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.
Government
Amnesty Qualifying Criteria Extended
The qualifying criteria for Belize’s Amnesty Program, which aims to regularize the status of undocumented migrants, has been extended. Initially, the program only applied to individuals who had been residing in Belize up to 2016. The updated criteria now include individuals who can provide documentation showing they have lived in the country since December 31, 2019.
Government
Senator Gabriel Zetina Challenges National Budget Over Lack of Youth Investment
During the Senate sitting on Friday, May 30th, the national budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year was debated. Among the contributors was Senator Gabriel Zetina of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Representing the United Democratic Party (UDP), the young senator questioned the government's commitment to Belize’s youth, highlighting that only $500,000 has been allocated for youth programs from the Ministry of Youth’s budget of more than $5 million.
Government
Minister Thea Garcia Ramirez Represents Belize at High-Level IDB Regional Dialogue on Violence Against Women in Mexico City
Hon. Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Human Development, Families and Gender Affairs, represented Belize on the international stage during a high-level panel hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on June 3, 2025, in Mexico City. The virtual dialogue, titled “Challenges in Addressing Violence Against Women in Latin America and the Caribbean,” brought together regional leaders to address the persistent and growing crisis of gender-based violence.
