Government

Effective Wednesday, October 1st, Belizeans can now live and work freely in Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As part of an agreement among the countries, citizens will be allowed to stay indefinitely and work without a permit. They will also have access to basic healthcare and public education for children. The historic initiative was agreed to in July during the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting held in Jamaica.

As of October 1, around 20,000 public officers, teachers, pensioners, and other public sector workers in Belize will receive a 4.5% salary increase. The adjustment is part of an 8.5% increase phased package negotiated between the government and major unions, including the Public Service Union (PSU) and the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU). The increase marks the first segment of the agreement aimed at improving wages after years of stalled negotiations. It has been welcomed as a step toward fairer compensation and restoring dignity for workers.

The Fisheries Administrator hereby reminds the public that in accordance with the Fisheries Resources Act Chapter 210 of the Laws of Belize, the Conch Season will officially open from October 1st, 2025, to June 30th, 2026. The public is advised that if the conch production quota is realized earlier, the conch season will be declared closed.

Senator Brittney Galvez, a member of the WPC, participated in the 17th Gathering of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network for Gender Equality, which took place on September 25 and 26, 2025, in Brasilia, Brazil. The two-day forum convened parliamentarians and experts from across the Americas and the Caribbean to discuss practical strategies for advancing gender equality and the protection of women's rights.

eptember 23, 2025 The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government announces that Belize has fulfilled its obligation under Article 19 of the Constitution of the International Labour Organization (ILO). This was achieved through the submission of International Labour Standards, adopted by the International Labour Conference during the period 1990 to 2025, to the National Assembly.

Throughout September, Belizeans witnessed another flare-up in tensions surrounding the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute. Guatemala continues to assert a claim over half of Belize’s landmass, all of its islands (Cayes), and the maritime territory extending from the coast. The latest incidents with the Guatemalan Armed Forces at the Sarstoon River in southern Belize prompted strong protests from the Government of Belize. In response, Guatemala reaffirmed its sovereignty claim over the entire river. Experts further explained that Guatemala’s position extends to all of Belize’s Cayes. Guatemalan officials also discussed possible scenarios in the event that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules in their favor.

On Wednesday, September 24th, Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño and his delegation participated in the first Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Global Economy. The event, held during the 80th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, aimed to strengthen existing ties and establish additional coordination between the UN and international financial institutions. It also focused on accelerating reforms to the global economic system and enhancing the voice and representation of developing countries.

During a recent sitting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan, several bills were introduced, including the first-ever Climate Change and Carbon Market Initiatives Bill, 2025. The legislation was presented by the Honorable Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change. According to him, the bill sets a legal and constitutional foundation and establishes structures to protect the country’s land, waters, and people.