Business & Economy
Government Clarifies Plans for Proposed Belize Revenue Authority
Following protests and concerns raised by employees of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD), the Government of Belize has issued a detailed explanation of its plan to establish the semi-autonomous Belize Revenue Authority (BRA). In a press release issued on September 4th, the Ministry of Finance and the BTSD said the reform is intended to strengthen tax administration, improve services for taxpayers and protect government revenue. The proposed institution has also been widely referred to as the Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA).
Business & Economy
GOB Expands GST Exemption on Residential Electricity Bills
The Government of Belize (GOB) has expanded the General Sales Tax (GST) exemption on residential electricity bills, raising the monthly threshold from $100 to $200. The measure is intended to provide relief to Belizeans facing higher electricity costs.
Government
New US Ambassador André Bauer Begins Official Duties in Belize
Newly appointed United States Ambassador to Belize Rudolph Andreas “André” Bauer has begun his official duties in the country. On September 7, 2026, Bauer paid a courtesy visit to Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Francis Fonseca and presented copies of his Letter of Credence.
Government
GOB Advances Blue Economy MRV System to Measure Impact for People and Nature
The Government of Belize, through the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit (BBFP) within the Office of the Prime Minister, in coordination with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, and in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Stanford University’s Natural Capital Alliance (NatCap), convened an interactive stakeholder workshop to advance the development of Belize’s Blue Economy Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) System.
Government
Belize Participates in the 48th CPA Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region
A delegation from the National Assembly is participating in the 48th Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic (CPA-CAA) Region. This year's conference is being hosted by the Jamaica Parliament from 30th August to 5 th September 2026, at the Moon Palace Resort in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. Held under the theme, "Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age," the Conference brings together parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from across the region to examine the opportunities and challenges presented by digital transformation.
Government
Future of Cuban Medical Brigade in Belize Remains Uncertain
The future of the Cuban medical brigade in Belize remains uncertain amid pressure from the United States government, which has raised concerns that Cuba's overseas medical missions involve forced labor. Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard has denied reports that Cuban medical professionals are already being sent home but confirmed that Belize has until the end of September to determine the brigade's future in the country.
Government
New Four-Year Project to Strengthen Belize’s Disaster Response
On Friday, August 28th, the Governments of Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) officially launched a four-year disaster risk management initiative, marking a significant expansion of cooperation in climate resilience. The Belize Multi-Hazard Risk Management Capacity Building Project was launched through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, Honorable Orlando Habet, and the Minister of the Public Service, Disaster Risk Management and Enterprise, Honorable Henry Charles Usher. Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, Amino Chi, witnessed the signing.
Government
Belize Advances Electronic Single Window for Trade Initiative
Belize has achieved a significant milestone in the implementation of its Electronic Single Window for Trade (ESW) with the successful completion of an intensive four-day Knowledge Exchange Mission with the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA). This initiative, undertaken under the Trade and Investment Facilitation Program, a loan program for the Government of Belize financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and executed through the Central Executing Unit of the Ministry of Finance, focused on acquiring practical, first-hand insights from Jamaica’s established Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) system to inform and accelerate Belize’s own digital trade transformation.
Business & Economy
Belize Tax Service Employees Protest Proposed SARA Revenue Authority
On August 26th, employees of the Belize Tax Service (BTS) protested against the recently approved Revenue Authority Bill, also known as the SARA Bill. The proposed legislation would remove tax collection from a regular government department and place it under a new revenue authority with its own management, employees, and budget. However, the Minister of Finance would retain significant control over its leadership and general direction.
Government
Prime Minister Briceño Strengthens Belize-Honduras Relations
Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño paid an official visit to the Republic of Honduras on Monday, August 24, 2026, where he met with H.E. Nasry Asfura, President of the Republic of Honduras, at the Presidential House in Tegucigalpa to discuss opportunities to further strengthen bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
Government
UNHCR and UNICEF Train Belize Social Workers to Strengthen Child Protection
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and UNICEF conducted a Best Interest Procedure Training for social workers in Belize to strengthen child protection systems and enhance support for vulnerable children, including forcibly displaced children.