Government
Hon. Marconi Leal Reaffirms Belize’s Trade Priorities at Commonwealth Ministerial in Namibia
Hon. Marconi Leal, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, represented Belize at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM), held from June 19–20 in Windhoek, Namibia. Minister Leal was accompanied by Mr. Andy Sutherland, Director General for Foreign Trade, who participated in the Meeting of Senior Trade Officials held on June 16-17. DG Sutherland ensured that Belize’s trade and investment priorities were meaningfully reflected in the outcomes of the discussions. Minister Leal championed Belize’s focus on trade resilience, energy transition, and trade inclusivity during the meeting.
Government
Belize Airports Authority Cancels Security Contracts: What’s Next?
Following weeks of criticism and intense scrutiny, the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) has officially cancelled the security contracts awarded for local aerodromes. These contracts, previously held by Four Diamond Security Limited and iSecurity Limited, were suspended and eventually terminated due to concerns over an improperly conducted tendering process. The BAA has confirmed that an investigation into the awarding of these contracts is ongoing and stated that further actions will be taken as necessary once the inquiry concludes.
Government
Belize Advances Bold Ocean Leadership and Sustainable Financing at UN Ocean Conference
The Government of Belize, led by Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño, concluded a highly impactful participation at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), held in Nice, France, from June 9–13, 2025. The Belize delegation played a pivotal role in championing the priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), advancing global and regional ocean action, and engaging the international donor community on sustainable financing for national marine conservation and sustainable fisheries.
Government
PUC Final Decision Rejects BEL’s Proposal for Rate Increase
On June 12th, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) of Belize issued its final decision rejecting Belize Electricity Limited’s (BEL) proposal for an electricity rate...
Government
Belize Participates in First International Planning Meeting (IPM) for Expo 2027 Belgrade
Planning is officially underway for Expo 2027 which will take place in Belgrade, Serbia. Following the successful completion of the first International Planning Meeting (IPM) held in Belgrade on June 10 and 11, 2025, information on the objectives, structure, and opportunities have been outlined. Belize was represented at the meeting by Mr. Ishmael Quiroz, the Executive Director of BELTRAIDE, and Ms. Nikki Augustine, Manager for Marketing and Communications.
Government
Belize Participates in the Brazil-Caribbean Summit
The Ministry of Economic Transformation represented the Government of Belize at the Brazil-Caribbean Summit held in Brasilia, Brazil. The high-level meeting brought together heads of government and senior officials from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Brazil to strengthen regional cooperation across critical areas, including food and nutrition security, climate change, energy transition, disaster risk management, and connectivity.
Government
National Restoration of Utilities Committee Holds Critical Planning Meeting to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness
The National Restoration of Utilities Committee (NRUC) convened at the Belize Port Authority Conference Room for a pivotal planning meeting to enhance coordination and preparedness for the 2025 hurricane season and other potential disasters. Chaired by Dr. Leroy Almendarez, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from BEL, DIGI, SMART, BWS, Fortis, UNO, the Port Authority, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and the Belize Broadcasting Authority.
Government
Alistair White Appointed Acting British High Commissioner to Belize
As of June 9th, the British High Commission (BHC) in Belmopan has a new Acting High Commissioner. Alistair White officially assumed the role, succeeding Christine Rowlands, who had held the post since November 2024. On Tuesday, June 10th, the High Commission stated that they look forward to introducing White to various stakeholders and continuing to foster a collaborative relationship with the media. According to the Commission, White brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to his new position.
Government
BTL Clarifies Stance on Speculation of Acquiring Other Communication Companies
On June 4, 2025, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) responded to reports suggesting it plans to acquire SMART, Centaur Communications, and CTI/NEXGEN in a major consolidation of telephone, cable, and internet service providers. In a press release, BTL confirmed that while discussions about industry consolidation are ongoing, they are neither new nor cause for concern.
Government
Ministry of Transport Visits the Cayes to Discuss Traffic
During private meetings held in Caye Caulker and San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Dr. Louis Zabaneh, and his Chief Executive Officer, Chester Williams, engaged with local traffic control committees to better understand their challenges and explore potential solutions to traffic issues in the area. Members of the traffic control committees from Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye expressed their concerns and informed the Minister about various transportation problems affecting both island communities.
Community and Society
Unions Reject GOB’s Offer, Refuse to Accept Less Than Requested
The dispute between the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), the Public Service Union (PSU), the Association of Public Service Senior Managers (APSSM), and the Government of Belize (GOB)over the Salary increase has intensified in recent weeks. Industrial action and public demonstrations have escalated, culminating last week with BNTU members taking to the highways, where they reported “mechanical failures” with their vehicles, which were parked to block main roads in Belmopan, Orange Walk, and Belize City during peak hours.
