AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity: BermudAir adds new seasonal nonstop flights from Boston to Belize (twice weekly) plus Turks and Caicos and Anguilla, boosting winter tourism and business travel. Power & Energy Resilience: BEL flags possible El Niño-driven drought risk, budgeting up to US$4M monthly to protect electricity supply, while a US$40M MCC grant targets San Pedro’s growing power demand. Infrastructure Under Stress: Heavy rains trigger Coastal Plain Highway flooding near Mile 16; MIDH says the road’s design held, but short sections need continued monitoring and fixes. Agriculture & Compliance: DOE engages the sugar industry on environmental clearance and sustainability; BSIF and Agriculture hand over vehicles to strengthen farmer support and research (including SIRDI). Fisheries Accountability: 22 Fishers’ Associations publish Belize’s first Belize Fishers Audit, and fishers push for clearer priorities and progress tracking. Tourism Skills & Growth: Belize Tourism Board’s Hospitality Sprint Series hits Punta Gorda with AHLEI Guest Service Gold training; Belize also promotes tourism at Mexico’s Mundo Maya fair. Legal & Finance: Court of Appeal backs BSCFA’s Fairtrade premium payments case against Tate & Lyle, setting up a trial. Governance & Oversight: PSU demands “opening the books” after SIF denies alleged questionable contracts.

Fisheries & Governance: Twenty-two fishers’ associations unveiled Belize’s first-ever Belize Fishers Audit, putting sector priorities and recommendations on the record. Public Procurement Scrutiny: The PSU is demanding “opening the books” after SIF rejected allegations of questionable contracts tied to FAST Construction, escalating calls for tenders and receipts. Justice Access: Senior JPs were trained to speed up immediate protection for domestic violence victims when court access is limited. Sugar Industry Compliance: The DOE held information sessions with sugar associations on environmental clearance and compliance under the BAC SUF Project. Tourism Skills: AHLEI Guest Service Gold training hit Punta Gorda with 17 hospitality workers passing (100%), with more stops planned. Workforce Development: Orange Walk ITVET launched an eight-month Breaking Barriers apprenticeship for 20 young Belizeans in electrical installation and A/C & refrigeration. Energy & Infrastructure: BEL flagged possible El Niño-driven drought strain and San Pedro got a $40M MCC boost for power capacity, while MIDH monitored roads after Coastal Plain Highway flooding near Mile 16. Agriculture & Data: BSIF and the Ministry handed vehicles under CRESAP to SIRDI and farmer-support and data units, and Belize joined regional talks to strengthen food security data and AI in statistics. Legal & Agriculture Finance: BSCFA scored a major Court of Appeal win over Fairtrade premium payments, clearing the way for a trial against T&L Sugars. Marine & Climate: A Belize-linked marine study highlights butterflyfish as reef health indicators amid ocean change.

Tourism & Hospitality: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Hopkins was named #1 hotel in Central America and #15 worldwide in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best,” a win tied to high-volume guest reviews and a team of 180+ Belizean staff. Energy & Infrastructure: BEL says it’s preparing for possible El Niño-driven drought, budgeting up to US$4M per month to protect supply as hydro output could drop. Road Resilience: Heavy rains forced a temporary closure on the Coastal Plain Highway near Mile 16; MIDH says the design held up overall, with only short sections needing ongoing work. Power for Growth: MCC approved US$40M for San Pedro Ambergris Caye expansion, including upgrades to generation and distribution as demand rises. Agriculture & Food Security: Belize joined regional efforts on food security data and AI, while BSIF and the Ministry of Agriculture handed over vehicles under CRESAP to strengthen farmer support, research, and extension. Regional Stats & Trade: Belize’s Statistical Institute took over Centroestad’s pro tempore presidency from the Dominican Republic, boosting cooperation on modern data systems. Legal & Sugar Industry: BSCFA scored a major Court of Appeal victory over Tate & Lyle in a Fairtrade premium dispute, clearing the way for the claim to proceed to trial. Clean Energy for Fisheries: CRFM is scaling clean energy interventions under the STAR-Fish project, including cold-chain upgrades and low-carbon certification support across participating countries including Belize.

San Pedro power boost: Belize Electricity Limited is set to receive a US$40M MCC grant to expand electricity generation and distribution on Ambergris Caye as demand outpaces capacity, including upgrades tied to the island’s submarine cable limits. Tourism & energy costs: A wider regional look at electricity pricing shows households in places like Bermuda paying far more than the cheapest markets, underlining why power reliability and cost control matter for tourism economies. Agriculture resilience funding: Belize is backing drought response with emergency farmer support while also pushing for transparent oversight of cash assistance mechanisms. CRESAP support for farmers: BSIF and the Ministry of Agriculture handed over vehicles to research and farmer-support units under CRESAP to improve fieldwork, monitoring, and extension services. Trade & data for food security: Belize joined regional talks to strengthen food security data and AI in official statistics, including work to improve the Food Balance Sheet. Regional public health training: CARPHA trained Belize participants in safe transport of infectious specimens via an IATA workshop, strengthening lab and outbreak readiness. Legal win for cane farmers: The BSCFA scored a major Court of Appeal victory over Fairtrade premium payments, keeping its claims against Tate & Lyle Sugars headed to trial. Construction compliance push: The Central Building Authority opened a temporary Corozal office to bring building regulation guidance and compliance closer to a growing construction market. Humanitarian logistics: Belize joined Mexico in shipping 1,700 tons of aid to Cuba, with a new Colombia-to-Cuba shipment also arriving as shortages deepen.

Animal Health & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm has been detected on US soil for the first time, with officials warning it may already be widespread after a wave across Central America and Mexico—prompting quarantines and tighter movement rules for warm-blooded animals. Energy Infrastructure: Belize Electricity Limited is set to receive a $40M MCC grant to expand power generation and distribution on San Pedro as demand outpaces capacity, including upgrades tied to the island’s submarine cable limits. Agriculture & Farmer Support: Opposition backs disaster funding for farmers amid drought concerns, while BSIF and the Ministry of Agriculture handed over vehicles under CRESAP to strengthen research, data collection, and extension services. Regional Food Security & Data: Belize joins CENTROESTAD work on improving Food Balance Sheets and also participates in CARPHA-linked training to boost regional lab and specimen transport capacity. Trade, Exports & Value-Add: Belize is pushing coconut and processed beef opportunities for export growth, including moves to capture more value locally rather than relying only on live cattle sales. Legal & Industry Finance: The BSCFA scored a major Court of Appeal win against Fairtrade premium payment disputes, clearing the way for a trial over alleged withheld premiums. Tourism & Social Investment: The House approved a $23.5M World Bank/IDA-backed project to expand early childhood education and support women’s economic empowerment, while Belize’s construction oversight also grows with a temporary CBA office in Corozal.

Agribusiness & Innovation: A high-level Brazilian delegation visited CARDI HQ in St. Augustine to deepen agricultural innovation and regional food security, including a live demo of CARDI’s digital tracking tech for the South American palm weevil. Governance & Compliance: The Central Building Authority opened a temporary office in Corozal to bring building-code compliance and contractor/property guidance closer to a growing construction district. Education & Women’s Work: The House approved a US$23.5M World Bank loan plus grants for early childhood education and female empowerment, funding preschool classrooms and support for ECCE practitioners. Sugar & Trade Disputes: BSCFA won a major Court of Appeal victory over Tate & Lyle in a Fairtrade premium payments fight, clearing the way for the claim to proceed to trial. Food Security & Logistics: Belize joined Mexico in sending 1,700 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba, as shortages worsen amid energy and economic pressure. Industry Growth (Agri/Exports): Belize is eyeing coconut as a new export and jobs driver, and also pushing to expand from live cattle exports into processed beef cuts for higher value. Maritime & Fisheries: The Coast Guard met fishing cooperatives to improve collaboration on illegal fishing enforcement and safety at sea. Fuel Costs & Business Pressure: Belize Chamber of Commerce renewed calls for more transparent fuel price structures and broader relief as operators feel the squeeze.

Caribbean Media Viability: The Caribbean Media Summit 2026 heard that traditional outlets are squeezed by falling ad revenue, audience migration to digital, and AI-driven disruption. Regional Unity & Finance: Belize’s Dr. Osmond Martinez urged deeper Caribbean solidarity at the CDB meeting as Belize prepares to chair the Board of Governors and host the 2027 annual meeting. Sugar & Fairtrade Premiums: The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association won a major Court of Appeal ruling against Tate & Lyle over millions in disputed Fairtrade premium payments, clearing the way for a trial. Early Childhood & Women’s Work: The House approved a US$23.5M World Bank/IDA loan plus grants to expand preschool services and support women’s economic empowerment. Construction Regulation Access: The Central Building Authority opened a temporary office in Corozal to bring compliance and building-code guidance closer to contractors and property owners. Cuba Aid Logistics: Belize joined Mexico in sending about 1,700 tons of food and essentials to Cuba, with shipments framed as regional solidarity amid fuel and food shortages. Coconut & Beef Export Push: Belize is eyeing coconut as a new export driver and exploring moving from live cattle exports to higher-value processed beef cuts for markets like Mexico. Fuel Price Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce renewed calls for more transparent fuel price relief as costs strain businesses and transport operators. Digital Resilience: A regional workshop in Belize City focused on strengthening government cybersecurity and continuity planning across Caribbean states. Maritime Training: Barbados Community College launched new online maritime courses, with interest reported from Belize. Screwworm Quarantine Watch: Texas issued animal quarantine measures after New World screwworm cases, raising concerns for livestock and wildlife across the region.

Humanitarian Logistics: Belize joined Mexico in sending 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies to Cuba, with the cargo ship Asian Katra docking in Havana as shortages deepen amid fuel and economic strain. Trade & Value-Add: Belize is eyeing growth beyond live cattle exports, with officials pointing to Mexico’s openness to cold cuts as a push for local processing, packaging, and distribution investment. Agri-Exports: The coconut industry is being pitched as a next export driver, including coconut water and potential expansion into shell and other products for wider market access. Fisheries & Enforcement: The Belize Coast Guard met fishing cooperatives to improve coordination and tackle illegal fishing, stressing fisher input for better marine protection. Regional Agriculture Links: A high-level delegation visited CARDI to strengthen hemispheric agricultural alliances, highlighting Belize-produced soybeans/beans and climate-resilient sweet potato varieties. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening digital resilience for government continuity and cybersecurity. Policy Watch: Belize’s OSH Bill was delayed again in the Senate as questions were moved to written submissions. Energy Pressure: Fuel price relief remains under pressure, with the Prime Minister responding to calls for more transparency in pump pricing.

Humanitarian Logistics: Belize joined Mexico in sending 1,700 tons of food and basic necessities to Cuba, with the shipment arriving in Havana as both governments cite solidarity amid shortages and energy strain. Maritime & Trade: Belize Coast Guard met fishing cooperatives to improve coordination, tackle illegal fishing, and boost safety at sea. Agri-Exports: Belize is eyeing growth in coconut products for export (including Mexico market access) and is also pushing to move from live cattle exports toward processed beef cuts. Policy & Governance: The OSH Bill, 2025, was delayed again in Belize’s Senate, while lawmakers also advanced financing for wastewater infrastructure in Caye Caulker via an IDB-backed loan. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening digital resilience for government continuity and cybersecurity. Industry Expansion: Lasco Group says it plans to significantly expand exports through higher value-added products and new acquisitions. Aviation & Drones: Belize’s drone industry association says civil aviation consultations are moving too fast and is seeking safer coexistence rules.

Humanitarian Logistics: Belize joined Mexico in sending 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies to Cuba, with the shipment docking in Havana as the island faces severe shortages tied to energy and economic pressure. Maritime & Fisheries: The Belize Coast Guard met fishing cooperatives to improve coordination and tackle illegal fishing, while Belize also pushes maritime training through new BCC courses. Agri-Exports: Belize eyes growth in the coconut sector as a rural jobs and export driver, and officials say beef exports could move beyond live cattle toward processed cuts for higher value. Trade Policy: Mexico renewed a tariff suspension supporting Belizean cattle exports, easing a key hurdle for producers after regional livestock disruptions. Energy & Cost of Living: Fuel price relief remains under pressure, with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry renewing calls for transparency and relief as pump costs bite. Regulation & Innovation: Drone operators are challenging Belize’s civil aviation consultation process, saying proposed rules are rushed and not fully reviewed. Environment & Land Use: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in sensitive coastal areas is aimed at giving Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye time to recover. Public Safety & Justice: Belize’s criminal justice system is in focus after high-profile arraignments tied to the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, alongside updates from the Central Prison’s 2025 report.

Maritime & Trade Operations: Post Office and Customs teams from Belize and the region are set to meet at a San Salvador summit to tighten cross-border mail processing and security checks. Fuel & Cost Pressures: Belize’s Chamber is pushing for more fuel tax relief and greater transparency on pump-price calculations as the PM dismisses the latest request as “embarrassing.” Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening government continuity and cybersecurity, aiming to protect critical national records and services. Exports & Industry Growth: Lasco Group says it will expand exports with higher value-added products and new acquisitions across the Caribbean, US, Canada, and Central America including Belize. Humanitarian Logistics (Cuba): Mexico and Belize delivered 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies to Cuba as the island faces shortages tied to energy and US pressure. Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir announced winter route expansion that includes Belize, alongside Turks & Caicos and Guatemala City, targeting leisure demand beyond Bermuda’s seasonality. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Belize’s cattle export outlook gets a boost as Mexico renews tariff relief, while New World screwworm defenses remain a regional priority after detections spreading north. Regulation Watch (Drones): Belize’s drone industry association says civil aviation consultations on new operational rules were rushed and insufficient, raising uncertainty for operators. Environment & Coastal Use: Government moves include a moratorium on mining/dredging in sensitive lagoon areas to support recovery for habitats like Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye.

Humanitarian Logistics: A ship carrying 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies collected in Mexico and Belize has docked in Havana, as Cuba battles severe blackouts and shortages amid U.S. energy blockade and sanctions. Public Health Policy: PAHO/WHO convened Caribbean nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters in Barbados to push sodium reduction targets and policies to eliminate industrially produced trans fats. Governance & Workplace Safety: Belize’s OSH Bill, 2025, was delayed again in the Senate, with lawmakers asked to submit questions in writing after a second meeting was cancelled. Agriculture & Trade: Mexico renewed tariff relief for Belizean cattle exports, extending a suspension of the 15% import tariff that supports producers after New World screwworm disruptions. Aviation & Drones: The Belize National UAS Industry Association says drone regulations are being rushed and consultation was cut short, raising uncertainty for operators. Energy & Industry: Government introduced a bill to rename the DFC as the Development Bank of Belize, while also moving to invest about $73M in BEL via share purchase. Environment & Construction: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye aims to let habitats recover. Tourism & Connectivity: BermudAir announced winter expansion adding Belize among new routes, as Belize seeks to replace lost budget carrier capacity. Animal Health Threat: Belize is cited in the wider regional spread of New World screwworm, with Texas confirming a first U.S. case and raising livestock risk.

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.