Government
SSB proposes contribution changes during San Pedro consultation
The Belize Social Security Board (SSB) is conducting nationwide consultations on proposed legislative reforms. The sessions, which engage stakeholders across the country, reached San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, on April 21st. Officials explained that the proposed changes aim to ensure the system remains relevant, equitable, and sustainable for future generations.
Government
PM Briceño Chairs Small States Event at Spring Meetings
Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño chaired a high-level event titled “Delivering for Small States: From Strategy to Results,” held during the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C.
Community and Society
Future of Caye Caulker Police Station Site Uncertain
Caye Caulker residents continue to demand answers about allegations that the beachfront property housing the community police station was put up for sale. Construction of the new police station on the site has halted, further raising concerns among Hicaqueños. Without clear responses from the central government, islanders, led by the Caye Caulker Village Council, have been voicing their concerns since April 13, holding public meetings and peaceful protests to seek clarity on the matter.
Business & Economy
Former Stake Bank Project Relaunched as ‘Olo Caye’ Cruise Port
The proposed cruise port off Belize City, once known as Stake Bank, has been rebranded as ‘Olo Caye’ following legal battles, receivership, and eventual government acquisition. According to a press release dated April 10th, the project will be transformed into a world-class cruise port with a luxury resort. “Olo Caye is led by Piero Dibattista, whose professional record spans more than 30 years and includes the successful transformation of tourism in Roatán, Honduras,” the release noted.
Government
CRESAP Supports Sugar Industry with Supply of Biological Agents
The Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project (CRESAP), implemented by the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries and the Ministry of Economic Transformation, handed over a supply of biological agents to the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI) on April 10, 2026.
Government
Belize and Taiwan Strengthen Ties on Disaster Preparedness and Development Cooperation
Belize and Taiwan continue to deepen their longstanding partnership, with recent high-level meetings focused on disaster preparedness, public service modernization, and national development priorities. On April 7th and 8th, Belizean officials met with newly appointed Taiwanese Ambassador Amino C.Y. Chi in Belmopan to explore expanded bilateral cooperation.
Community and Society
No New Dock Permits for One Year Under Government Moratorium
The Government of Belize has declared a one-year pause on issuing new permits for building docks, piers, and overwater structures in coastal and marine areas nationwide. The decision, confirmed during the Cabinet meeting on March 31st, aims to give authorities time to review and enhance regulations related to coastal development.
Government
Concerns grow over potential loss of Cuban medical staff in Belize
While some CARICOM member states, including Jamaica, have ended their medical cooperation agreements with Cuba, Belize has yet to decide on the future of the Cuban Medical Brigade currently serving in the country. According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, there are 94 Cuban medical personnel in Belize, and ending their service could significantly impact the national healthcare system.
Government
Chilean company interested in purchasing Belize’s garbage and sargassum
A Chilean company has shown interest in purchasing Belize’s garbage and sargassum, according to the Honorable Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Agriculture, during the recent fiscal budget debate in the National Assembly. Ferguson said that company representatives are expected to visit Belize on April 7th to discuss potential collaboration. While the minister did not reveal the company’s name, he mentioned that Chile has several firms specializing in recycling waste and transforming materials like plastic and seaweed into usable products, including construction materials.
Government
Belize welcomes two new resident ambassadors
As of March 30, Belize has welcomed two new resident ambassadors from key allies, Mexico and the Republic of China (Taiwan). Governor-General Her Excellency Dame Froyla Tzalam received the Letters of Credence from Taiwanese Ambassador His Excellency Amino C. Y. Chi and Mexican Ambassador Her Excellency Ana Luisa Vallejo Barba at Belize House in Belmopan.
Government
Belize Hosted the Launch of CarIPI Phase II and Advances Intellectual Property Development
The Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and BELTRAIDE, successfully hosted the official launch of the second phase of the CARIFORUM Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation Project (CarIPI II), in collaboration with regional and international partners.