Friday, October 24, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.