Tag:
Honorable Andre Perez
Government
Construction resumes for Caye Caulker Police Station
After weeks of uncertainty, construction on the new Caye Caulker Police Station resumed during the week of May 11th. Islanders, along with the village council, had protested after work at the beachfront property was paused amid rumors that the land had been sold. While the property remains under the control of the Belize Police Department, the council has been requesting its transfer to them.
Conservation
US$4 Million Initiative Launched to Combat Coastal Erosion Across Belize
Several coastal communities across Belize, including the Cayes, continue to battle the growing threat of erosion. To address the ongoing issue, the Government of Belize has launched a new initiative, “Enhancing the Resilience of Belize’s Coastal Communities to Climate Change Impacts,” with a US$4 million investment. The project, led by the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), aims to strengthen the climate resilience of coastal communities, ecosystems, and related infrastructure.
Community and Society
Caye Caulker Village Council seeks referendum over police station property
The Caye Caulker Village Council continues to collect signatures from residents to trigger a referendum on the future of the current police station property (Parcel 815). The council is encouraging Hicaqueños to sign a petition at its offices to oppose any potential sale of the land and to gather enough registered voters to initiate a formal referendum.
Community and Society
No New Dock Permits for One Year Under Government Moratorium
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.
Government
Chilean company interested in purchasing Belize’s garbage and sargassum
A Chilean company has shown interest in purchasing Belize’s garbage and sargassum, according to the Honorable Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Agriculture, during the recent fiscal budget debate in the National Assembly. Ferguson said that company representatives are expected to visit Belize on April 7th to discuss potential collaboration. While the minister did not reveal the company’s name, he mentioned that Chile has several firms specializing in recycling waste and transforming materials like plastic and seaweed into usable products, including construction materials.
Community and Society
The Belize Coast Guard opens patrol base in Caye Caulker
The Belize Coast Guard (BCG) has expanded its services on the cayes with the opening of a new patrol base in Caye Caulker on Wednesday, April 1st. The initiative aims to strengthen protection and enhance surveillance in the area, benefiting residents and stakeholders on the island.
Government
$1.9 billion 2026–2027 national budget debated in the National Assembly
From March 23rd to 25th, the proposed 2026–2027 national budget was debated in the National Assembly (House of Representatives) in Belmopan. Prime Minister John Briceño introduced the $1.9 billion budget on March 10th under the theme “Budgeting for Belizean Prosperity.” The proposal highlights what the government describes as strong economic performance, including a historic low unemployment rate of 2.0% and reduced inflation, along with reported gains in health, tourism, and conservation. During the debate, Leader of the Opposition Honorable Tracy Taegar-Panton acknowledged some achievements but challenged several of the government’s claims.
Community and Society
Tour guide graduation honors San Pedro’s tourism pioneers
During the recent graduation of new tour guides in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, held on March 20th, a group of veteran tourism pioneers was recognized for their decades of contribution to the island’s tourism industry. The honored were acknowledged for their contributions to the development of San Pedro’s tourism product and for their continued dedication to the sector.