Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño

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

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.