Tuesday, September 15, 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

Belize Department of Civil Aviation Hosts Regional ACR-PCR And FAARFIELD Workshop in Collaboration with FAA

The Belize Department of Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), hosted a three-day Aircraft Classification Rating – Pavement Classification Rating (ACR-PCR) System and FAARFIELD Workshop aimed at enhancing aviation safety and infrastructure standards across the region.

Belize Strengthens Regional Leadership in Telecommunications at CITEL Assembly

From March 16-19, 2026, the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics (MPUEL), participated in the IX Ordinary Assembly of the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), a hemispheric body comprising 35 member states of the Organization of American States (OAS).

$1.9 billion 2026–2027 national budget debated in the National Assembly

From March 23rd to 25th, the proposed 2026–2027 national budget was debated in the National Assembly (House of Representatives) in Belmopan. Prime Minister John Briceño introduced the $1.9 billion budget on March 10th under the theme “Budgeting for Belizean Prosperity.” The proposal highlights what the government describes as strong economic performance, including a historic low unemployment rate of 2.0% and reduced inflation, along with reported gains in health, tourism, and conservation. During the debate, Leader of the Opposition Honorable Tracy Taegar-Panton acknowledged some achievements but challenged several of the government’s claims.

New domestic violence bill introduced to strengthen protections in Belize

The Government of Belize has introduced the Domestic Violence (Prohibition) Bill, 2026, in the National Assembly in Belmopan on Monday, March 23rd. The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence by addressing gaps in the current Domestic Violence Act. Its introduction during Women’s Month highlights ongoing national efforts to combat gender-based violence and improve support systems for affected individuals.