Tag:
Millennium Challenge Corporation
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
New US Ambassador André Bauer Begins Official Duties in Belize
Newly appointed United States Ambassador to Belize Rudolph Andreas “André” Bauer has begun his official duties in the country. On September 7, 2026, Bauer paid a courtesy visit to Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Francis Fonseca and presented copies of his Letter of Credence.
Government
Revised MCC Agreement Includes Funding for Second Ambergris Caye Power Cable
On July 1st, the Government of Belize (GOB) formally signed modifications to its US$125 million compact with the United States Government's Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), directing additional funding toward the country's energy sector. The revised agreement is expected to benefit San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, which is awaiting the installation of a second submarine power cable. The grant will also continue to support major investments in education.
Government
Government of Belize Signs Modified MCC Compact to Strengthen Investments in Education and Energy
The Government of Belize formally signed modifications to the Belize Compact, a US$125 million grant agreement with the U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), focused on investments in education and energy to support long-term economic growth in Belize. The compact is one of the largest grant investments in Belize’s history.
Government
MCC grant to support second submarine power cable for Ambergris Caye
A US$40 million grant has been approved through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to significantly strengthen electricity generation and distribution in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) welcomed the funding, which will assist the company with its project to install a second submarine power cable connecting the island to the national grid. BEL noted that San Pedro’s electricity demand continues to rise as the country’s premier tourism destination expands.
Government
Government Says MCC Grant Restored but Will Be Modified
On Wednesday, August 20th, the Government of Belize (GOB) announced that the country may still access the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant, despite the program being shut down in April of this year. Belize’s foreign service lobbied strongly for its reinstatement, and the effort succeeded. However, officials confirmed the agreement has been modified, and it remains uncertain whether Belize will receive the full US$125 million approved initially.
Government
Government Still Hopeful for Millennium Challenge Corporation Grant
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. John Briceño remains hopeful that Belize may still access the five-year, US$125 million grant initially secured through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a United States government agency. Although the grant program was officially shut down in April 2025, Briceño said discussions are ongoing, following a conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. On Monday, May 12th, the Prime Minister reiterated his optimism, saying that if the program is ended, the Government of Belize will seek alternative funding sources through its development partners.
Government
Belize’s 2025/26 Budget Presented: “From Promise to Performance”
Prime Minister John Briceño has presented Belize’s national budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year, unveiling a $1.78 billion spending plan under the theme “From Promise to Performance.” Delayed from its usual March presentation due to the March 12 general elections, the budget outlines the government’s financial priorities amid a backdrop of robust economic recovery and ambitious social investments.