Government

On Tuesday, September 17th, Prime Minister Honourable Dr. John Briceño delivered his first State of the Nation address in the Capital City of Belmopan. The Prime Minister shared with Belizeans that the country's state is strong, and the gross domestic product has significantly increased, along with a robust tourism industry and a low unemployment rate. Among other important topics discussed, the highlight of his speech to many was the announcement of a break in income tax for wage earners making up to BZ$29,000 annually.

The Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Belize International Network for Women in Business (NIME) are excited to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in their joint efforts to empower women entrepreneurs and promote economic growth in Belize. This strategic partnership aims to foster collaboration and support for the growth and development of women-owned businesses in Belize. It also signifies a major step towards DFC’s goal of positioning itself as the “Bank for Women”.

On Saturday, September 7th, a group of vessels, including a large gunboat from the Guatemalan Navy, was seen in southern Belizean waters. The Belize Defence Force (BDF) and the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) approached the Guatemalan military boat. The Guatemalan forces initially claimed they were in their territorial waters, but after some discussion, they complied with Belizean authorities, and the vessels returned to Guatemalan waters.

The Government of Belize and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government agency, signed a five-year US$125 million Grant Agreement for investment in education and energy in Belize. Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño signed on behalf of the Government of Belize, and CEO Mrs. Alice Albright signed for MCC.

Seven asylum-seekers in Belize have been granted Permanent Residency Cards, officially recognizing their legal status in the country. The residency cards were distributed on 2 September during an Amnesty Ceremony at the University of Belize Conference Center in Belmopan City, Cayo District.

The Executive Vice President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Jordan Schwartz, and the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceño, signed loan contracts and related non-reimbursable grant agreements to finance two new programs aimed at enhancing healthcare services and promoting sustainable urban development in Belize, respectively. The signing took place on Friday, 30th August 2024, during the Third High-Level Dialogue of the Regional Climate Change Platform of Finance and Economy Ministries in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

From August 30th through the 31st, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, hosted the third High-Level Meeting of the Regional Climate Change Platform of Economy and Finance Ministries of Latin America and the Caribbean. Hosted by the Government of Belize in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the two-day event saw delegations from various countries. The ministerial meeting ended with a powerful demonstration of unity as the participating countries adopted a regional vision for sustainable finance. This collective effort aims to boost sustainable finance and promote effective investments, reinforcing the shared responsibility of the participating countries in meeting their climate commitments.

On August 30th and 31st, during the Third High-Level Dialogue of the Regional Climate Change Platform of Finance and Economy Ministries in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Belize signed a funding agreement. This agreement aims to improve the country’s healthcare services and urban infrastructure, including San Pedro’s San Mateo Subdivision, which will benefit from upgrades to its street network, sewage and drainage infrastructure, public parks, and other essential services.