Prime Minister John Briceno

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.

Belize’s law enforcement landscape is transforming with the appointment of Dr. Richard Rosado as the new Commissioner of Police. Taking office on April 30, 2025, Dr. Rosado’s promotion marks a personal milestone and a pivotal moment for the Belize Police Department (BPD), which is dealing with growing challenges in public safety, modernization, and community trust.

Prime Minister John Briceño has presented Belize’s national budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year, unveiling a $1.78 billion spending plan under the theme “From Promise to Performance.” Delayed from its usual March presentation due to the March 12 general elections, the budget outlines the government’s financial priorities amid a backdrop of robust economic recovery and ambitious social investments.

Hundreds of union members staged a demonstration in Belmopan on Friday, May 9th, led by the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), alongside the Public Service Union and other allied organizations. The protest marked the first phase of a planned series of industrial actions aimed at pressuring the Government of Belize (GOB) to implement long-standing salary and wage reforms.

The People's United Party (PUP) recently unveiled its Plan Belize 2.0 manifesto at an event in San Ignacio, Belize, as part of their campaign for the upcoming general elections. This initiative, led by Prime Minister John Briceño, aims to build upon the progress made since the introduction of the original Plan Belize. The new plan promises significant improvements across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and economic stability.

The Government of Belize (GOB) is considering a significant increase in the hotel tax, proposing to raise it from the current rate of 9% to 12.5%. This proposal follows a period of unprecedented growth in the country's tourism sector. The planned tax increase is part of a broader strategy to enhance tourism infrastructure and support national development. This decision aligns with the government's goal of taking advantage of the thriving tourism industry by generating additional revenue through higher taxes.