Government
13th Amendment Fuels Debate Over Civil Liberties Nationwide
The proposed 13th Amendment to Belize's Constitution has sparked a heated national debate, with some critics accusing the government of using crime as a smokescreen to erode civil rights and consolidate unchecked power. In May of this year, Prime Minister John Briceño’s government introduced the 13th Amendment, which aims to change the country’s approach to crime and civil liberties. The amendment seeks to grant the government the authority to declare “special areas” where heightened security measures, such as warrantless searches and arrests, can be implemented.
Government
Government Launches New Biometric National ID Initiative
On July 18, 2025, Belizean government officials formally announced the full-scale rollout of the National ID system, describing it as a key milestone in the country’s digital transformation agenda. The decision follows the successful completion of a six-month pilot project involving 500 participants, overseen by the Ministry of E-Governance’s E-Government and Digitalization Unit.
Government
New UTVS to Boost Fire Response Capabilities in Placencia and San Pedro
The Ministry of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management is proud to announce the addition of two brand-new Honda UTVs to the National Fire Service’s emergency response fleet.
Community and Society
Site Inspection of San Pedro/Caye Caulker General Hospital Shows Progress
On Wednesday, July 23rd, Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez and officials from the Ministries of Health and Wellness (MOHW) and Finance conducted a site inspection of the San Pedro and Caye Caulker General Hospital project. The visit aimed to assess the progress of the long-anticipated medical facility, which is being constructed to serve residents and visitors of the Cayes. The contractor reported that the project is on schedule and expected to be completed before its April 2027 deadline.
Government
New Board of Commissioners Inaugurated for the National Women’s Commission
In a significant step forward for gender equality and women’s empowerment in Belize, the National Women’s Commission (NWC) officially inaugurated its new Board of Commissioners on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at a formal ceremony held at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City.
Government
ICJ to Hear Guatemala’s Intervention in Belize & Honduras’ Sapodilla Cayes Case
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has officially set a date to hear a case involving the long-standing dispute over the Sapodilla Cayes in southern Belize, currently between Belize and Honduras, and now Guatemala. On November 24, 2025, the ICJ will hear Guatemala’s application to intervene in the claim over these islands, which are part of a marine reserve and a popular destination for vacationers from both Honduras and Guatemala.
Government
Stakeholders Unite to Drive Transformative Change in Belize’s National Transportation System
The Ministry of Constitution & Religious Affairs, Indigenous Affairs, and Transportation hosted the inaugural meeting of the National Bus Company Pro Temp Advisory Committee, marking a pivotal step toward modernizing Belize’s national highway bus system.
Government
Ministry of Human Development Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy on Corporal Punishment Against Children
The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support, and Gender Affairs strongly reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy on corporal punishment and all forms of violence against children in state care and across Belize.
