Tag:
Belize
Environment
Belize and UK Celebrate Ocean Partnership Milestones During OCPP Week
Belize and the United Kingdom strengthened their long-standing collaboration in marine conservation and climate resilience during Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) Week, held from Wednesday, February 4th, to Friday, February 6th. The three-day forum brought together government officials, UK representatives, scientists, youth leaders, and civil society stakeholders to reflect on five years of cooperation and to outline priorities for the future of Belize’s ocean governance.
Government
ICJ Hears Guatemala’s Oral Arguments to Intervene in Sapodilla Cayes Case
On Wednesday, November 26th, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) finished public hearings on Guatemala’s request to intervene in the sovereignty dispute over the southern Sapodilla Cayes, a case currently before the Court between Belize and Honduras. The oral arguments started on Monday, November 24th, at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, with legal teams from Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras presenting their arguments. The ICJ will now consider Guatemala’s request and announce a decision at a later public hearing.
Government
Guatemala Launches Campaign Promoting New Map That Includes Belize
As the territorial, insular, and maritime dispute between Belize and Guatemala moves closer to oral hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Guatemalan government has intensified an educational campaign urging its institutions to use maps that depict Belize as part of Guatemala. The latest instance occurred on November 14th, when Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted an image on its official Facebook page showing a map with Belize annexed, accompanied by instructions explaining why it must be portrayed that way.
Business & Economy
Belize to Implement CARICOM Free Movement with Three Countries
As of October 1st, Belize, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are expected to begin implementing the free movement of their citizens...
Environment
Landmark Maya Forest Protection Agreement Signed by Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico
For the first time in diplomatic history, Belize’s Prime Minister, Honorable Dr. John Briceño, met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo at a special gathering on August 15 in Calakmul, Mexico. The high-level trilateral meeting culminated in the signing of a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening environmental conservation and enhancing regional cooperation on energy, infrastructure, and trade.
Government
Belize Joins CARICOM’s Inititive for Free Movement
Following the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting held in Jamaica from July 6th to 8th, it was announced that Belize has joined three other Caribbean nations in committing to implement the whole free movement of people. Under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), this initiative includes Belize, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica. The implementation will go through a three-year transitional period beginning October 1st. In Belize, government officials anticipate increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Environment
San Pedro recognized as the leading fishing destination in Belize for 2024; 12th-best fishing town globally
Belize is quickly becoming one of the premier fishing destinations in Central America, especially for saltwater anglers looking for diverse fishing experiences. A recent study by Fish Booker, a well-known global platform for booking fishing trips, highlights Belize’s growing appeal in this area. The study analyzed 266 fishing locations outside the United States, using five key criteria based on data from over 40,000 fishing excursions conducted in the past year.
Weather
Tropical Storm Watch declared for Belize, Orange Walk and Corozal Districts
At 3 pm local time, potential tropical cyclone 15 (PTC 15) was located near latitude 17.5N, longitude 85.0W or about 210 miles east of Belize City. PTC 15 was moving to the west-northwest at 7 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. A general westward motion is expected tonight before the system reaches land tomorrow. Slight strengthening is expected an the system could become a low end tropical storm with winds of around 40-50 mph before it makes landfall over Belize tomorrow.