Tag:
Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño
Government
Let’s Talk Water: CWWA Conference Held in Belize for the First Time
For the first time, Belize hosted the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference. Organized in collaboration with Belize Water Services (BWS) Ltd, the 34th annual edition of the event took place from October 20th to 24th at the Grand Caribe Resort in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The week-long conference created an engaging environment where hundreds of regional stakeholders and government officials networked, shared ideas, and explored solutions to the challenges facing the water sector.
Government
Government Moves to Acquire Fortis Hydroelectric Assets and BEL Stake
The Government of Belize has announced a landmark acquisition of three major hydroelectric plants and a significant stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) from the Canadian company Fortis Inc. The official announcement came on October 16th, with the government swiftly tabling a bill in the House of Representatives seeking parliamentary approval for the purchase. The three hydro plants—Mollejon, Chalillo, and Vaca—are situated along the Macal River and collectively provide over a third of Belize’s electricity.
Community and Society
Belize Advances Solar Power Plans with Major Utility Project Set for 2026
Belize is advancing its transition to renewable energy with the signing of a major power purchase agreement between Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and Blair Athol Power Company Limited. The deal paves the way for the construction of a 15-megawatt (MW) utility-scale solar plant with a 1.5MW battery energy storage system in the northern Corozal District. Once completed, the project is expected to help reduce the country’s overall electricity costs.
Government
Guatemala Responds to Prime Minister Briceño’s UN Speech
Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño addressed the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), raising issues from climate change to Guatemala’s aggression at the Sarstoon River. His remarks were widely praised in Belize but drew a response from Guatemalan authorities, who said his comments on the Sarstoon were unnecessary since the incident had been quickly addressed and the territorial, insular, and maritime claim had already been submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Government
Belize Addressing Tensions with Guatemala at the Sarstoon Diplomatically
Belize has been responding diplomatically to recent Guatemalan military incursions into its southern waters following two incidents on September 10 and 13 at the Sarstoon River. The Guatemalan navy claims the entire river belongs to their country. They attempted to block access when a group of Belizeans with the Belize Territorial Volunteers, escorted by the Belize Defence Force (BDF) and Coast Guard, visited the area. The Government of Belize (GOB) has raised the matter with its international allies and has received support from regional and international organizations.
Business & Economy
New Minimum Wage Proposal Divides Opinion Across Belize
On Tuesday, September 16th, Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño delivered his State of the Nation address at the University of Belize campus in Belmopan City. He spoke about the country’s progress and challenges in the economy, jobs, and national security. One announcement that drew considerable attention was another planned increase in the minimum wage from $5 to $6 per hour. While employees would take more money home, some stakeholders and critics argue the move could negatively affect the local economy.
Business & Economy
Tropic Air Officially Launches Three New Cessna Grand Caravan EX Aircraft
Tropic Air marked a significant milestone on September 17 with the official launch of three new Cessna Grand Caravan EX airplanes at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA). The additions strengthen the airline’s commitment to improving service quality and advancing Belize’s aviation industry.
Government
Prime Minister John Briceño Delivers State of the Nation Address
Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño delivered the annual State of the Nation address in Belmopan on September 16 before a large audience at the University of Belize. The ceremony featured a guard of honour inspection, raising the Belize flag, speeches, and introducing 44 newly naturalized Belizeans.
