Cabinet

The Government of Belize has declared a one-year pause on issuing new permits for building docks, piers, and overwater structures in coastal and marine areas nationwide. The decision, confirmed during the Cabinet meeting on March 31st, aims to give authorities time to review and enhance regulations related to coastal development.

The Belize Postal Service will charge an additional $1 on all packages shipped to the United States, following Cabinet approval announced just before Valentine’s Day. This affects shippers nationwide, with the fee applying immediately to cover new compliance costs. Postmaster General Dr. Marsha Price confirmed the change stems from updated U.S. import rules.

Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) presented its proposal to acquire SMART/Speednet to the Cabinet on Tuesday, January 20th, during a meeting held in the capital city of Belmopan. The presentation was delivered by BTL Chairman Mark Lizarraga, Chief Executive Officer Ivan Tesucum, and Chief Financial Officer Ian Cleverly. The briefing reportedly lasted more than two hours and concluded without a final decision on the proposal.

Just one week after announcing changes to his Cabinet, Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño issued a second reshuffling on Tuesday, November 18th. This latest adjustment followed the Honourable Henry Usher’s refusal to take on the Ministry of Home Affairs and the resignation of the Honourable Jose Mai from Cabinet. Usher reportedly indicated that he preferred to remain at the Ministry of the Public Service. As a result, the Honourable Oscar Mira, former Minister of Defence and Border Security, was reassigned to lead the Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversees the Belize Police Department. With Mai’s departure, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and New Growth Industries has now been assigned to Honourable Rodwell Ferguson, who previously served in the Office of the Prime Minister and will be supported by Minister of State Honourable Alex Balona.

A late October Cabinet release sparked concern among consumers and industry stakeholders after it indicated the government would remove price controls on retail-packaged sugar. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has clarified that while the price of packaged sugar may fluctuate, the wholesale industrial price will remain regulated.

On October 24, 2025, the Government of Belize announced a comprehensive plan to address the rising number of motorcycle accidents nationwide. The Cabinet has approved a series of legislative reforms and investments by the Ministry of Transport to improve road safety nationwide. The new measures are set to take effect in November and will focus on upgrading Belize’s transport infrastructure and strengthening road regulations.

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.