Tag:
Government of Belize
Business & Economy
$5.2 Million Program Targets Sugarcane Mealybug Infestation
The Government of Belize has approved an approximately $5.2 million emergency program to address a growing mealybug infestation affecting sugarcane production and farmers’ livelihoods in northern Belize. The initiative was announced on September 7th as the government and industry partners moved to protect the sugar industry from further losses.
Government
Senate passes MCC-related Bills following heated debate
During a special sitting on September 8th, the Senate passed three Bills tied to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), through which the Government of Belize will receive a US$125 million grant. The Bills had to pass by September 18th for Belize to access the funding. The MCC program aims to reduce poverty and promote economic growth by supporting major improvements in education and energy.
Government
GOB condemns Guatemalan military activity in Sarstoon River
The Government of Belize (GOB) lodged a formal diplomatic protest after the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) conducted activities in the Sarstoon River on September 10th. Approximately 18 military and civilian vessels were reportedly present within Belizean waters. GOB condemned the actions but acknowledged that such incidents may continue until the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules on the territorial, insular, and maritime dispute between Belize and Guatemala.
Business & Economy
Government Clarifies Plans for Proposed Belize Revenue Authority
Following protests and concerns raised by employees of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD), the Government of Belize has issued a detailed explanation of its plan to establish the semi-autonomous Belize Revenue Authority (BRA). In a press release issued on September 4th, the Ministry of Finance and the BTSD said the reform is intended to strengthen tax administration, improve services for taxpayers and protect government revenue. The proposed institution has also been widely referred to as the Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA).
Business & Economy
GOB Expands GST Exemption on Residential Electricity Bills
The Government of Belize (GOB) has expanded the General Sales Tax (GST) exemption on residential electricity bills, raising the monthly threshold from $100 to $200. The measure is intended to provide relief to Belizeans facing higher electricity costs.
Community and Society
New Disability Commission Promises Greater Inclusion Across Belize
The Government of Belize has officially launched the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, marking a new phase in the implementation of the Disabilities Act, 2024. The Commission is expected to help transform the rights outlined in the legislation into coordinated action and improvements in the daily lives of persons with disabilities.
Government
GOB Advances Blue Economy MRV System to Measure Impact for People and Nature
The Government of Belize, through the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit (BBFP) within the Office of the Prime Minister, in coordination with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, and in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Stanford University’s Natural Capital Alliance (NatCap), convened an interactive stakeholder workshop to advance the development of Belize’s Blue Economy Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) System.
Government
Belize and Taiwan Sign Women and Youth MSMEs Development Project Agreement
Press Release, Belmopan, August 24, 2026. The Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) signed the Belize Women and Youth MSMEs Development Project Agreement, a jointly funded initiative valued at approximately US$3 million to strengthen micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a particular focus on women and young entrepreneurs.