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.
Government
DOE Advances Revision of the National Wastewater Policy
The Department of the Environment (DOE), within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, hosted a stakeholder meeting today to update Belize’s National Wastewater Policy. The meeting includes partners from the government, private sector, academia, and civil society, all working together to improve wastewater management and environmental health in Belize.
Business & Economy
National Assembly Concludes Three-Day Debate on 2025–2026 Budget
The National Assembly of Belize concluded its three-day debate on the 2025–2026 national budget on Wednesday, May 28, following sessions at the George Price Center in Belmopan. The discussion centered on the country’s economic progress, fiscal plans, and political differences shaping the government's development strategy for the upcoming fiscal year. The debate began on Monday, May 26, with several members of the House of Representatives addressing national priorities, including economic recovery, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and public service delivery.
Government
Teachers Stage Nationwide Sickout After Rejecting Government’s Offer; Strike Still on the Table
On Wednesday, May 28th, teachers across Belize staged a nationwide unofficial sickout following the Belize National Teachers Union’s (BNTU) rejection of the Government of Belize’s (GOB) latest proposal on salary adjustments. The sickout is part of escalating industrial action amid growing frustration within the education sector.
Government
San Pedro’s Drivers Licenses Uninterrupted Amid National System Failure
A major disruption has affected Belize’s national Motor Vehicle Registration and License System, leaving many motorists unable to obtain or renew their driver’s licenses. The system, developed with support from the Taiwanese Embassy, has been down for an extended period, impacting services at most Transport Department offices across the country, except in San Pedro Town, which operates a separate, locally managed system that continues to function normally.