AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir is ramping up winter travel with new nonstop links to Belize and Turks & Caicos from multiple U.S. cities, plus a direct service to Grand Cayman—tickets go on sale Friday, with Belize routes starting in December. Hospitality Investment: Remington Hospitality has taken over management of Aruna Resort & Villas in Ambergris Caye, aiming to boost operations and revenue for the independent boutique property. Fuel Prices & Business Costs: PM Briceño pushed back hard on the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s renewed calls for fuel tax relief, calling the request “embarrassing” while urging dealers to absorb rising costs. Governance & Courts: A judge criticized CARICOM countries for not fully accepting the CCJ as their final appellate court, while Belize’s PM said the government will appeal a Jalacte Maya land-rights Court of Appeal ruling. Livestock Security: Belize trained livestock producers in Corozal to spot and report New World screwworm early, as the U.S. confirms its first case in over 60 years. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on cybersecurity and disaster data protection, discussing the “data embassy” model to safeguard government services during crises. Environment & Coastal Controls: Government temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after public outcry, with plans to coordinate with coastal communities and regulators.

Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir is ramping up its winter Caribbean network, adding nonstop service to Turks & Caicos and direct flights to Grand Cayman, plus new/expanded routes to Belize and Guatemala City—tickets reportedly go on sale Friday—boosting regional connectivity for business and leisure travelers. Fuel Costs & Business Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry is renewing calls for temporary fuel tax relief, urging government to cut excise duties or use targeted measures so global price drops translate into lower pump prices for households and especially SMEs. Coastal Environment & Development: Government has temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after public outcry over unsustainable practices, with a plan expected to involve multiple agencies and coastal communities including San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Digital Resilience: Belize is hosting a regional workshop on cybersecurity and disaster data protection, with officials discussing “data embassies” to keep critical government data secure during crises. Social Protection: The Social Security Board marks 45 years of service to Belizeans, highlighting scheme modernization, good governance and fund sustainability as it expands nationwide operations. Conservation & Jobs: Belize Audubon Society appoints Yashin Dujon as new executive director, while a new Belize-based initiative links sargassum collection to workforce development and sustainable textile materials. Public Health Watch: A measles resurgence across the Americas is raising concerns ahead of major travel events, with Belize listed among countries reporting infections linked to outbreaks or imported cases.

Coastal Policy & Development: Belize’s government has temporarily halted dredging and beach reclamation in sensitive coastal areas while it drafts a “path forward,” with meetings planned across Environment, Mining, Fisheries and Health, and local input from San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: BermudAir says it will launch new winter routes including Belize, Turks & Caicos and Guatemala City, plus direct service to Grand Cayman and expanded Anguilla service, with flights going on sale Friday—good news for regional travel demand. Fuel Costs & Business Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry is renewing calls for tax relief on fuel, urging temporary reductions in excise duties and better pass-through of global price drops to pump prices. Social Security Leadership: The Social Security Board marks 45 years of service to Belizeans and names Dr. Sheree Smiling Craig as the new Chair. Sargassum to Value-Add: Belize City-based Bloom to Business is partnering with Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network to turn harmful seaweed into sustainable textile materials. Labour & Hiring Gaps: Immigration officials report ongoing labour shortages across sectors, with businesses—especially in San Pedro—seeking more work permits and visas to fill gaps. Infrastructure Watch: Reports say IDB-approved designs are moving ahead for a proposed San Pedro International Airport, raising both opportunity and readiness questions. Regional Digital Resilience: Belize hosts a workshop on cybersecurity and disaster data protection, including discussion of the “data embassy” model. Crime & Security: Police investigate an armed robbery at a San Pedrito grocery store, urging businesses to strengthen security as cost pressures mount.

Armed Crime: Police are investigating an armed robbery at a San Pedrito grocery store on June 1, where a shop owner was threatened with a firearm and cash and items were taken; officers say patrols will increase as they seek public tips. Tourism & Infrastructure: Reports say the Inter-American Development Bank has approved designs for a proposed San Pedro International Airport on northern Ambergris Caye, but locals are asking whether the island is ready for the scale of change. Labour Market: Immigration officials confirm Belize is facing labour shortages across agriculture, construction and tourism, with businesses increasingly requesting visas and work permits to fill gaps. Cost of Living: The Statistical Institute of Belize reports April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, with transport costs up sharply after diesel and gasoline increases. Energy Transition: UNDP Belize shared findings from its electric bus pilot in Belmopan, while BEL reminds customers how storm protection systems can cause brief outages and urges fast reporting via its app or hotline. Regional Business & Climate: CRFM warns Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture must prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season amid El Niño risks, while Canada’s STAR-Fish project scales clean energy support for low-carbon, resilient fisheries. Governance & Data: Turks and Caicos launched a Statistics Authority to strengthen data-driven governance, and Belize is highlighted for procurement and data systems that can reduce renewable energy transaction costs. Caribbean Week: Caribbean tourism leaders, including Belize representatives, are gathering in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 to push connectivity and economic resilience.

Minimum Wage Debate: Belize’s government is weighing a hike from $5 to $6 an hour, but commentary warns it could backfire by raising costs for small businesses and cutting jobs. Labour Crunch: Immigration officials say Belize is facing a growing shortage of manual and skilled workers, with employers—especially in agriculture, construction and tourism—turning to work permits and importing staff. Inflation Watch: The Statistical Institute of Belize reports April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven by higher transport costs (diesel and gasoline), food prices, and electricity. Tourism & Regional Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened June 1, with Belize expected to participate as ministers and industry leaders seek stronger connectivity and resilience. Hurricane Season Preparedness: Caribbean fisheries leaders, including Belize-based CRFM, urge readiness for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, factoring in El Niño impacts. Sargassum to Value: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network partner in Belize to train locals to collect sargassum and turn it into sustainable textiles. Public Health Vigilance: Belize health authorities are heightening screening at borders and ports amid an Ebola advisory, with no suspected cases reported. Energy & Transport: UNDP’s e-mobility conference in Belmopan shared findings from Belize’s electric bus pilot, pointing to long-term operating savings and environmental benefits. Local Economy & Costs: BEL reminds customers that storm-related outages may be brief due to protection systems, and urges prompt reporting via its app or hotline.

Cyber-Justice Clash: Former UDP chairman Alberto August issued his first statement since arrest under Belize’s cyberbullying laws, while Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira hit back hard, saying August used fabricated quotes tied to the Dr. Naum Bonilla case. Inflation Watch: The Statistical Institute of Belize reports April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven by higher fuel, food, electricity and transport costs. Hurricane Readiness: With the Atlantic season starting June 1, Cabinet and disaster agencies urged Belizeans to update emergency plans as forecasts call for 8–14 named storms. Public Transport & EV Push: UNDP hosted an e-mobility conference in Belmopan on Belize’s electric bus pilot, and Cabinet approved measures to modernize the bus system. Labour Market Pressure: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual workers affecting construction, agriculture, services and tourism, with more work permits being requested. Immigration Probe: Charges are expected in an investigation into reversed receipts and missing funds at the Belize City Immigration Office, with a formal audit underway. Local Governance & Safety: A new police substation opened in Lords Bank/Ladyville to improve response times as crime concerns persist. Tourism & Regional Links: E. Jay Saunders will represent the Turks and Caicos at a UN/ECLAC digital resilience dialogue in Belize, while Caribbean Week in New York draws regional tourism ministers including Belize. Conservation: Friends for Conservation and Development relocated its ranger base to strengthen research in Chiquibul and Mountain Pine Ridge.

Inflation Watch: Belize’s inflation rose 2.9% in April year-on-year, driven by higher fuel, food, electricity and transport costs, with transportation up 8.0% as diesel and gasoline prices climbed. Labour & Work Permits: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual workers, hitting construction and tourism, and pushing employers to seek more work permits. E-Mobility Push: UNDP held an e-mobility conference in Belmopan on Belize’s electric bus pilot, with officials saying electric buses cut operating costs and support a long-term transition. Hurricane Readiness: With the Atlantic season starting June 1, Belize’s disaster agencies urged families and businesses to update plans and supplies. Public Safety: A new police substation opened in Lords Bank/Ladyville to improve response times amid rising crime concerns. Governance & Integrity: Immigration investigations are moving toward criminal charges after allegations of reversed receipts and missing funds in Belize City. Local Economy & Transport: Cabinet approved measures including hurricane preparedness and a concession framework aimed at modernizing the National Bus Company. Agriculture: The Agriculture Ministry is working to revive Belize’s citrus industry amid greening disease and past setbacks.

Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and commissioners from across the region are set to gather in Manhattan for Caribbean Week 2026, with Belize among the delegations, as leaders push for stronger market share and economic resilience. Inflation Watch: Belize’s inflation rose 2.9% in April year-on-year, driven by higher fuel, food, electricity and transport costs, with diesel up sharply. E-Mobility in Belmopan: UNDP hosted an e-mobility conference sharing results from Belize’s electric bus pilot, with officials saying electric buses cut operating costs over the long term and plans point toward a transition by end-2027. Labour Crunch: Belize is facing a growing shortage of manual and some skilled workers, hitting construction and tourism, while employers increasingly seek work permits. Hurricane Season Prep: With the Atlantic season starting June 1, Belizean authorities urged households and businesses to update emergency plans as forecasters expect 8–14 named storms. Public Health Vigilance: Health authorities are heightening screening at borders and ports amid an Ebola advisory, with no suspected cases reported locally. EV Bus Pilot Tensions: The Belize Bus Association says it was left out of the EV bus pilot rotation and is asking to participate as modernization continues. Local Governance & Safety: A new police substation opened in Lords Bank/Ladyville to improve response times amid rising concerns over crime. Tourism & Trade Link: K’íiwik: Mayan World Tourism Fair 2026 is set for June 2–5 in Yucatán, bringing Belize and other Mayan-region destinations together to court buyers and business opportunities.

Inflation Watch: Belize’s inflation rose 2.9% in April year-on-year, driven by higher transport costs (diesel up to $14.68/gal), food prices, and electricity increases, with transportation the biggest contributor to the monthly jump. Labour Market: Belize is facing a growing shortage of manual workers, pushing employers to request more work permits and visas as construction, agriculture, services and tourism feel the pinch. EV Push in Transit: UNDP hosted an e-mobility conference in Belmopan sharing results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot; the Transport Ministry says electric buses cut operating costs and supports a transition plan by end-2027, while the Belize Bus Association says it was left out and wants a role in the pilot. Hurricane Readiness: With the Atlantic season starting June 1, authorities urge households and businesses to update emergency plans; Cabinet also approved hurricane preparedness and transport measures. Public Health: Health authorities increased screening at borders and ports following an Ebola advisory, stressing no suspected cases locally and directing travelers to the hotline if symptoms appear. Governance & Security: A new police substation opened in Lords Bank/Ladyville to improve response times amid rising crime concerns. Immigration Probe: Criminal charges are expected in an investigation into reversed receipts and missing funds at the Belize City Immigration Office, with a formal audit underway.

Hurricane Readiness: Belize’s National Meteorological Service and NEMO kick off the Atlantic season June 1 with a reminder that even a slightly below-normal year can still bring major impacts; authorities urge families and businesses to update plans and supplies. Power & Storm Response: BEL says storm outages can be brief as protection systems isolate faults, and urges customers to report outages via its 24/7 app or toll-free line. Inflation & Costs: Belize’s April inflation hit 2.9%, driven mainly by transport, with diesel jumping from $11.66 to $14.68 per gallon year-on-year. Labour Market: Belize faces a growing shortage of manual workers affecting construction and tourism, with more work permits being requested. Immigration Probe: Charges are expected in an investigation into reversed receipts and missing funds at the Belize City Immigration Office, with a formal audit launched. Public Services: A new Lords Bank police substation opens to improve response times and community policing. Transport Modernization: Cabinet backs transport reforms and an EV bus pilot framework, while the Belize Bus Association says it was left out of the electric bus testing. Agriculture: The Agriculture Ministry moves to revive Belize’s struggling citrus industry amid greening disease and past hurricane damage. Health Vigilance: Belize ramps up Ebola screening at borders and ports despite no suspected cases.

Hurricane Readiness: Belize’s 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season kicks off June 1, with officials urging families and businesses to update plans as forecasters call for 8–14 named storms and 3–6 hurricanes. Inflation & Costs: April inflation hit 2.9% year-on-year as transport costs jumped—diesel rose to $14.68/gallon—and fuel-driven price pressure spread to food and other essentials. Labour Crunch: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual and some skilled workers, with employers increasingly requesting work permits as construction and tourism feel the pinch. Immigration Funds Probe: Criminal charges are expected in an investigation into reversed receipts at the Belize City Immigration Office, with a formal audit launched over alleged missing revenue. Labour Standards for BPO: The Labour Ministry is moving to strengthen ties with the BPO sector amid complaints about call-center working conditions, including restroom and cellphone restrictions. Transport Modernization: Cabinet approved measures for hurricane preparedness and a concession framework for public transport modernization; meanwhile, the Belize Bus Association says it’s been left out of the electric bus pilot and raises concerns about the National Bus Company fleet’s condition. Agriculture Push: The Agriculture Ministry is working to revive Belize’s citrus industry, citing greening disease, hurricane damage, and financial strain. Public Health: MOHW and UNICEF launched a 2026–2030 community health strategy to strengthen community health workers. Local Economy & Community: San Pedro’s first public general hospital is facing rising costs and delays, while Corozal Town mourns the passing of Daisy Marin, Belize’s first female mayor.

Labour & visas: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual workers, with employers increasingly requesting work permits as construction, agriculture, services and tourism struggle to fill vacancies. Inflation pressure: April inflation rose to 2.9% year-on-year, driven most by transport costs after diesel jumped from $11.66 to $14.68 per gallon; fuel-linked price hikes are feeding into food and other essentials. Immigration probe: Criminal charges are expected soon against an Immigration Department clerk tied to alleged reversed receipts and missing funds in Belize City, with a formal audit now underway. Hurricane readiness: Authorities are urging households and businesses to update plans as the Atlantic season starts June 1, with forecasts calling for 8–14 named storms. Public transport overhaul: Cabinet approved transport and rural measures, including a concession framework for the National Bus Company; meanwhile the Belize Bus Association is pushing to join the EV bus pilot and says the current rollout has left independent operators out. Health systems: MOHW and UNICEF launched a 2026–2030 community health strategy to strengthen community health workers. Agriculture: The Agriculture Ministry is moving to revive Belize’s citrus industry after years of disease, yield declines and hurricane damage.

Electric Buses & Transport Costs: Belize Bus Association is again asking to join the EV bus pilot, saying independent operators were left out of hands-on testing, while fresh concerns also surfaced about the National Bus Company fleet’s deteriorating condition; at the same time, fuel-driven transport costs jumped 8% year-on-year, pushing April inflation to 2.9%. Healthcare & Social Policy: MOHW and UNICEF launched Belize’s National Community Health Strategy 2026-2030 to strengthen community health workers, and stakeholders met in Belmopan to discuss gaps in Belize’s sexual offences laws and survivor support. Hurricane Readiness: Belize’s NMS and NEMO urged preparation as the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, with forecasts calling for slightly below-normal activity but still possible impacts. San Pedro Infrastructure: San Pedro’s first public general hospital is moving forward but costs are rising beyond Taiwan’s original $33m grant, raising questions on who pays the difference. Governance & Community: Corozal mourns Daisy Olga Marin, Belize’s first female mayor, while the LIU work program pause leaves 523 displaced and sparks debate over pay and performance.

Construction Costs & Funding: San Pedro’s first public general hospital is still moving forward, but reports say the Taiwan-funded $33M project could run over by more than $15M, raising the question of who pays the difference as officials point to rising materials and delays. Public Services & Employment: The Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU) work program has been paused after more than 500 former gang members were left without the $160,000 payout every two weeks, with the CEO saying some people were on payroll but not working. Transport & Reliability: The Belize Bus Association is asking to join the next phase of the electric bus pilot, but fresh concerns are emerging about the National Bus Company fleet’s deteriorating condition, just as the transport minister signals plans to buy 15–20 used diesel buses. Rural Development: The EU-backed PROSPER project is advancing with a $9M push to help southern Belize communities build local economic development plans and skills. Agribusiness Innovation: Belizean ranchers are experimenting with Japanese Akaushi Wagyu genetics via imported semen, aiming to improve beef quality for premium niche markets. Marine Planning: Belize’s Draft Sustainable Ocean Plan is open for public review, mapping marine zones for fishing, tourism, shipping and conservation.

Healthcare Infrastructure: San Pedro/Caye Caulker General Hospital is still moving forward despite delays and higher costs, with officials saying the Taiwan-funded project will become Belize’s second-largest hospital and expand access for Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Public Finance & Governance: Belize’s Immigration Department embezzlement probe continues after claims that hundreds of receipts were reversed without refunds, with police still reviewing records and statements. Energy & Cost of Living: A CARICOM fuel affordability comparison places Belize among the hardest hit, showing minimum-wage workers needing nearly three hours to buy a gallon of gasoline. Trade & Connectivity: JetBlue is permanently ending its direct New York–Belize route, leaving travelers to connect via other U.S. hubs. Maritime & Tourism: PM Briceño says government is optimistic about expanding the Port of Belize, with talks underway with cruise lines and investors. Rural Development: EU/ILO’s PROSPER project is advancing with a $9m push to build local economic plans in southern Belize communities. Agribusiness: Belizean ranchers are testing Japanese Akaushi Wagyu genetics via imported semen, aiming at premium beef market opportunities. Environment & Planning: The Draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan is open for public review, mapping marine zones for fishing, tourism, shipping and conservation. Security & Compliance: Honduran nationals were charged after illegal fishing in the Sapodilla Keys Marine Reserve. Community & Business: Toledo Teachers Credit Union reports surpassing $25m in assets and rolling out member benefits and loan promotions. Regional Business Diplomacy: Belize has been selected to host the 57th ALIDE General Assembly next year, bringing development finance leaders to the country.

Fuel Affordability: A new CARICOM comparison puts Belize among the hardest hit for gasoline affordability, with minimum-wage workers needing nearly three hours to buy a gallon—highlighting mounting pressure on household budgets. Air Connectivity: JetBlue has permanently ended its direct New York–Belize flights, forcing travelers to use connecting routes and adding another hit to tourism and business travel. Port of Belize: Prime Minister John Briceño says government is optimistic about expanding the Port of Belize, with talks underway with cruise lines and investors to modernize operations and grow cargo and tourism links. Public Finance Probe: Police say the Immigration Department embezzlement investigation is still active after alleged receipt reversals without refunds, with authorities reviewing records and statements. Rural Development: The EU-backed PROSPER project is moving forward with a $9m boost for southern communities, helping locals build economic development plans and skills pathways. Livestock Upgrade: Belizean ranchers are testing Japanese Akaushi Wagyu genetics via imported semen, aiming to lift beef quality for premium niche markets. Marine Governance: Belize’s Draft Sustainable Ocean Plan is open for public review, mapping ocean zones to balance fishing, tourism, shipping, and conservation. Security & Youth: Belize’s LIU work program has been paused after years of payouts, with officials citing the need to reassess effectiveness and ensure participants are actually working.