Friday, November 6, 2026

Government

Belize and COSEFIN Advance Preparations for the 2026 COSEFIN Pro Tempore Presidency

From May 19 to 22, the Executive Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Finance or Treasury of Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic — COSEFIN — carried out an official mission in Belize with the objective of supporting the Ministry of Economic Transformation in preparing for the Pro Tempore Presidency of COSEFIN, which Belize will assume during the second half of 2026.

Ministry of Investment and UNIDO Present Preliminary Findings on Belize’s Industrial Strategy

The Office of the Prime Minister, through the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU) in the Ministry of Investment, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is developing Belize’s first Industrial Strategy with Green and Blue Industrial Policies. The validation workshop for the preliminary country diagnostics and research findings was held at the UWI Conference Center in Belize City. It brought together over 50 participants, including senior government officials and private sector stakeholders.

Rising construction costs push San Pedro hospital project over budget

Almost a year ago, during a site visit, progress on the San Pedro/Caye Caulker General Hospital was described as positive, on schedule, and within budget, with funding facilitated by a grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan). However, by May 2026, construction costs for the hospital had reportedly increased significantly, pushing the project above its original budget. Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño addressed the matter on May 20th, stating that the government will continue discussions with Taiwanese officials.

Community Consultation on Immigration held in San Pedro

The Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labor, alongside the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has launched the National Stakeholder Consultation for Belize’s first Migration and Development Policy. As part of the initiative, a series of consultations is taking place across the country. On May 16th, a session was held in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, where residents shared valuable feedback and recommendations as the government works toward developing a new migration policy.

Construction resumes for Caye Caulker Police Station

After weeks of uncertainty, construction on the new Caye Caulker Police Station resumed during the week of May 11th. Islanders, along with the village council, had protested after work at the beachfront property was paused amid rumors that the land had been sold. While the property remains under the control of the Belize Police Department, the council has been requesting its transfer to them.

Belize Marks 52 Years in CARICOM with Youth-Focused Panel Discussion

As part of the annual CARICOM Week activities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade hosted a panel discussion on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, under the theme, "Your Future, Your Region."

Civil Aviation Hosts Public Consultation on Belize Drone Regulations

The Belize Department of Civil Aviation held a public consultation on draft regulations for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, on Wednesday, May 6th. The event, from 9AM to 12PM at the St. Catherine Academy Mercy Center in Belize City, offered a virtual participation option via Zoom. Registration was made available online ahead of the session, and the consultation was attended by stakeholders, including drone operators, hobbyists, and members of the public.

Belize and Cuba Advance Cooperation in Disaster Risk Management

Belize and Cuba took steps to advance cooperation in disaster risk management on May 5th, when the Honorable Henry Charles Usher, Belize’s Minister of Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, met with a high-level Cuban delegation at the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) headquarters. The meeting formed part of Cuba’s official visit to Belize from May 1st to 5th.