AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir says it’s expanding winter service with new links that include Belize (plus Turks & Caicos and Guatemala City), aiming to smooth seasonality by moving capacity to leisure-heavy routes. Infrastructure & Development: The government introduced a bill to rename the Development Finance Corporation as the Development Bank of Belize, and also moved to invest about $73M in Belize Electricity Limited via a share purchase plan. Energy & Governance: Belize Electricity workers staged protests over severance and pension disputes, while lawmakers also debated the OSH Bill again after delays. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Belize stepped up New World screwworm defenses with livestock training workshops, as the wider region and even Texas report confirmed cases—raising stakes for cattle and wildlife. Environment & Industry: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in sensitive lagoon areas is underway, with calls for enforceable protections for manatees and coastal habitats. Regulation & Tech: Drone operators are pushing back on Belize’s civil aviation consultation process, warning proposed rules could restrict the drone industry. Trade & Food Security: Mexico and Belize sent 1,700 tons of basic goods to Cuba amid shortages. Local Business Climate: The PM criticized the Chamber’s fuel tax relief push as “embarrassing,” arguing the business case misunderstands how taxes and pump costs work.

Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir is expanding its winter network with new nonstop service from the US to Belize (plus Turks & Caicos and Guatemala City), while also shifting Central Florida operations to Orlando Sanford—good news for visitor access as Belize navigates airline losses. Marine & Environment: Belize has imposed a six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in sensitive coastal areas like Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye, with local voices urging real enforcement to protect manatees and other lagoon life. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Belize is stepping up New World screwworm preparedness, including livestock training workshops to help producers spot signs early and report suspected cases. Regulation & Industry: The Belize National UAS Industry Association says drone rules are being rushed and consultation is incomplete, pushing for clearer, fairer civil aviation guidance. Energy & Finance: Government introduced a bill to rename the DFC as the Development Bank of Belize, and also plans a $73M share purchase in Belize Electricity Limited to strengthen national ownership. Public Safety: The Ministry of Agriculture warns of peak-season bee swarming and Africanized bee attacks, directing residents to certified experts for safe removal. Land Rights: Indigenous leaders are pushing back on government moves that could reshape Maya and Garifuna land governance and village boundaries.

Coastal & Marine Pressure: Belize imposed a six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye, with residents and researchers urging real enforcement to let habitats recover and protect manatees and other wildlife. Aviation & Drones: The Belize National UAS Industry Association says the Department of Civil Aviation is moving too fast on drone rules, limiting consultation and leaving operators facing uncertainty; it also filed a Freedom of Information request. Livestock Trade & Biosecurity: Belize secured renewed Mexico tariff relief for cattle exports, while the Ministry of Agriculture continues New World screwworm preparedness training for producers and animal health workers. Bee Safety: The Ministry of Agriculture warned of increased bee activity and deadly Africanized bee attacks during peak flowering and swarming season, directing residents to certified bee managers rather than DIY removal. Energy & Jobs: Former BEL workers protested over severance and pension disputes, as government says discussions are underway at Cabinet level. Tourism & Connectivity: FEDECATUR re-elected Belize’s Efren Pérez, and BermudAir announced winter expansion that adds direct Belize routes from multiple US cities, boosting airlift after budget carrier losses. Governance & Land: Indigenous leaders pushed back against government land initiatives affecting Maya customary tenure and Garifuna village boundaries. Finance & Infrastructure: Government introduced a bill to rename the DFC as the Development Bank of Belize and proposed investing about $73M into BEL via share purchase.

Drone Regulation Clash: Belize’s drone operators say the Department of Civil Aviation is moving too fast, cutting consultation short, and leaving key questions unanswered after a stalled FOI request. Coastal & Marine Protection: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye aims to let habitats recover, with manatee health cited as a concern. Justice System Confidence: After the arraignment of suspects in the Dr. Naun Bonilla murder case, Home Affairs CEO Elton Bennett urged public confidence, pointing to recent convictions. Livestock Trade Boost: Mexico renewed tariff relief for Belizean cattle exports, easing a major pressure point for producers still dealing with New World screwworm risk. Bee Safety Warnings: Agriculture warned of rising bee activity and deadly Africanized attacks during peak swarming season, urging residents to use certified bee managers. Aviation & Tourism Growth: BermudAir announced winter route expansion that adds Belize among new nonstop options from multiple US cities. Energy Sector Tension: Former BEL workers protested over severance and pension disputes, while government moves to invest $73M in BEL via a share purchase plan.

Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir is expanding its winter network with new direct Belize service from Boston plus added routes to Turks and Caicos and Guatemala City, while also shifting Central Florida operations to Orlando Sanford—an airlift boost for Belize’s leisure market. Energy & Business Climate: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry renewed pressure for temporary fuel tax relief as pump prices stay high, while PM Briceño pushed back hard on the “embarrassing” call for excise cuts. Government Finance: The House introduced a bill to rename the Development Finance Corporation to the Development Bank of Belize, signaling a push to align branding with its development-banking role. Power Sector Labor: Former BEL workers staged a protest over severance and pension disputes, with the Labor Minister saying Cabinet discussions are underway. Agriculture Biosecurity: Belize stepped up New World screwworm preparedness with livestock training in Corozal, as the parasite’s confirmed return in Texas raises regional alarm. Environment & Coastal Works: Belize temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after public outcry, with a plan expected to involve multiple coastal communities.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: BermudAir is expanding its winter network with new direct Belize routes from Boston, Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Sanford, and St. Petersburg/Tampa, plus added service to Turks and Caicos and Guatemala City—good news for Belize’s airlift and visitor growth. Coastal Development Oversight: The government has temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after public outcry in San Pedro and other communities, with a plan in the works involving environment, fisheries, mining, and health departments. Ambergris Caye Infrastructure: Plans for a proposed San Pedro International Airport are moving forward, with IDB-approved designs aligned to ICAO standards, aimed at boosting high-end tourism and regional connectivity. Fuel Price Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry renewed calls for temporary fuel tax relief as pump prices stay high; Prime Minister Briceño pushed back, calling the request “embarrassing.” Livestock Biosecurity: Belize held New World Screwworm preparedness training in Corozal, focusing on early detection and reporting to protect cattle and other livestock. Agriculture Risk Abroad: The first US New World Screwworm case in decades was confirmed in Texas, prompting quarantine and surveillance—an external threat Belize producers are watching closely. Digital Resilience: Belize ICT officials joined a regional workshop on digital resilience and “data embassies,” targeting secure data storage during crises. Food Policy & Health: A Caribbean webinar reviewed slow progress on healthy food policy and NCD targets, highlighting trade and climate pressures shaping diet-related disease outcomes.

Airlift & Tourism: Belize is scrambling to replace lost budget-carrier capacity as Spirit Air and JetBlue pull back, with the BTB in talks with Bermuda Air to add routes from Boston, Raleigh, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg and Orlando Sanford. Aviation Expansion: Bermuda Air also announced winter service growth that includes direct flights to Belize from multiple US cities starting Dec. 19, plus new Orlando Sanford operations and additional Caribbean connectivity. Ambergris Caye Infrastructure: Plans for a San Pedro International Airport are moving forward, with IDB acceptance of designs under ICAO standards and funding tied to Social Security Board land, aiming to boost high-end tourism and regional/private jet traffic. Coastal Environment: Government has temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas, including beach reclamation, while it develops a compliance-focused plan with San Pedro, Caye Caulker and other coastal communities. Livestock Biosecurity: Belize is running New World screwworm livestock training in Corozal and Sarteneja to improve detection and reporting, as Texas confirms the parasite and raises regional animal-health alarm. Fuel Price Pressure: The BCCI renewed calls for temporary fuel tax relief, while PM Briceño dismissed the appeal as “embarrassing,” arguing tax structure and international volatility drive pump prices. Labour Market: Officials say Belize faces a growing labour shortage across agriculture, construction and tourism, with businesses increasingly using work permits to fill gaps. Digital Resilience: Belize’s ICT ministry is represented at a regional workshop on data embassies to keep government services running during crises. Fisheries Enforcement: Coast Guard operations with partners net illegal fishing suspects near Gladden Spit, highlighting continued pressure on IUU activity.

Livestock & Biosecurity: Belize is training Corozal livestock producers and animal health staff to spot and report New World screwworm early, aiming to protect cattle and reduce outbreak risk. US Spillover Risk: Texas confirmed the first New World screwworm case in over six decades, with USDA quarantine and movement controls—an industry shock that could ripple into beef prices. Fuel Cost Politics: The PM pushed back hard on the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s renewed calls for more fuel tax relief, while BCCI continues pressing for temporary excise-duty cuts and tighter pass-through of global price drops. Coastal Development Controls: Government temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after public outcry, with new planning talks involving multiple agencies and coastal communities. Aviation & Tourism Growth: BermudAir announced winter route expansions that include direct Belize service from Boston plus new Central America links, while Belize’s tourism leaders convene regionally during Caribbean Week in New York. Infrastructure Watch: Reports say IDB-approved designs are moving forward for a potential San Pedro International Airport, raising big questions about readiness and capacity. Labor Market Pressure: Immigration officials say Belize is facing shortages across manual and skilled roles, with businesses increasingly seeking work permits and visas. Clean Energy for Fisheries: Canada-funded STAR-Fish is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including Belize, with a focus on cold chain and low-carbon certification. Marine-to-Textile Innovation: Belize-based Bloom to Business is partnering to turn sargassum into sustainable textiles, linking marine science with local workforce development.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: BermudAir announced major winter route expansion from North America, adding Belize and Guatemala City plus more Turks and Caicos service, with Boston set to offer the only nonstop Belize link—good news for travel-linked business planning. Coastal Development & Compliance: Belize’s government temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after public outcry, with talks involving environment, fisheries, and local councils aimed at tightening environmental compliance without shutting projects. Fuel Costs Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry renewed calls for urgent fuel relief, pushing for temporary tax cuts/excise reductions and a clearer pass-through of global price drops to pump prices. Inflation & Cost of Living: SIB reported April inflation up 2.9% year-on-year, with transportation costs rising sharply on diesel and food prices also climbing—raising pressure on household and SME margins. Labour Market Strain: Immigration officials say Belize is facing shortages across manual and skilled roles, with businesses increasingly seeking foreign workers via visas/work permits, especially impacting agriculture, tourism, and construction. Energy & Transport Modernization: UNDP’s e-mobility conference in Belmopan highlighted results from Belize’s electric bus pilot, pointing to long-term operating savings and lower energy costs. Blue Economy & Industry Innovation: A Belize initiative is training communities to turn sargassum into sustainable fiber and textiles, linking marine science with new production opportunities. Infrastructure Watch: Reports say IDB has approved designs for a proposed San Pedro International Airport, but readiness questions remain for the island’s next big step. Regional Fisheries Resilience: Canada-funded STAR-Fish clean energy work is scaling low-carbon upgrades for fisheries and aquaculture across Belize and other Caribbean countries. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on data embassies, with ICT officials discussing secure data storage and continuity planning for public services.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: BermudAir says it’s adding winter routes to Belize, Turks and Caicos and Guatemala City, with new nonstop options from multiple U.S. gateways, plus expanded service to Anguilla—another push for year-round regional airlift. Fuel Cost Pressure: Belize’s business lobby (BCCI) is renewing calls for temporary fuel tax relief and tighter pass-through of global price drops, arguing pump prices remain high and diesel users are hit hardest. Energy Transition & Transport: UNDP is sharing early results from Belize’s electric bus pilot in Belmopan, while regional energy talks keep spotlighting rising fuel costs and electrification. Construction & Labour Crunch: Immigration officials confirm labour shortages across agriculture, construction and tourism, with employers increasingly turning to work permits for both manual and skilled gaps. Inflation Watch: SIB reports April inflation up 2.9% year-on-year, driven by higher transport costs (diesel and gasoline) and food increases. Sargassum-to-Textiles: Belize-based “Bloom to Business” is partnering with marine science and textile networks to turn sargassum into sustainable fiber and create local jobs. Infrastructure for Ambergris Caye: Reports say IDB has approved designs for a proposed San Pedro International Airport, raising big opportunity questions about readiness and planning. Governance & Planning: San Pedro leaders move toward an urban planning committee as Cabinet approves a short moratorium on high-rise development in nearby coastal areas. Crime & Enforcement: Coast Guard operations net illegal fishing suspects near Gladden Spit, underscoring continued pressure on IUU fishing in southern waters.

Airport & Tourism Infrastructure: Reports say the IDB has approved designs for a proposed San Pedro International Airport on northern Ambergris Caye, with plans for domestic, regional international, charter and private-jet traffic—raising big questions about whether the island is ready for the scale of change. Tourism Industry Networking: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened June 1 with record ministerial and industry attendance, including Belize representation, as leaders push connectivity and resilience amid tougher global competition. Sargassum-to-Textiles: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network partnered with Belize’s Bloom to Business to train locals to collect and process sargassum into sustainable fiber and textile materials. Labour Market Pressure: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual and some skilled workers, with employers requesting visas/work permits as construction, agriculture and tourism feel the strain. Labour Law Modernization: The Labour Ministry is reviewing and revising Belize’s outdated Labour Act through stakeholder consultations. Cost of Living: SIB reports April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven by fuel, food, electricity and transport costs. Construction & Planning Controls: Cabinet approved a six-month high-rise moratorium in coastal hotspots, and San Pedro is moving toward an urban planning committee to curb haphazard development. Energy & Transport Transition: UNDP shared early results from Belize’s electric bus pilot, and officials say the long-term operating costs look promising. Crime & Enforcement: A joint operation led to the detention of three Honduran nationals for illegal fishing near Gladden Spit.

Caribbean Tourism in Focus: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1 with a record turnout of tourism ministers and commissioners, including expected Belize participation, as leaders push for stronger connectivity and a unified regional push to protect market share. Sargassum-to-Textiles Push: Belize City is seeing a new sustainability model as Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network partner to turn harmful sargassum into sustainable fiber, with local residents trained through the Bloom to Business initiative. Labour Crunch Hits Growth: Immigration and Labour officials say Belize is facing a growing shortage of manual workers and some skilled roles, with employers increasingly relying on imported labour—especially affecting construction, agriculture, and tourism. Minimum Wage Debate: A commentary warns that raising Belize’s minimum wage from $5 to $6 could backfire for small businesses already squeezed by fuel, electricity, and inflation. Inflation Watch: SIB reports April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven by higher transport, food, and electricity costs. Energy & Transport Moves: UNDP’s e-mobility conference in Belmopan highlighted Belize’s electric bus pilot results, while Cabinet approved measures tied to hurricane readiness and public transport modernization. Construction & Planning Pressure: San Pedro is moving toward an urban planning committee as authorities respond to rapid expansion and development concerns. Agriculture Revival Efforts: The Agriculture Ministry is working to revive citrus and is distributing supplies to southern farmers to boost food production and reduce input costs.

Digital Resilience & Data Sovereignty: Turks and Caicos Minister E. Jay Saunders will represent the region at an ECLAC-led policy dialogue in Belize on June 3, focused on protecting critical government data and keeping public services running during cyberattacks and disasters. Electric Mobility & Power Transition: UNDP hosted an e-mobility conference in Belmopan sharing results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot, while COP-31 president-designate Murat Kurum urged faster, wider electrification to cut fossil fuel dependence. Inflation & Cost Pressures: SIB reports April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven mainly by transport (diesel and gasoline jumps), plus higher food, electricity, and restaurant services. Labour & Skills Crunch: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual workers hitting construction, agriculture, tourism support and more, with employers increasingly importing labour; the Labour Ministry also moves to modernize the outdated Labour Act. Public Transport Modernization: Cabinet approved hurricane and transport measures, including a concession framework aimed at modernizing the bus industry; the Belize Bus Association says it was left out of the EV bus pilot rotation. Agriculture Revival: The Agriculture Ministry is pushing to revive citrus and is distributing fertilizer, fruit trees and planting materials in southern districts to boost food production. Hurricane Readiness: With Atlantic hurricane season starting June 1, Belizean authorities urged households and businesses to update emergency plans and supplies. Tourism & Development Planning: San Pedro leaders are pushing for an urban planning committee as growth accelerates, alongside broader coastal development controls.

Electric Mobility in Belmopan: UNDP hosted an E-Mobility Data Insights conference in Belmopan, sharing results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot (five buses on city and highway routes) and pointing to long-term cost and environmental gains. Inflation Watch: The Statistical Institute of Belize says April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven mainly by transport (diesel up to $14.68/gal), plus higher food and electricity costs. Hurricane Season Prep: With the Atlantic season starting June 1, Belize’s NMS and NEMO urged households and businesses to update emergency plans and supplies as forecasts call for 8–14 named storms. Labour Crunch: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual and some skilled workers, pushing employers to import labour; the Ministry of Labour is also modernizing the outdated Labour Act. Public Transport Modernization: Cabinet approved measures including a concession framework to modernize the bus system, while the Belize Bus Association says it was left out of the EV bus pilot rotation. Agriculture Push: The Agriculture Ministry is moving to revive citrus and is distributing fertilizer and planting materials in southern districts to boost food production. Urban Planning for San Pedro: Authorities are moving toward an urban planning committee for San Pedro to curb haphazard high-rise and dock-related development. Energy Reliability: BEL reminded customers that brief storm-related power interruptions can be part of its protection system, and urged reporting outages via its app or hotline. Conservation Update: Friends for Conservation and Development opened a new ranger base near the Guacamallo bridge to support ongoing research in protected areas.

Ocean & High Seas Cooperation: Rapa Nui hosted Pacific voyaging leaders and scientists to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate marine conservation, with Belize among participating countries. Electric Mobility in Belmopan: UNDP convened an e-mobility conference sharing results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot, aimed at cutting long-term operating costs and emissions. Energy & Cost Pressure: SIB reported April inflation at 2.9%, driven mainly by transport fuel hikes and higher electricity costs; BEL also reminded customers how storm-related outages work and how to report them fast. Labour & Business Operations: Belize faces a growing shortage of manual workers, pushing employers to import labour while skilled gaps persist; the Labour Ministry is also moving to modernize the outdated Labour Act. Public Transport Modernization: Cabinet approved measures including a concession framework for bus modernization, while the Belize Bus Association says it was left out of the EV bus pilot rotation. Agriculture Push: Government is working to revive citrus and is distributing fertilizer and planting materials in southern districts to boost food production. Hurricane Readiness: With Atlantic season starting June 1, authorities urged households and businesses to update plans and supplies.

Labour & Immigration: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual workers, with employers increasingly importing labour for construction, agriculture and tourism as skilled Belizeans pursue better pay overseas; the Labour Ministry is also moving to modernize the outdated Labour Act through a multi-sector review workshop. Cost of Living & Energy: Inflation rose to 2.9% in April, driven largely by transport costs and higher fuel prices, while BEL says electricity bills are climbing because Belize imports over half its power from Mexico and costs are passed through to consumers. Hurricane Readiness: With the 2026 Atlantic season starting June 1, Cabinet approved hurricane and transport measures and authorities urged households and businesses to update emergency plans. Construction & Planning: San Pedro is pushing for an urban planning committee to curb haphazard development, following Cabinet’s six-month high-rise moratorium in coastal communities. Agriculture: The Agriculture Ministry is working to revive the citrus industry and is distributing fertilizer, fruit trees and planting materials to southern farmers to boost yields and cut input costs. Public Health & Youth: The Drug Control Council is running a National Tobacco Youth Forum to curb smoking and vaping among young people, and MOHW launched a 2026–2030 community health strategy with UNICEF support. Transport Modernization: The Belize Bus Association says it was left out of an EV bus pilot rotation and wants a seat at the testing process. Coastal Challenge: Sargassum remains a major problem for San Pedro, with residents urging better collection solutions before another heavy season hits.