Government
GOB Launches National Rural Development Strategy for 2026–2030
The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government officially launched Belize’s National Rural Development Strategy (NRDS) 2026–2030 on January 21. The launch took place at the Caracol Hall of the Lord Ashcroft Education Centre in Belize City, with Minister Oscar Requena leading the unveiling in collaboration with the Belize Centre for Inclusive Excellence (CLIO). Prime Minister John Briceño was in attendance and delivered remarks in support of the initiative.
Government
BTL Executive Presents Proposed Speednet Acquisition to Cabinet
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) presented its proposal to acquire SMART/Speednet to the Cabinet on Tuesday, January 20th, during a meeting held in the capital city of Belmopan. The presentation was delivered by BTL Chairman Mark Lizarraga, Chief Executive Officer Ivan Tesucum, and Chief Financial Officer Ian Cleverly. The briefing reportedly lasted more than two hours and concluded without a final decision on the proposal.
Government
Belize to Install Biometric Data-Sharing Programme at Ports of Entry
Belize took a significant step toward strengthening national security and border management on January 12th after partnering with the United States to launch a Biometric Data Sharing Programme (BDSP). The initiative will introduce fingerprint and facial recognition scanners at the country’s key ports of entry to enhance border security and improve migration management.2
Government
U.S. to Pause Immigrant Visa Processing from 75 Countries, Including Belize
According to reports from major international media outlets, the United States is set to indefinitely pause the processing of specific immigrant visa applications from 75 countries, including Belize. The reported suspension would not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as tourist or student visas, nor to individuals traveling to attend the FIFA World Cup events scheduled to take place in the United States this summer.
Government
Drone Regulations Under Review in Belize
Belize is strengthening regulations on drone use through an operational directive from the Belize Department of Civil Aviation, which aims to standardize licensing requirements and enforce no-fly zones near airports, including those in San Pedro. At the same time, the San Pedro Town Council, along with other municipalities nationwide, recently received drones donated by the Protected Areas Conservation Trust to support climate monitoring and planning.
Government
GOB Aligns with CARICOM Statement Following U.S. Action in Venezuela
Following the United States (U.S.) military intervention in Venezuela on January 3rd, which resulted in the extraction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, the Government of Belize (GOB) issued an official statement aligning itself with the Bureau of CARICOM Heads of Government. The statement addressed matters of international law, state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respect for human dignity, as world leaders continued to weigh in on the U.S. action.
Government
Statement on the Situation in Venezuela
Over the last four months, the Government of Belize has been monitoring closely and has consistently expressed its concern about the buildup of military assets in the southern Caribbean. Early on Saturday morning, January 3, 2026, military operations were carried out in Venezuela resulting in the removal of the President.
Government
Deferment of the Application of Trade License Act No. 19 Of 2024
The public, in particular members of the business community, is hereby advised that the Trade License Act, No. 19 of 2024, has not yet come into force. Under this Act, a new trade licensing regime is to be established in urban areas and, for the first time, in rural areas.