Prime Minister John Briceno

Belizeans are set to benefit from two GST-free weekends this Christmas season, announced by the Belize Tax Service. The tax relief will take place on December 6–7 and December 20–21, allowing shoppers nationwide to purchase standard-rated goods without paying the usual 12.5% General Sales Tax (GST).

In a decisive move marking his administration’s five-year milestone, Prime Minister John Briceño announced a major Cabinet reshuffle on November 11, 2025, in Belmopan. The changes, which take effect on November 17th, reflect a strategic realignment of key government portfolios and involve several senior ministers. According to Prime Minister Briceño, the reshuffle aims to strengthen governance and policy delivery amid evolving national challenges.

On September 30th, Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police, returned to duty after being placed on a 45-day administrative leave to allow for investigations into the controversial abduction of Belizean Ryan Joseph Budna. The leave, which lasted only 23 days, was ended after the Cabinet determined that an inquiry found no evidence linking Rosado to the case. Cabinet directed that his leave of absence be terminated and that he resumes active duty immediately.

On Wednesday, September 24th, the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) presented its review of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2024, reporting a modest growth of 3.5%. The end-of-year data highlighted strong performance in the agricultural sector. SIB’s Manager for the Economic Statistics Department, Jacqueline Sabal, noted that the primary sector grew by 2.8%.

On Monday, September 8, 2025, Belize’s Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, was placed on a 45-day leave amid the controversy surrounding the Joseph Budna kidnapping case. The move, unprecedented in Belize’s history, followed Prime Minister John Briceño’s review of an initial investigative report that he deemed “incomplete and unsatisfactory.” The decision has sparked a strong national reaction.

Prime Minister John Briceño confirms that he received the Police Department’s Investigative Report, with regard to the Budna matter, from Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Kareem Musa, last Friday, September 5, 2025. The Prime Minister found the Report to be incomplete and, therefore, unsatisfactory. In the circumstances, the Prime Minister has directed that Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police, proceed on a leave of absence for forty-five (45) days, in the first instance. This leave is to commence with immediate effect.

Belize Climate Week 2025, observed from August 25 to 29, brought together national stakeholders, youth, and local communities to raise awareness and promote action on climate change. Organized by the National Climate Change Office (NCCO) under the theme “Adapting Today, Sustaining Tomorrow: Resilient Roots, Greener Future,” the week featured panel discussions, interactive booths, and workshops focused on Belize’s climate strategies and inclusive engagement.

On May 26th, the Belize Constitution (Thirteenth Amendment) Bill, 2025 was introduced by Prime Minister John Briceño. The bill proposes significant changes aimed at enhancing the government’s ability to combat crime and maintain public safety amid rising gun violence and gang activity. The amendment seeks to clarify and expand the legal framework for declaring "special areas" where public safety and order can be prioritized, including the temporary limitation of certain rights to prevent, detect, or control crime. It also provides for the establishment of a Gun and Gang Court and validates previous proclamations of states of emergency and related regulations. However, the proposed amendments have drawn significant opposition.