Government
Belize’s Military Forces Undergo Change of Command
Belize’s two main military institutions, the Belize Defense Force (BDF) and the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), marked changes of command on January 29th during formal military ceremonies. Captain Gregory Soberanis assumed command of the Belize Coast Guard, while Captain Anthony Velasquez was appointed Brigadier General of the Belize Defense Force.
Conservation
Hol Chan Secures Title to Mangrove Lands South of Ambergris Caye
Following public concern raised in September 2025 over the alleged subdivision of parcels of land south of Ambergris Caye in the Boca Ciega Area within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the office of Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez intervened to address the issue. Months later, on February 2nd, Perez’s office announced that the parcels in question, 11 in total, had officially been issued land titles in the name of the marine reserve.
Government
Belize and Guatemala Foreign Ministers meet at the OAS office to discuss territorial dispute
As Belize and Guatemala continue to strengthen their bilateral relations, a special meeting was held on January 22 at the Organization of American States (OAS) between the foreign ministers of both countries. The discussions touched on ongoing opportunities and challenges and focused on charting a positive course toward a peaceful resolution of Guatemala’s claim at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Government
Unclaimed Million Dalla Jackpot Winnings to Be Donated to Charity
Belize Government Lotteries Ltd. (BGL) has announced that unclaimed winnings from the Million Dalla Jackpot draw held on December 20, 2025, totalling $111,111.11, will be donated to a charitable organization. In a public notice issued on January 21, 2026, BGL reported that eight of the nine winning tickets drawn for the Million Dalla Jackpot game were claimed within the required time frame, resulting in total payouts of $888,888.88.
Government
GOB Launches National Rural Development Strategy for 2026–2030
The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government officially launched Belize’s National Rural Development Strategy (NRDS) 2026–2030 on January 21. The launch took place at the Caracol Hall of the Lord Ashcroft Education Centre in Belize City, with Minister Oscar Requena leading the unveiling in collaboration with the Belize Centre for Inclusive Excellence (CLIO). Prime Minister John Briceño was in attendance and delivered remarks in support of the initiative.
Government
BTL Executive Presents Proposed Speednet Acquisition to Cabinet
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) presented its proposal to acquire SMART/Speednet to the Cabinet on Tuesday, January 20th, during a meeting held in the capital city of Belmopan. The presentation was delivered by BTL Chairman Mark Lizarraga, Chief Executive Officer Ivan Tesucum, and Chief Financial Officer Ian Cleverly. The briefing reportedly lasted more than two hours and concluded without a final decision on the proposal.
Government
Belize to Install Biometric Data-Sharing Programme at Ports of Entry
Belize took a significant step toward strengthening national security and border management on January 12th after partnering with the United States to launch a Biometric Data Sharing Programme (BDSP). The initiative will introduce fingerprint and facial recognition scanners at the country’s key ports of entry to enhance border security and improve migration management.2
Government
U.S. to Pause Immigrant Visa Processing from 75 Countries, Including Belize
According to reports from major international media outlets, the United States is set to indefinitely pause the processing of specific immigrant visa applications from 75 countries, including Belize. The reported suspension would not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as tourist or student visas, nor to individuals traveling to attend the FIFA World Cup events scheduled to take place in the United States this summer.