Government
21 Belizeans Repatriated from the USA in First-Ever Charter Flight
On Thursday, May 22nd, a charter flight from the United States of America (USA) landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), repatriating 21 Belizeans who had been residing illegally in that country. The aircraft arrived shortly after 11AM, and following immigration processing, the Belizean nationals were transported to the Queen Street Police Station in Belize City for screening before being released. The flight, an Airbus A321, was carrying a total of 150 deportees, the majority of whom were from Peru and Chile.
Environment
DOE Partners with Customs Brokers to Strengthen Environmental Import Compliance
The Department of the Environment (DOE) partnered with customs brokers through a two-day workshop held in Belize City on May 14 and 15, 2025, to enhance environmental compliance for imported goods. This initiative forms part of the DOE’s broader strategy to align trade practices with national legislation and international environmental agreements, including the Montreal Protocol and the Basel Convention.
Government
Belize and the European Union Holds Partnership Dialogue
Belize and the European Union held their Partnership Dialogue in Belmopan, Belize on 19th May 2025. The discussions were held in a constructive atmosphere, addressing the multifaceted relationship between Belize and the EU. Both parties are aligned on many critical global issues and are committed to respecting the international legal order and promoting multilateralism. They reiterated their commitment to further strengthen their partnership, grounded in shared values and interests.
Government
Government Still Hopeful for Millennium Challenge Corporation Grant
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. John Briceño remains hopeful that Belize may still access the five-year, US$125 million grant initially secured through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a United States government agency. Although the grant program was officially shut down in April 2025, Briceño said discussions are ongoing, following a conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. On Monday, May 12th, the Prime Minister reiterated his optimism, saying that if the program is ended, the Government of Belize will seek alternative funding sources through its development partners.
Government
Municipal Boundaries Realigned for the First Time in Decades; San Pedro Town Now Encompasses the Entire Island of Ambergris Caye
The Government of Belize has officially declared updated boundaries for the nation’s seven towns and two cities, following a long-awaited delineation exercise conducted by the Ministry of Local Government. Effective April 1st, the new boundaries have been gazetted, marking the first municipal realignment in decades. A significant outcome of the redistricting is that San Pedro Town now officially encompasses the entire island of Ambergris Caye. Previously, the town’s jurisdiction was limited to a smaller, urbanized area.
Government
Belize’s 2025/26 Budget Presented: “From Promise to Performance”
Prime Minister John Briceño has presented Belize’s national budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year, unveiling a $1.78 billion spending plan under the theme “From Promise to Performance.” Delayed from its usual March presentation due to the March 12 general elections, the budget outlines the government’s financial priorities amid a backdrop of robust economic recovery and ambitious social investments.
Community and Society
BNTU Stages Demonstration in Belmopan City
Hundreds of union members staged a demonstration in Belmopan on Friday, May 9th, led by the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), alongside the Public Service Union and other allied organizations. The protest marked the first phase of a planned series of industrial actions aimed at pressuring the Government of Belize (GOB) to implement long-standing salary and wage reforms.
Accidents & Disasters
“Early Warnings for All” workshop aims to enhance emergency response preparations in Belize
From May 5th to 7th, the Ministry of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the National Meteorological Service (NMS), hosted the first National Consultative Workshop on Early Warnings for All (EW4All) at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel. This three-day event brought together key stakeholders from various sectors to review and enhance Belize's early warning systems, aimed at reducing disaster risk and improving climate resilience.
