Government
Ministry of Health and Wellness Advisory on Ebola
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) advises the public and travelers at all ports of entry that Belize is initiating heightened public health vigilance in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of East and Central Africa. While no suspected cases have been identified in Belize, the MOHW is ensuring that precautionary measures at points of entry are initiated to protect the population’s health.
Environment
$25 million invested in San Pedro’s fight against Sargassum
The ongoing influx of Sargassum continues to impact Belize's coastline, particularly tourism-dependent destinations such as San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker. Local and central government authorities have invested significant resources to manage the problem. On May 27th, it was confirmed that approximately $25 million has been spent on Sargassum mitigation and beach clean-up efforts in San Pedro alone, yet the challenge remains far from resolved.
Government
San Pedro General Hospital Faces Delays and Rising Construction Costs, but Construction Presses Ahead
Construction of the San Pedro/Caye Caulker General Hospital, south of San Pedro Town, continues amid reports of projected cost overruns. Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez addressed the matter on Wednesday, May 27th, during a site tour showcasing the progress of the anticipated medical facility. While Perez confirmed that additional costs are being discussed, he stated that the projected overrun is nowhere near the reported $15 million. Although he could not provide an exact figure, Perez assured island residents that the state-of-the-art hospital, expected to become the second-largest medical facility in Belize, will be completed with a tentative opening date set for early 2027.
Government
Belize Halts High-Rise Construction in Four Coastal Areas
On May 21st, the Belize Cabinet approved a temporary six-month moratorium on the approval and construction of high-rise buildings in four coastal communities. The freeze applies to any structure exceeding 45 feet in height or more than three floors in Caye Caulker Village, Hopkins Village, the Placencia Peninsula, and Sittee River Village.
Government
Belize and COSEFIN Advance Preparations for the 2026 COSEFIN Pro Tempore Presidency
From May 19 to 22, the Executive Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Finance or Treasury of Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic — COSEFIN — carried out an official mission in Belize with the objective of supporting the Ministry of Economic Transformation in preparing for the Pro Tempore Presidency of COSEFIN, which Belize will assume during the second half of 2026.
Government
Ministry of Investment and UNIDO Present Preliminary Findings on Belize’s Industrial Strategy
The Office of the Prime Minister, through the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU) in the Ministry of Investment, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is developing Belize’s first Industrial Strategy with Green and Blue Industrial Policies. The validation workshop for the preliminary country diagnostics and research findings was held at the UWI Conference Center in Belize City. It brought together over 50 participants, including senior government officials and private sector stakeholders.
Government
Rising construction costs push San Pedro hospital project over budget
Almost a year ago, during a site visit, progress on the San Pedro/Caye Caulker General Hospital was described as positive, on schedule, and within budget, with funding facilitated by a grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan). However, by May 2026, construction costs for the hospital had reportedly increased significantly, pushing the project above its original budget. Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño addressed the matter on May 20th, stating that the government will continue discussions with Taiwanese officials.
Government
Community Consultation on Immigration held in San Pedro
The Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labor, alongside the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has launched the National Stakeholder Consultation for Belize’s first Migration and Development Policy. As part of the initiative, a series of consultations is taking place across the country. On May 16th, a session was held in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, where residents shared valuable feedback and recommendations as the government works toward developing a new migration policy.