) on Thursday, 29th October 2026. The meeting was held at the Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Education
Nearly US$22 million partnership launched to strengthen secondary education in Belize
Belize and the United States officially launched a nearly US$22 million education partnership on October 21st as part of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Belize Compact. The five-year initiative aims to strengthen secondary education by improving teacher training and equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an evolving job market.
Business & Economy
Downtown airport faces closure as plans call for Secret Beach relocation and real estate redevelopment
A 2025 Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) document outlines a plan for a new airport near Secret Beach, north of San Pedro Town, to replace the John Greif II Municipal Airport in downtown San Pedro. The proposed timetable calls for construction to begin in 2027 and completion in 2029, with an expected closure date for the existing airport set for 2030.
Government
Belize launches digital border crossing card for eligible Mexican visitors
Belize has officially launched its Digital Border Crossing Card program, allowing eligible Mexican citizens to stay in the country for up to seven days, an extension of the previous three-day limit. The initiative is expected to attract more Mexican visitors to Belize, supporting tourism and strengthening ties between the neighboring countries.
Education
Government of Belize and CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) Launch US$3.6 Million Education Investment
Supported through a CDF loan and grant financing structure, and counterpart contribution from the Government of Belize, the initiative will improve learning environments at three beneficiary schools.
Government
Regional Workshop Targets Tax Compliance; Taxpayers Continue to Call for Better Service
Belize hosted the Third Compliance Risk Management Workshop from October 19 to 22, 2026, bringing together Caribbean tax officials to discuss ways to strengthen compliance, reduce tax arrears, and improve revenue collection. Representatives from Belize, Barbados, Curaçao, Guyana, Grenada, and Jamaica attended the meeting, which received technical support from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Fiscal Affairs Department and the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Center (CARTAC).
Environment
Government Seeks World Bank Funding and IDB Support to Address Sargassum
The Government of Belize is seeking an initial US$10 million from the World Bank to address the sargassum problem, which has significantly affected coastal communities and the tourism sector. Discussions are also underway with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on potential support for sargassum management and opportunities to use the seaweed for electricity generation and other commercial purposes.
Community and Society
SSB Seeks Public Feedback on Seven Proposed Reforms
The Belize Social Security Board (SSB) is seeking feedback on seven proposed reforms as it continues its second round of nationwide public consultations. A consultation session in Belize City on October 14th presented the proposals to stakeholders, with further sessions scheduled in other communities through November. Workers, employers, pensioners, and other interested persons are invited to comment on changes to contributions, pension calculations, pension increases, and fund safeguards.