Government

The Government of Belize, through the Office of the Prime Minister, in partnership with BELTRAIDE, the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU), the Belize Tax Service (BTS), the Belize Companies & Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR), the Economic Development Council (EDC), the Ministry of Local Government and City/Town Councils, is pleased to announce the extension of the MSME Tax Amnesty Programme until December 31, 2025.

Press Release, Belmopan, Belize, October 20, 2025 — The Ministry of Economic Transformation (MET), Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government...

For the first time, Belize hosted the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference. Organized in collaboration with Belize Water Services (BWS) Ltd, the 34th annual edition of the event took place from October 20th to 24th at the Grand Caribe Resort in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The week-long conference created an engaging environment where hundreds of regional stakeholders and government officials networked, shared ideas, and explored solutions to the challenges facing the water sector.

At the last sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday, October 17th, the Minister of Health and Wellness (MOHW), Honourable Kevin Bernard, introduced an ambitious Tobacco Control Bill. The legislation aims to reduce the risk of illness and death caused by smoking while preventing children from using tobacco products. The bill also seeks to align Belize’s national policies with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

The Government of Belize has announced a landmark acquisition of three major hydroelectric plants and a significant stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) from the Canadian company Fortis Inc. The official announcement came on October 16th, with the government swiftly tabling a bill in the House of Representatives seeking parliamentary approval for the purchase. The three hydro plants—Mollejon, Chalillo, and Vaca—are situated along the Macal River and collectively provide over a third of Belize’s electricity.

After months of speculation, the Government of Belize revealed on Friday, October 17th, that it is on the verge of finalizing a migration agreement with the United States of America (USA). Under this deal, dubbed a Safe Third Country Agreement, Belize would allow asylum seekers in the USA to be transferred to the country while their cases are being processed. The government emphasized that this would occur only under strict conditions.

At its meeting on October 14th, 2025, Cabinet endorsed the Government’s agreement with Fortis Inc. for the purchase of its hydroelectric assets and 33.3% stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), with a Bill to be tabled in Parliament for approval. Cabinet also approved several national initiatives, including funding to electrify schools in rural Orange Walk, rehabilitation of the Belize City and Belmopan bus terminals, and reduced import duties on electric and hybrid vehicles to promote a green transition. Additional approvals included support for Belize’s upcoming WTO Trade Policy Review, accession to key WIPO treaties, amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, and the procurement of new solar and natural gas energy projects.

The Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL) has reported strong performance since the government assumed management of Boledo and the national lottery two years ago. The agency projects total sales of over $200 million, with revenues primarily directed toward free healthcare and education. As BGLL continues to expand, its management plans to further modernize the system through technology and innovation.