Politics and Government
Politics and Government
The UDP Continues Efforts to Unify; No Clear Leader Yet
The United Democratic Party (UDP) is continuing efforts to move forward amidst internal challenges. The party, which currently holds five seats in the House of Representatives, recently saw the official swearing-in of the Honorable Tracy Panton as the first female Leader of the Opposition. However, according to Panton, the UDP remains without a clear leader following the loss of former party leader Shyne Barrow’s Mesopotamia seat in the March 12th general election. A national convention to elect a new leader is expected but has not yet been scheduled.
Politics and Government
Caye Caulker prepares for 2025 Village Council elections
As Belize gears up for the 2025 Village Council Elections, communities like Caye Caulker are drawing heightened national attention. Residents will soon head to the polls to elect their new village council, a decision that will directly influence local governance, development priorities, and representation.
Politics and Government
UDP holds press conference to discuss current state of government affairs
The leadership of the United Democratic Party (UDP), led by Opposition Leader Tracy Panton, held a press conference on April 29, 2025, in the Toucan A Conference Room at Belize Biltmore Plaza. During this event, they strongly critiqued the current state of government affairs in Belize and outlined their vision for the future.
Community and Society
San Pedro’s Gabriel Zetina ready to serve as Senator
Gabriel Enrique Zetina, an entrepreneur from the island, has been appointed as an Opposition Senator. He is one of three appointees selected by the new leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Opposition, the Honorable Tracy Taeger-Panton.
This appointment follows the re-election of the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) government on March 12th, during which new members were assigned to the Senate.
Politics and Government
Tracy Panton elected Belize’s First Female Leader of Opposition
In a historic moment for Belizean politics, Tracy Panton became the nation’s first female Leader of the Opposition on March 14, 2025, coinciding with Women’s Month. Panton, a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP) who has represented the Albert constituency since 2015, ascended to this role after her faction defeated former opposition leader Shyne Barrow in the Mesopotamia constituency. Her election marks a significant shift toward greater gender representation in Belize’s traditionally male-dominated political landscape.
Politics and Government
OAS Commends Belize for Peaceful Elections, Highlights Need for Reforms
The Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) has released its preliminary report on Belize's General Elections, which took place on March 12, 2025. The report commends the peaceful and efficient conduct of the electoral process while highlighting areas that require improvement. Maricarmen Plata led the mission, which consisted of 12 experts and observers from seven different countries. They monitored key aspects of the electoral process, including organization, technology, justice, and campaign financing.
Politics and Government
Andre Perez celebrates his re-election with Victory Rally in Belize Rural South
After the 2025 General Election on March 12th, the People’s United Party (PUP) retained power. Its re-elected and newly elected candidates hosted victory rallies throughout the country. In the Belize Rural South (BRS) constituency, which includes Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Andre Perez held his victory rally on Saturday, March 15th, in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The celebration continued the next day with another rally in Caye Caulker.
Politics and Government
PUP remains in power after the 2025 General Election
After just over a month of campaigning, General Election Day was held on March 12th, where the People's United Party (PUP) won, winning 26 out of 31 constituencies and securing another term for the incumbent Prime Minister, Honorable John Briceño. This victory was not surprising for some, as the two uncontested seats (Pickstock and Fort George) on Nomination Day indicated significant issues within the opposition party. The PUP's victory was also evident in Belize Rural South (BRS), which includes Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and St. George’s Caye, where PUP candidate Andre Perez won by a substantial margin, garnering support from more than half of the voter turnout.
Politics and Government
PUP BRS Standard Bearer Andre Perez hosts pre-election rally
The 2025 General Election is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12th. The ruling People’s United Party (PUP) has been actively campaigning and holding rallies nationwide to enhance its re-election chances. In Belize Rural South (BRS), which includes San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, Standard Bearer Andre Perez and his team held a rally on Friday, March 7th, at Boca del Rio Beach Park. The efforts to rally more supporters continued with a Sports Day event on Sunday, March 9th at the same location.
Politics and Government
Electoral Process in Belize: Exercise your right to vote!
Belize's electoral process is a cornerstone of its democratic governance, ensuring free and fair elections since its independence. This process involves several key steps, including candidate nomination, campaigning, and voting. In the upcoming 2025 general elections, Belizean’s will head to the polls on March 12th to elect 31 members of the House of Representatives.
Politics and Government
Belize Rural South Standard Bearers participate in debate ahead of general election
As the next general election approaches, the four candidates vying for Area Representative of Belize Rural South (BRS) participated in a Standard Bearer Debate on Wednesday, March 5th. The event took place at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town and was organized by The San Pedro Sun and Reef TV/Radio. Starting at 7 PM, the candidates answered questions addressing issues that impact the constituency.
