Government
Ministry of Agriculture working to control New World Screwworm Infections
Since the first confirmed case of the New World Screwworm (NWS) was reported in Belize on December 26, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture has been actively managing the outbreak, reaching 63 confirmed cases in late April. Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Honorable Jose Abelardo Mai, provided this update during a regional meeting in San Salvador. During this meeting, Minister Mai led discussions among agriculture ministers from Central America, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic regarding controlling and eradicating pests.
Government
Belize National Teachers Union Mobilizes Nationwide; Meeting in San Pedro Highlights Urgent Demands
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) held important district meetings nationwide on April 30, 2025, including a highly charged assembly at the Lion’s Den in San Pedro. This mobilization is part of their escalating efforts to address systemic grievances after the Ministry of Education denied time-off requests for these meetings. BNTU President Nadia Caliz emphasized that the gatherings were necessary to “formally register discontent” regarding salary disparities and bureaucratic failures.
Government
U.S. Embassy in Belize releases ‘Warning Statement’ for Visa Seekers
The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, represented by Chargé d’affaires David Hodge, has delivered a strong message to the people of Belize: seek legal pathways to enter the United States or face serious consequences. As pressures related to migration rise, the Embassy's campaign titled “Don’t Risk Your Future” highlights the dangers of illegal entry and outlines the correct procedures for obtaining a U.S. visa.
Government
Unions threaten a strike in response to salary increases for CEOs and Cabinet Secretary
The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), along with the Public Service Union (PSU) and the workers at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), have expressed strong disapproval over the salary increases granted to the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie. This decision has been described as “obscene,” especially as teachers and other public officers continue to wait for overdue pay adjustments.
Government
Belize loses US$125 million Millennium Challenge Corporation grant
In September 2024, the Government of Belize (GOB) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a United States government agency, announced the signing of a five-year, $125 million grant agreement to invest in education and energy in the country. Fast-forward to April 2025, with a new American administration in place, the MCC has reportedly been shut down, leading to the cancellation of the multimillion-dollar grant.
Government
The initial draft of the National Land Use Policy released
The first draft of Belize’s updated National Land Use Policy (NLUP) for 2025-2035, a comprehensive framework, has been released. This all-encompassing document includes sustainable use, management, and development of land throughout the country, building upon the thematic areas established in the 2019 NLUP, introducing expanded goals and new thematic priorities to address urgent national and global challenges. Below is a summary of the key elements and implications of the policy.
Government
Belize Strengthens Leadership and Advocacy in Global Maritime Climate Negotiations
The Belize Port Authority (BPA) under the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) recently participated in two critical international climate meetings convened by the International Maritime Organization (IMO): the 19th Session of the Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 19) and the 83rd Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83). These sessions were held at the IMO Headquarters in London, United Kingdom.
Business & Economy
US Government pauses reciprocal tariffs on most countries for 90 days
On Wednesday, April 9th, the United States announced a 90-day pause on the newly implemented reciprocal tariff rates, which included a 10% tariff on imports from various trade partners, including Belize. President Donald Trump's administration clarified that China would not receive any exemptions and is facing steeper tariff rates of up to 125%. Meanwhile, the Government of Belize (GOB) has consulted with stakeholders regarding the U.S. tariff policy.