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.
Government
United Nations Belize and Government of Belize Convene 5th Joint National Steering Committee Meeting to Advance Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework
The Government of Belize and the United Nations Country Team convened its 5th Joint National Steering Committee Meeting, co-chaired by H.E. Amalia Mai, CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Culture, and Mr. Raul Salazar, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Belize and El Salvador. The Joint Steering Committee provides strategic oversight and guidance for the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF) 2022-2026, which covers 22 countries in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean and was adopted by Belize in December 2021.
Government
BNTU takes action against GOB
On April 30, 2025, the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) held a crucial nationwide meeting, gathering over 2,500 members from its branches in response to rising frustrations over government salary policies and longstanding union demands. With the official voting results, the BNTU moved forward with a demonstration on Friday, May 9th, in Belmopan City. This demonstration marks the first phase of their industrial action. If their demands are not met, the union is prepared to escalate its actions to include a two-day national shutdown and, ultimately, a strike.
Government
GOB unveils strategic development plan for Ambergris Caye
On Wednesday, May 7th, the Government of Belize (GOB) officially launched the Strategic Plan for the Sustainable Development of Ambergris Caye. The event took place at the Sunset Caribe Resort, and the media were not invited. This plan sets a long-term vision to guide the island’s sustainable growth, resilience, and overall quality of life.
Government
New Peace Corps Trainees Arrive in Belize for YES Project
Twenty-three Peace Corps trainees arrived in Belize this morning to begin 27 months of service, joining national efforts to empower Belizean youth through the Youth Empowered by Sports (YES) Project. Their arrival strengthens the ongoing impact of two current YES cohorts already serving communities across the country.