AGP Executive Report

MCC Energy Boost: Belize has signed revised terms for its US$125M Millennium Challenge Corporation compact, shifting US$20M from Education to Energy and paving the way for a new 69-kilovolt submarine transmission cable to Ambergris Caye to strengthen the grid. STEM & Robotics: Belize showcased its “Robotics as a Sport” model at the Caribbean SEED Summit in Barbados, highlighting robotics training as a pathway for student skills and regional integration. Finance & Investment Push: Finance Belize promoted the country’s financial services and investment opportunities at a London Financial Services Seminar, aiming to deepen UK ties and attract cross-border business. Insurance Leadership: The Insurance Commission of The Bahamas participated in CAIR and CAPS conferences in Belize, with The Bahamas elected CAIR President—signals of continued regional regulatory coordination. Avian Flu Alert: BAHA raised surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza after outbreaks in Honduras and Costa Rica, urging stronger farm biosecurity and immediate reporting of sick or dead birds. Trade Disruption: Belize Postal Service temporarily suspended EU-bound parcel shipments after EU abolished the duty-free de minimis threshold, pending new operational guidance. Tourism Networking: Tourism Business Connect in Belize City brought SMEs and support agencies together to boost collaboration and competitiveness. Blue Economy Forum: Belize’s fourth annual Blue Economy Forum focused on marine conservation priorities, including smarter monitoring like drones to curb illegal fishing. Inflation Watch: SIB reported inflation rising to 4.3% in May, driven by transport, food, housing, utilities, and fuel costs.

Insurance & Pensions: The Bahamas’ insurance regulator joined regional CAIR/CAPS meetings in Belize and secured the CAIR presidency for a second term, signaling continued push for stronger supervision and consumer protection across the Caribbean. Tourism & SMEs: FEDECATUR’s Efrén Pérez was re-elected Pro Tempore, highlighting regional private-sector integration and free training for small businesses via a virtual academy. Tourism Networking: CENPROMYPE and partners hosted Tourism Business Connect in Belize City to link tourism operators with support agencies and investment opportunities. Logistics & Trade: Belize Postal Service temporarily suspended accepting EU-bound parcel shipments after EU changes to duty-free de minimis rules, pending new operational guidance. Aviation & Connectivity: BermudAir announced expanded Caribbean service with Belize routes in December 2026, boosting travel options for leisure and business. Food & Agriculture Risk: BAHA raised surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza after outbreaks in Honduras and Costa Rica, urging stronger biosecurity and reporting of sick or dead birds. Blue Economy: Belize’s fourth annual Blue Economy Forum focused on marine conservation governance and new tech for monitoring and stopping illegal fishing.

Avian Influenza Watch: BAHA says Belize remains free of highly pathogenic avian influenza but is on heightened alert after outbreaks in Honduras and Costa Rica, urging poultry producers and the public to report sick or dead birds and tighten biosecurity. Tourism & SMEs: FEDECATUR’s Efrén Pérez was re-elected pro tempore, pointing to regional private-sector integration and free training via the FEDECOR Academy; meanwhile, Tourism Business Connect in Belize City brought tourism operators together with support agencies to spur collaboration and investment. Logistics & Trade: Belize temporarily suspended parcel shipments to the European Union after EU changes that removed the duty-free de minimis threshold, pending new operational guidance from the Universal Postal Union. Education Infrastructure: Government broke ground for a new Indian Church village school building in Orange Walk with support from the Caribbean Development Bank. Blue Economy: Belize’s fourth annual Blue Economy Forum highlighted progress and pushed for smarter monitoring, including drones, to curb illegal fishing. Air Connectivity: BermudAir announced new seasonal routes that include Belize, expanding options for travelers via Orlando-Sanford and other U.S. gateways. Cost of Living: SIB reported inflation rising to 4.3% in May, with transport, food, and housing-related costs among the main drivers.

Avian Health Watch: BAHA says Belize remains free of highly pathogenic avian influenza but is on heightened alert after outbreaks in Honduras and Costa Rica, urging poultry producers and the public to report sick or dead birds and tighten biosecurity. Disaster & Aviation Readiness: Belize is strengthening regional disaster response through continued participation in SICOFAA, boosting access to airlift, medical evacuation, search-and-rescue, and coordination for hurricanes and floods. Security Leadership: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat says Belize needs stronger police leadership succession, pushing for meaningful promotion pathways for younger officers to lift morale and capacity. Cane Industry Pressure: Government support is being discussed as northern sugarcane farmers struggle with Fusarium root rot, while the BSCFA continues its fight over what it calls unfair returns from ASR-BSI. Tourism & Hospitality Talent: The Belize Tourism Board is gearing up for Taste of Belize, a culinary and bartending competition to spotlight local chefs and bartenders and feed talent into regional events. Blue Economy Forum: Stakeholders met for the fourth annual Blue Economy Forum to review progress and set priorities, including using innovation and drones to monitor illegal fishing. Food & Trade Signals: Belize’s inflation climbed to 4.3% in May, with transport, food, and housing-related costs among the main drivers.

Avian Health Alert: BAHA has put Belize’s poultry sector on heightened surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza after outbreaks in Honduras and Costa Rica, urging farmers and the public to report sick or dead birds and tighten biosecurity. Disaster Readiness: Belize is strengthening regional disaster response through continued participation in SICOFAA, boosting access to airlift, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and emergency coordination. Aviation & Tourism Links: BermudAir will shift its Central Florida nonstop from Orlando (MCO) to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) starting October 2026, with Belize service expanding in December 2026. Blue Economy: Belize’s fourth annual Blue Economy Forum brought government, marine stakeholders, and industry together to set priorities for sustainable ocean management, including smarter monitoring like drones. Cost of Living Watch: SIB reports Belize’s inflation climbed to 4.3% in May, with transport, food, housing utilities, and LPG among key drivers, while meat and poultry prices rose year-on-year. Energy Governance: Cabinet approved a proposed purchase of about 8.1 million BEL shares (about $73M) to strengthen national ownership, drawing opposition concerns about funding and transparency. Healthcare Workforce Plan: The Ministry of Health launched a five-year HRH policy and strategic plan (2026–2030) to improve recruitment, training, deployment, and retention.

Police Leadership Succession: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat says Belize Police need stronger succession planning, pushing younger officers into real leadership roles to lift morale and keep the force resilient. Disaster Response & Aviation: Belize is deepening regional readiness through SICOFAA, strengthening airlift, search-and-rescue, and medical evacuation coordination for hurricanes and floods. Agriculture Biosecurity: Belize is on heightened surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), signaling tighter monitoring across the poultry and food supply chain. Tourism & Hospitality: Belize Tourism Board is gearing up for Taste of Belize, its annual chefs and bartenders competition aimed at building local hospitality talent. Cost of Living Watch: SIB reports Belize inflation at 4.3% in May, with transport, food, housing utilities, and LPG among key drivers; meat and poultry prices also rose year-on-year. Energy & Local Industry: Cabinet approved a plan to buy 8.1 million BEL shares (about $73m) to strengthen national ownership and influence in the electricity sector. Healthcare Workforce: Ministry of Health launched a 2026–2030 HRH policy and strategic plan to improve recruitment, training, deployment, and retention of health workers. Blue Economy: Belize’s fourth annual Blue Economy Forum focused on marine conservation progress and future priorities, including using drones and joint patrols to curb illegal fishing. Education Infrastructure: Ocean Academy’s San Pedro school reconstruction plans shifted after disagreements with the ministry, leaving the government project direction uncertain.

Healthcare Policy: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness launched a new five-year Human Resources for Health Policy and Strategic Plan (2026–2030) to tackle staffing shortages through better governance, training, fair recruitment, and retention. Energy & Finance: Cabinet approved a major move to buy 8.1 million shares in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) for about $73 million, with opposition raising concerns about funding and “bailout” implications. Cost of Living: SIB data shows inflation at 4.3% in May, with higher prices hitting transport, food, medical services, restaurants, clothing, and utilities like electricity and LPG. Local Economy & Services: Belize City’s new Magazine Dental Academy opened, aiming to expand dental hygiene training and meet projected workforce needs. Infrastructure: The Hummingbird Highway reopened after emergency sinkhole repairs at Mile 17.5. Hospitality & Tourism: Belize Tourism Board announced Taste of Belize, its annual chefs and bartenders competition, as part of broader hospitality capacity-building. Regional Trade: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership with an action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Agriculture & Food Safety: A regional meeting in Mexico strengthened cooperation on veterinary medicines, New World screwworm control, and residue monitoring for milk and meat.

Healthcare Workforce: Belize’s Ministry of Health launched a new five-year Human Resources for Health Policy and Strategic Plan (2026–2030) to tackle recruitment, training, deployment, and retention gaps across the health system. Energy & Public Ownership: Cabinet tabled legislation to let the government buy 8.1 million BEL shares for about $73M, aiming to strengthen national influence in the electricity sector—while the Opposition questions funding and transparency. Cost of Living Watch: SIB data shows Belize’s inflation at 4.3% in May, with higher meat and poultry prices, rising healthcare and restaurant costs, and increased electricity and LPG pressures on households. Roads & Logistics: The Hummingbird Highway reopened after emergency sinkhole repairs at Mile 17.5, restoring a key route for commuters and commercial traffic. Education Infrastructure: Ocean Academy’s San Pedro/Caye Caulker school reconstruction plans were scrapped after disagreements with the Ministry of Education, pushing the school toward its own rebuilding approach. Tourism & Hospitality: Belize Tourism Board announced Taste of Belize, its culinary and bartending competition to spotlight local talent and support hospitality training. Blue Economy: CARICOM-backed partners launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub, with Belize among participating countries.

Healthcare Workforce Push: Belize’s Ministry of Health launched a new Human Resources for Health Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2030, aiming to fix recruitment, training, deployment and retention of health workers. Energy Ownership Move: Cabinet approved legislation to let the government buy 8.1 million shares in Belize Electricity Limited for about $73m, drawing opposition questions about funding and transparency. Cost-of-Living Pressure: SIB data shows Belize’s inflation at 4.3% in May, with higher meat and poultry prices, rising housing utilities and LPG costs, and jumps in health, restaurant and clothing categories. Education Infrastructure Setback: The Ocean Academy school reconstruction plan on Caye Caulker fell apart after disagreements with the Ministry of Education, with the school moving to its own rebuild. Tourism & Hospitality Talent: BTB is gearing up for Taste of Belize, its annual chefs and bartenders competition in Belize City. Blue Economy Knowledge: CARICOM partners launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub, including Belize, to share fisheries and marine planning tools. Road & Public Works: Hummingbird Highway reopened after emergency sinkhole repairs, while a long-leaking police station roof in Belize District is now flagged for urgent action. Trade & Regional Security: Canada and CARICOM renewed a results-focused action plan centered on resilient economies, climate action and regional security.

Healthcare Workforce Planning: Belize’s Ministry of Health launched a new five-year Human Resources for Health Policy and Strategic Plan (2026–2030) to tackle recruitment, training, deployment and retention gaps across the health system. Energy & Trade Policy: Cabinet approved trade, energy and financial reforms, including a proposed government purchase of $73M in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) shares amid opposition concerns over funding and transparency. Cost of Living Watch: New SIB data shows Belize’s inflation held at 4.3% in May 2026, with San Ignacio/Santa Elena topping municipal inflation at 5.6%, while meat and poultry prices rose year-on-year and utilities (electricity, water, LPG) pushed housing inflation higher. Roads & Logistics: The Hummingbird Highway reopened after emergency sinkhole repairs at Mile 17.5, restoring access for commuters and commercial traffic. Education Infrastructure: Ocean Academy’s San Pedro school reconstruction plans were scrapped after disagreements with the Ministry of Education, with the school moving ahead independently. Agriculture & Food Safety: Belize joined a regional push to strengthen New World screwworm control and residue monitoring in milk and meat, aiming to protect livestock production and food safety. Blue Economy Knowledge: CRFM, FAO and CAF launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub, including Belize, to share fisheries, aquaculture and marine planning tools. Hospitality Talent: BTB announced Taste of Belize, its annual culinary and bartending competition in Belize City, spotlighting local chefs and bartenders.

Police & Infrastructure: The new Home Affairs Minister toured the Racoon Street police station after decades of roof leaks, calling the condition “deplorable” and ordering an engineer report to move repairs forward. Education & Construction: Ocean Academy’s planned partnership with the Ministry of Education for San Pedro school upgrades collapsed over disagreements, with the school moving to its own reconstruction. Tourism & Hospitality: Belize Tourism Board launched details for “Taste of Belize,” its annual chefs and bartenders competition in Belize City, aimed at spotting top local talent. Energy & Public Finance: Cabinet approved trade, energy and financial reforms, including a proposed $73M government purchase of BEL shares, drawing Opposition criticism over funding and transparency. Cost of Living: SIB data shows Belize inflation at 4.3% in May, with meat and poultry prices rising and higher electricity, water and LPG costs pushing housing inflation up. Agriculture & Food Safety: Regional meeting in Mexico strengthened cooperation on New World screwworm control and residue monitoring in milk and meat, with Belize among participants. Logistics & Security: Belize-flagged cargo vessel links to a major cocaine bust abroad, underscoring ongoing shipping risk. Blue Economy: CARICOM and partners launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub, including Belize, to share fisheries and marine planning tools. Roads & Works: Hummingbird Highway reopened after emergency sinkhole repairs at Mile 17.5.

Education & Construction: Ocean Academy’s planned government partnership for San Pedro school upgrades collapsed after disagreements with the Ministry of Education, pushing the school to fund its own reconstruction. Tourism & Hospitality: The Belize Tourism Board is gearing up for “Taste of Belize,” its annual chefs and bartenders competition in Belize City. Healthcare Workforce: The Ministry of Health launched a five-year HRH policy and 2026–2030 strategic plan to fix recruitment, training, deployment and retention gaps. Energy & Public Finance: Cabinet approved trade, energy and financial reforms, while the House tabled a bill to let government buy about 8.1M BEL shares for roughly $73M amid opposition concerns. Cost of Living: SIB data shows Belize inflation at 4.3% in May, with higher meat/poultry prices and rising housing costs driven by electricity, water and LPG. Agriculture & Food Safety: Regional talks in Mexico focused on New World screwworm control and residue monitoring, aiming to strengthen coordination across livestock and dairy sectors. Blue Economy: CARICOM and partners launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub, with Belize among participating countries. Infrastructure: Hummingbird Highway reopened after emergency sinkhole repairs at Mile 17.5. Procurement Oversight: BSIF rejected claims of favoritism in contract awards, reiterating “lowest responsive bidder” rules and layered review.

Healthcare Workforce: Belize’s Ministry of Health launched a five-year Human Resources for Health Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2030, aiming to fix recruitment, training, deployment and retention of health workers. Energy & Investment: Cabinet approved trade, energy and financial reforms, while the House tabled the Belize Electricity Investments Bill to let government buy 8.1 million BEL shares for about $73M—drawing Opposition criticism over funding and transparency. Cost of Living: SIB data shows May inflation at 4.3%, with San Ignacio/Santa Elena worst at 5.6%; meat and poultry prices rose, plus higher healthcare, restaurant and clothing costs, and utility pressure from electricity, water and LPG. Infrastructure & Logistics: Hummingbird Highway reopened after emergency sinkhole repairs at Mile 17.5, and Belize Customs reported a major general aviation cocaine seizure tied to a high-risk corridor. Agriculture & Food Safety: Ministers toured Orange Walk production sites (grains, meat, papaya exports, dairy) and regional partners agreed to strengthen New World screwworm control and residue monitoring across countries. Blue Economy & Fisheries: CARICOM-backed launch of an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub adds shared tools for fisheries, aquaculture and marine planning, including Belize’s participation. Education & Skills: A new Magazine Dental Academy in Belize City opened to train dental hygienists. Local Governance: Caye Caulker School construction was scrapped after disagreements, with the project shifting direction.

Healthcare Workforce: Belize’s Ministry of Health launched a five-year Human Resources for Health Policy and a 2026–2030 Strategic Plan to tackle recruitment, training, deployment and retention gaps across the system. Cost of Living Pressure: SIB data shows May inflation at 4.3%, with San Ignacio/Santa Elena hitting 5.6%—driven by higher transport, food, medical services, water/electricity, restaurant costs, clothing and LPG. Food Prices: Meat and poultry prices rose year-on-year, including ground beef (+11.1%) and whole fish (+10.1%), adding to broader food inflation. Utilities & Housing: Higher electricity, water tariffs and LPG pushed “Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels” up 2.2%, with a 100-lb LPG cylinder averaging $137.33. Procurement Oversight: BSIF rejected claims of favoritism in contract awards, stressing “lowest responsive bidder” rules and layered review. Agriculture & Processing: Ministers toured Orange Walk production sites—soybean, meat, chicken, papaya exports and extension support—highlighting steady sector growth. Disaster Readiness: Over 40 first responders graduated from CARICOM disaster response training in Belmopan, boosting hurricane-season logistics and post-disaster engineering. Road & Logistics: Hummingbird Highway reopened after emergency sinkhole repairs at Mile 17.5. Blue Economy: CRFM, FAO and CAF launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub including Belize. Trade & Energy Policy: Cabinet approved trade, energy and financial reforms plus steps toward SICA pro-tempore priorities and a partial-scope agreement with El Salvador. Customs Enforcement: Belize Customs seized 551 kg of cocaine tied to a general aviation smuggling case, underscoring GA monitoring.

Cost Pressures on Households: Belize’s May inflation stayed at 4.3%, but San Ignacio/Santa Elena hit the highest municipal rate (5.6%), with above-average jumps in transport, food, medical services, utilities, restaurant/café services, clothing, and recreation. Food & Livestock Pricing: SIB data shows meat and poultry prices rose year-on-year, led by ground beef (+11.1%) and whole fish (+10.1%), while several chicken cuts also climbed. Utilities & Housing Inflation: Higher electricity, water tariffs, and LPG pushed “Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels” up 2.2%, with a 100-pound LPG cylinder averaging $137.33. Regional Agriculture & Food Safety: Belize joined a Mexico City meeting to strengthen regional coordination on New World screwworm control and residue monitoring in milk and meat. Blue Economy Capacity: CRFM, FAO and CAF launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub, with Belize among participating countries. Procurement Oversight: BSIF rejected claims of favoritism in contract awards, stressing “lowest responsive bidder” rules and layered review. Disaster Readiness: More than 40 Belize first responders graduated from a CARICOM disaster management training in Belmopan. Trade & Industry Promotion: Belize featured hot sauces, cocoa products and seafood at Taiwan’s Food Taipei Mega Shows via a Latin America pavilion. Customs & Logistics Security: Belize Customs seized 551kg of cocaine linked to general aviation activity, highlighting enforcement in high-risk corridors. Maritime Trade Risk: A Belize-flagged cargo vessel (MV Wealth) is tied to Australia’s record cocaine seizure investigation. Culture & Food Heritage: A Belize Food Heritage Project workshop focused on documenting and safeguarding traditional dishes against globalization and climate change.

Blue Economy & Fisheries: CRFM, with FAO and CAF, launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub for fisheries, aquaculture and marine spatial planning, with Belize among participating countries. Disaster Readiness: Belize’s first responders completed CARICOM disaster response training in Belmopan, boosting emergency logistics, telecoms and post-disaster engineering ahead of hurricane season. Agribusiness & Processing: Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson and team toured Orange Walk production sites including soybean, meat, chicken and papaya exporters, plus extension-support handovers to strengthen farmer services. Electricity Use Debate: BEL renewed calls for residential customers to cut power use, as public discussion continues around grid costs and efficiency incentives. Procurement Oversight: The Belize Social Investment Fund rejected claims of favoritism in contract awards, stressing rules for “lowest responsive bidder” selection and layered review. Customs & Aviation Security: Belize Customs seized 551kg of cocaine tied to a general aviation smuggling operation, highlighting interdiction capacity in high-risk corridors. Maritime Crime Link: A Belize-flagged cargo vessel, MV Wealth, is linked to Australia’s record cocaine investigation after a 2.7-tonne haul was found in Sydney. Tourism & Culture: Belize’s Lucio Alcoser Sr. received recognition in Mexico, while History Hit’s Dan Snow is producing a Belize-focused Maya series tied to the Caracol royal tomb discovery. Youth Sports: Belize City hosted the Super Nationals Primary School Championships, with football, basketball, volleyball and athletics across districts.