Cabinet

On the 23rd of October, the Government of Belize announced a significant initiative to lower the cost of some medicines used to treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This move aims to improve the affordability of vital pharmaceuticals for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which impact many Belizeans nationally.

At its meeting on October 14th, 2025, Cabinet endorsed the Government’s agreement with Fortis Inc. for the purchase of its hydroelectric assets and 33.3% stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), with a Bill to be tabled in Parliament for approval. Cabinet also approved several national initiatives, including funding to electrify schools in rural Orange Walk, rehabilitation of the Belize City and Belmopan bus terminals, and reduced import duties on electric and hybrid vehicles to promote a green transition. Additional approvals included support for Belize’s upcoming WTO Trade Policy Review, accession to key WIPO treaties, amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, and the procurement of new solar and natural gas energy projects.

Belize is taking a significant step toward modernizing its public transportation system with the planned launch of the Consolidated National Bus Company in January 2026. The initiative, guided by the National Bus Consolidation Pro Tempore Advisory Committee, aims to unify the country’s fragmented bus operations into a single, more efficient, and safer national service.

On October 2, 2025, Belize officially rebranded its longstanding Development Finance Corporation (DFC) as the Development Bank of Belize (DBB). According to the Government of Belize, this move marks a new chapter in the country’s approach to national development and climate finance. The announcement, made through a government press release following Cabinet approval, signaled the government’s commitment to modernizing Belize’s financial institutions to meet evolving economic priorities.

The Belize Cabinet has approved the introduction of a landmark Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Bill aimed at establishing a national DNA database to strengthen criminal investigations and prosecutions across the country. The approval was granted during a Cabinet meeting in Belmopan on October 1, 2025, as part of the government’s continued efforts to modernize the justice system.

As Caye Caulker prepares for its historic October 8, 2025, referendum on the legalisation of cannabis, Cabinet members have voiced differing opinions on the initiative. If voters approve the petition led by Ilya Rosado, Caye Caulker would become the only place in Belize where cannabis use is legal and regulated.

In response to a 70% increase in sargassum seaweed washing ashore compared to the last significant event in 2022, the Government of Belize's Cabinet has approved a comprehensive Sargassum Emergency Response Plan, announced on July 17th. This approval comes amid an escalating influx of sargassum that is severely impacting Belize’s coastal communities, tourism, and economy.

The Cabinet approved two GST-free Back-to-School weekends as part of Plan Belize 2.0 and discussed the ongoing pay dispute between the University of Belize and its union. A national Emergency Response Plan was endorsed to address the escalating sargassum issue, alongside instructions for a long-term mitigation strategy. Cabinet also approved several modernization efforts, including the rollout of a National ID system, legislative updates on municipal governance, liquor licensing, and climate change policy. Additionally, preparations were advanced for the 2025 Investment Summit, Climate Week, and full CARICOM free movement agreements, while citizens were reminded to stay prepared for the hurricane season.