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Prime Minister John Briceno
Accidents & Disasters
Belize Sends Relief Aid to Venezuela Through CARICOM Response
Belize has joined regional efforts to send humanitarian aid to Venezuela following twin earthquakes on June 24th that have affected an estimated 6.76 million people. On July 7th, a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) vessel carrying 88 containers of relief supplies departed from Guyana, bound for affected Venezuelan communities; Belize contributed three of those containers. Prime Minister John Briceño said he contacted Venezuelan leaders, pledged support through CARICOM, and committed financial assistance for emergency supplies.
Government
Government Seeks $73 Million BEL Share Purchase Amid Opposition Concerns
On June 17th, the Government of Belize tabled the proposed Belize Electricity Investments Bill during a meeting of the House of Representatives. The bill would authorize the government to purchase just over 8.1 million shares in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), a transaction valued at approximately $73 million.
Business & Economy
Belize Assumes CDB Leadership Role and Lands Major Climate Investment
On June 5th, Belize officially assumed the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Board of Governors and secured $20.2 million in climate resilience funding. The handover took place during the closing ceremony of the 56th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Nassau, Bahamas. Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State for Economic Transformation and Belize’s Alternate Governor to the CDB, accepted the Chairmanship on behalf of Prime Minister John Briceño.
Government
$1.9 billion 2026–2027 national budget debated in the National Assembly
From March 23rd to 25th, the proposed 2026–2027 national budget was debated in the National Assembly (House of Representatives) in Belmopan. Prime Minister John Briceño introduced the $1.9 billion budget on March 10th under the theme “Budgeting for Belizean Prosperity.” The proposal highlights what the government describes as strong economic performance, including a historic low unemployment rate of 2.0% and reduced inflation, along with reported gains in health, tourism, and conservation. During the debate, Leader of the Opposition Honorable Tracy Taegar-Panton acknowledged some achievements but challenged several of the government’s claims.
Government
Prime Minister Briceño Presents $1.9 Billion Budget for 2026/27
Prime Minister John Briceño presented the Budget Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2026/27 at a special session of the House of Representatives in Belmopan on March 10th. The speech outlined revenue and expenditure estimates starting April 1, 2026, and reported on the previous fiscal year's performance. Titled “Budgeting for Belizean Prosperity,” the budget projects total revenues and grants of $1.79 billion against expenditures of $1.90 billion.
Government
GOB Launches National Rural Development Strategy for 2026–2030
The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government officially launched Belize’s National Rural Development Strategy (NRDS) 2026–2030 on January 21. The launch took place at the Caracol Hall of the Lord Ashcroft Education Centre in Belize City, with Minister Oscar Requena leading the unveiling in collaboration with the Belize Centre for Inclusive Excellence (CLIO). Prime Minister John Briceño was in attendance and delivered remarks in support of the initiative.
Police News
Proposed Thirteenth Amendment Withdrawn
The nationwide campaign to promote the proposed Thirteenth Amendment failed to gain public support and was subsequently withdrawn. Government officials have indicated, however, that...
Community and Society
George Price Day Observed Nationwide in Honour of Belize’s Founding Leader
On January 15, Belizeans remembered and honoured the late Right Honourable George Cadle Price, the “Father of the Nation.” The national holiday recognizes Price’s pivotal role in leading Belize to independence from British rule in 1981, fostering national unity, and paving the way for social justice and public service. His political movement also inspired Belizeans to follow his legacy by contributing to the nation’s development.