Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño

The TalentUp Operational Workshop officially launched in Belize on Wednesday, May 20th, as part of a Google- and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-backed initiative to strengthen digital skills among Belizeans, particularly youth. The event took place at the Ministry of E-Governance headquarters in Belmopan and brought together government officials, private-sector representatives, and members of the digital skills training team. Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño, who also oversees e-governance, attended the launch and addressed participants, underscoring the government’s commitment to the program.

Almost a year ago, during a site visit, progress on the San Pedro/Caye Caulker General Hospital was described as positive, on schedule, and within budget, with funding facilitated by a grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan). However, by May 2026, construction costs for the hospital had reportedly increased significantly, pushing the project above its original budget. Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño addressed the matter on May 20th, stating that the government will continue discussions with Taiwanese officials.

On Wednesday, March 25th, residents of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye faced another increase in fuel prices. The new diesel price is $14.96 per gallon, while regular gasoline is $13.44. This represents an increase of almost $3 for diesel and nearly $2 for regular gasoline. Diesel and gasoline are the main types of fuel consumed on Ambergris Caye. As such, residents are concerned about the rising cost of living, as all goods are transported from the mainland to the island.

Belize’s long-standing medical agreement with Cuba is at a crucial crossroads, as the future of the Cuban Medical Brigade in the country remains uncertain amid ongoing high-level talks involving the United States and Havana. On March 18th, Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño confirmed that “delicate negotiations” are in progress, while Leader of the Opposition Honorable Tracy Taegar Panton is urging the nation to remain steadfast in supporting its partnership with Cuba. She warned that succumbing to external pressure could weaken Belize’s healthcare system and its sovereignty.

Fuel prices, including premium and regular gasoline, rose sharply on Friday, March 13th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, regular gasoline and diesel are the primary fuels used. To date, the price of regular gasoline has increased from $11.50 to $13.44 per gallon. The price of diesel remains at $12.07 per gallon. The increase, affecting the entire country, has been attributed to the ongoing United States and Israel conflict with Iran in the Middle East, which has reportedly impacted global oil markets.

The Public Utilities Commission of Belize issued an initial decision on December 12, partially approving a rate increase requested by Belize Electricity Limited. BEL asked for an increase of $0.0555 per kilowatt-hour in the Mean Electricity Rate. However, the PUC did not approve the full request and instead proposed an increase of $0.0337 per kilowatt-hour, resulting in a new Mean Electricity Rate of $0.4427 per kilowatt-hour.

Throughout September, Belizeans witnessed another flare-up in tensions surrounding the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute. Guatemala continues to assert a claim over half of Belize’s landmass, all of its islands (Cayes), and the maritime territory extending from the coast. The latest incidents with the Guatemalan Armed Forces at the Sarstoon River in southern Belize prompted strong protests from the Government of Belize. In response, Guatemala reaffirmed its sovereignty claim over the entire river. Experts further explained that Guatemala’s position extends to all of Belize’s Cayes. Guatemalan officials also discussed possible scenarios in the event that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules in their favor.

This year’s Sargassum influx has been considered one of the worst, as thick mats of the foul-smelling seaweed have blanketed shorelines along the Belizean coast. While the government is considering declaring it a national emergency, c