Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño

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

The 2025 General Election is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12th. The ruling People’s United Party (PUP) has been actively campaigning and holding rallies nationwide to enhance its re-election chances. In Belize Rural South (BRS), which includes San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, Standard Bearer Andre Perez and his team held a rally on Friday, March 7th, at Boca del Rio Beach Park. The efforts to rally more supporters continued with a Sports Day event on Sunday, March 9th at the same location.

Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño returned to Belize on Tuesday, August 27th after leading a delegation on an official visit to Guatemala. Briceño met with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo and members of the private sector and discussed trade opportunities.

The San Pedro High School (SPHS) is preparing to end the school year and is in the process of welcoming new students from the different primary schools. With that comes implementing the Belize Education Upliftment Project (EUP), an educational reform benefiting government-owned or aided secondary schools.

On March 8th, 2024, Prime Minister Honroable John Briceño announced the Belize Education Upliftment Project (EUP) expansion to include 12 new secondary schools starting in the 2024/25 academic year. The initiative is part of the Belizean government’s educational reform program, “Together We Rise,” which already serves nine schools. San Pedro High School will join the list of schools benefiting from the EUP. The program aims to support government-owned and government-aided secondary schools in promoting continued education in Belize.

On January 7th, the Blue Bond and Finance for Permanence Unit (BBDPU) hosted a panel discussion on the two years into implementing the Belize Blue Bonds. The live-streamed event saw members of the Government and other key figures sharing information on the achievements made since the launch of "Belize Blue Bonds: Blue Finance for Nature and People" and future plans.