Government
New Diplomatic Era: David Hodge Takes Control of the U.S. Embassy in Belize
David Hodge has officially assumed the role of Chargé d'Affaires at the United States of American (U.S.) Embassy in Belize, effective January 17, 2025. His appointment follows the departure of Ambassador Michelle Kwan, who held the position since late 2022. Hodge's arrival marks an important transition for the Embassy, which is committed to further strengthening U.S. and Belize relations.
Government
Mayor Wally Nuñez travels to Washington, DC to witness US Presidential Inauguration
San Pedro Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez traveled to Washington, D.C., USA to attend President Donald Trump's inauguration events. On Sunday, January 19th, he attended a private reception, where he mingled with various members of Congress and influential leaders.
Government
Belize Strengthens Efforts to Boost Sugar Exports to CARICOM Market
The Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Hon. Dr. Osmond Martinez, and the Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT) held a pivotal meeting with representatives from Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) to discuss strategies for enhancing Belize’s sugar exports to the CARICOM market.
Government
GOB Receives Disbursement under the 2023 Bilateral Cooperation Grant from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, has received a grant from the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), H. E. Lily Li-Wen Hsu, in the amount of US$3 million. This represents the remaining disbursement under the 2023 Bilateral Cooperation Program between both countries.
Business & Economy
Income tax exemption threshold is now set to $29,000
As of January 1, 2025, a new income tax exemption threshold was implemented, raising the threshold from $26,000 to $29,000. This change means that workers earning less than $29,000 annually will no longer be required to pay income tax. As a result, over 3000 employees earning below this limit will benefit from making income tax payments, which is a significant advantage for those within this income.
Government
United States Embassy Donates Vehicles to Law Enforcement Agencies for Border Security
The U.S. Embassy, through the Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), reaffirms its commitment to provide support to the Government of Belize in its fight against transnational organized crime and commitment to improve border security. A total of nine vehicles valued at approximately US$380,000 were handed over to the following Government of Belize agencies: Department of Border Management and Immigration Services (1), Belize Customs and Excise Department’s Intelligence Unit and Enforcement Unit (2), the Belize Police Department’s Mobile Interdiction Team (4) and Anti-Narcotics Unit (2).
Government
The Senior Courts of Belize Announce the Issuance of the First Ever Sentencing Guidelines
The Honourable Chief Justice, Mde Louise Esther Blenman, announces the issuance of the first-ever Sentencing Guidelines for Belize, a landmark accomplishment that was published in the Gazette on Thursday, January 2, 2025. This marks the first time in Belize's history that comprehensive Sentencing Guidelines have been issued, representing a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the criminal justice system.
Government
The Revision of the Supreme Court Civil Procedure Rules 2025
Chief Justice, Honourable Mde. Louise Esther Blenman, is pleased to announce the issuance of the Senior Courts of Belize Civil Procedure Rules 2025 (CPR 2025) published on Thursday, January 2, 2025.