AGP Executive Report

Humanitarian & Energy Security: A Colombian-flagged ship carrying nearly 100 tons of food, medicine, hospital supplies, electrical materials and solar panels docked in Havana to support Cuba as the U.S. embargo keeps power shortages severe. Weather & Risk: The National Hurricane Center is watching a low-pressure area near the Yucatán and northern Central America, with heavy rain the main near-term concern and Gulf conditions turning unsettled. Entrepreneurship & Trade Links: The U.S. State Department hosted Young Leaders of the Americas entrepreneurs in Belize, spotlighting business growth and networking across the Caribbean. Legal & Governance: Government says it will prepare a CCJ appeal after a $6-million communal land ruling in favor of Jalacte village, while Parliament also moves on oversight-law changes tied to the Ombudsman and Contractor-General. Public Finance & Procurement Scrutiny: Belize continues to deny false claims about procurement, as questions persist around alleged SmartStream payment structuring. Transport Modernization: Belize’s National Bus Company rolled out telematics and onboard cameras to curb standees and improve fleet monitoring. Power Bills: BEL says higher electricity bills were driven by heat-driven demand and billing timing inconsistencies. SME Support: BELTRAIDE announced a 2026 MSME roadshow to bring training, formalization and financing opportunities to multiple districts.

Electricity Costs: A new global ranking shows Bermuda topping residential power prices at about US$0.466 per kWh, while Iran sits at roughly US$0.003—highlighting how taxes, fuel access, and grid costs drive big differences. Tourism & Energy: Belize Electricity Limited says a US$40m MCC grant will expand San Pedro’s power capacity as demand from the tourism boom pushes the island’s system toward limits. Public Transport Modernization: The National Bus Company is rolling out telematics and onboard cameras to curb standees and improve fleet tracking, speed monitoring, and driver/conductor performance. Electricity Bills Explained: BEL points to heat-driven higher AC use and billing timing issues as key reasons some customers saw spikes. MSME Support: BELTRAIDE launches its 2026 National MSME Roadshow starting June 25, bringing training, formalization help, financing access, and Buy Belize expos to 10 locations. Trade & Finance: A new IDB Invest–CDB US$25m guarantee facility aims to ease trade financing for Caribbean businesses, targeting gaps that choke SME growth. Regional Integration: Belize is set to take over SICA’s Pro Tempore Presidency at end-June, as regional leaders coordinate the agenda. Agriculture Resilience: BSIF and the Ministry of Agriculture handed over vehicles under CRESAP to strengthen farmer support, research, and data collection.

Banking Supervision: CBCS hosted the XLIII Annual Conference of the Caribbean Group of Banking Supervisors, focusing on resilience and innovation as regulators tackle AI risks, cybersecurity, climate finance and data protection. Transport & Compliance: Belize’s National Bus Company is rolling out telematics cameras on electric buses to curb standees and let a control room monitor speed, driver/conductor performance and bus location. SME Financing Gap: A new regional financing snapshot flags a major shortfall for small businesses across Latin America and the Caribbean—Belize is cited as having the highest gap as a share of GDP. Trade Finance Boost: CDB and IDB Invest launched a US$25m trade finance facility to expand guarantees for Caribbean trade transactions. Early Childhood & Women’s Work: The House approved a US$23.5m loan plus US$1.28m in grants for early childhood education and female empowerment, including preschool classroom upgrades and ECCE support. Conservation Funding: PACT marked another milestone, saying it has mobilized over BZ$36m for climate resilience with more than BZ$140m in the pipeline. Regional Diplomacy: Belize is set to take over SICA’s pro tempore presidency at end-June as Dominican Republic prepares the handover. Air Connectivity: Southwest announced major winter 2027 Caribbean and Mexico route expansion, adding new service into Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. Public Safety: Police report a break-in at the Belize Cancer Society, with security wires cut and items taken from the infusion center. Governance & Integrity: Zabaneh responded to questions about “sub $10k” payments and structuring, saying NBC is building integrity-focused operations.

Trade Finance Boost: CDB and IDB Invest launched a US$25 million trade finance facility for Caribbean markets, using partial guarantees to expand access for smaller economies and support thousands of trade transactions. Regional Diplomacy & Leadership: Belize’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Osmond Martinez, urged deeper Caribbean solidarity as Belize prepares to assume CDB Board chairmanship and host the 2027 annual meeting. Belize Development Funding: The House approved a US$23.5 million World Bank/IDA loan plus US$1.28 million in grants for early childhood education and women’s economic empowerment, including preschool classroom upgrades and support for ECCE practitioners. Indigenous Rights in Practice: Government says FPIC consultations under the Free, Prior and Informed Consent framework are ongoing, with communities involved in decisions on land and resources. Business & Exports: Belize eyes growth in coconut and processed beef exports, with new market access—especially via Mexico—pushing value-added opportunities. Fisheries Oversight: The Coast Guard met fishing cooperatives to strengthen collaboration, tackle illegal fishing, and improve safety at sea. Local Economy & Compliance: The Central Building Authority opened a temporary office in Corozal to bring building regulation guidance and compliance services closer to contractors and property owners. Health & Public Trust: NHI distanced itself from reporting tied to Dr. Naun Bonilla’s murder, urging reliance on verified facts.

Regional Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic confirmed it will hand over the Pro Tempore Presidency of SICA to Belize at the end of June, with the transfer set for a foreign ministers meeting in El Salvador. Healthcare & Tech: Adroit Infosystems highlighted practical digital healthcare workflows at the CCFP Trinidad World Family Doctor Day Symposium, pushing connected EHR use to reduce clinic and hospital operational gaps. Public Finance & Women’s Jobs: Belize’s House approved a US$23.5m IDA loan plus US$1.28m in grants for early childhood education and female empowerment, including preschool classroom upgrades and support for ECCE practitioners. Conservation Funding: PACT marked another milestone, saying it has mobilized over BZ$36m for climate resilience with BZ$140m more in the pipeline. Indigenous Rights: Government said FPIC consultations under the Free, Prior and Informed Consent framework are ongoing, with examples from southern Belize. Agribusiness & Trade: Belize eyes coconut and processed beef exports as Oscar Arnold points to growing demand and new market access, including Mexico. Legal & Agriculture: BSCFA won a Court of Appeal ruling allowing its Fairtrade premium payments dispute to proceed to trial against Tate & Lyle Sugars. Disaster Risk: A 6.1 quake off Cuba’s coast was felt in Belize; NEMO said there was no tsunami threat. Maritime & Fisheries: Coast Guard met fishing cooperatives to improve collaboration and tackle illegal fishing.

Business Incubation: RevUP Caribbean is opening applications for Cohort 8 of its “Conecta Caribbean” virtual incubator, selecting 30 high-growth founders for a 5-month program mixing virtual mentorship and investor-readiness support, with founders currently in Belize accepting entries. Trade & Agriculture: CARDI welcomed a high-level delegation from IICA and Brazil to strengthen hemispheric agricultural alliances, highlighting Belize-produced soybeans, black beans and climate-resilient sweet potato varieties from CARDI-IICA work. Belize Exports Push: Oscar Arnold says Belize is eyeing coconut as a new export driver and wants to move cattle beyond live exports into processed beef cuts, including leveraging the Mexican market. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening digital resilience, focused on protecting government data and keeping public services running during crises. Social Security Leadership: The Social Security Board named Sheree Smiling Craig as its new chair, bringing Central Bank project management experience. Humanitarian Aid: Belize joined Mexico in sending 1,700 tons of food and basic necessities to Cuba as shortages deepen. Fisheries & Coast Guard: The Belize Coast Guard met fishing cooperatives to improve collaboration and step up efforts against illegal fishing.

Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir says it will add another aircraft by year-end and plans bigger Embraer 190s in 2027, betting on “good demand” for non-stop Caribbean routes including Grand Cayman and Turks & Caicos—an indirect signal of continued regional travel pull. Trade & Investment: Belize is pushing export growth with a focus on value-added coconut products and processed beef, including opportunities tied to Mexico’s market access for cold cuts and potential new processing facilities. Maritime & Fisheries: The Belize Coast Guard met fishing cooperatives to improve coordination, tackle illegal fishing, and boost safety at sea. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening digital resilience and disaster data protection, aiming to keep critical government records secure and accessible during crises. Social Security: The Social Security Board named Sheree Smiling Craig as its new chair, highlighting experience from Central Bank digital projects. Humanitarian Aid: Belize joined Mexico in sending 1,700 tons of food and basic necessities to Cuba amid shortages and U.S. pressure. Disaster Watch: A 6.1 quake off Cuba’s coast sent tremors felt in Belize; NEMO said there was no tsunami threat. Fuel Costs Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce renewed calls for more fuel tax relief as pump prices remain high.

Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: A Panama-flagged ship, Asian Katra, docked in Havana with about 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies sent by Mexico and Belize, as Cuba battles energy shortages, blackouts and food insecurity amid U.S. pressure. Regional Development Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) wrapped its 56th Annual Meeting in Nassau with a push to turn commitments into action, while Belize assumed the CDB Board of Governors chairmanship and will host the 57th meeting in June 2027. Fuel Cost Pressure: Belize’s business community renewed calls for broader fuel price relief, with the PM responding to the Belize Chamber’s request. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on cybersecurity and disaster data protection, aiming to strengthen continuity of government services during crises. Social Security Leadership: The Social Security Board named Sheree Smiling Craig as its new chair. Trade & Exports: Lasco Group says it plans to significantly expand exports, targeting higher-value products across the region including Belize. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index again ranked Belize among the lower-performing Caribbean states. Public Safety & Justice: Two people were charged in the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, tied to an alleged business dispute.

Cuba Aid & Trade Links: A ship carrying 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies collected by Mexico and Belize docked in Havana, as Cuba battles severe shortages amid the U.S. energy blockade and sanctions. Corporate Expansion: Lasco Group says it will significantly expand exports, aiming for higher value-added products and new acquisitions across the Caribbean, U.S., Canada and parts of Central America, including Belize. Belize–Mexico Livestock Relief: Mexico renewed a decree suspending a 15% tariff on Belizean cattle imports, extending market access for local exporters as Belize continues talks with Mexican authorities. Regional Development Finance: Belize assumed the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) chairmanship of the Board of Governors, positioning the country to steer regional development discussions. Tourism Pressure Point: A “Doctor Love” column warns San Pedro’s “slow season” may feel worse as tourism grows faster than demand, spreading the visitor dollar thinner across more businesses. Governance & Business Environment: The OSH Bill was delayed again in Belize’s Senate, while the drone industry association protested what it calls rushed, incomplete consultation on new civil aviation rules. Security & Justice: Two people were arraigned over the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, with police citing a business dispute and joint enterprise doctrine in the charges.

Humanitarian Trade: Mexico and Belize sent 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies to Cuba aboard the vessel Asian Katra, as Havana battles shortages tied to its energy and economic crisis. Tourism Pulse: A “slow season” letter from San Pedro says the slowdown feels earlier, with the likely driver being faster tourism growth and more businesses chasing the same visitor spend. Governance & Business Climate: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti lowest in the Caribbean, while Belize is listed among the weaker performers—an investor-relevant signal for regional risk. Justice & Public Safety: Two people were charged in the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, with police citing a business dispute and using joint enterprise doctrine; Home Affairs leadership urged confidence in the justice system. Energy & Investment: Government introduced a bill to rename the DFC as the Development Bank of Belize, and also moved to invest about $73m into Belize Electricity Limited via share purchase. Regulation Watch: Drone operators protested the civil aviation consultation process over proposed new operational rules, saying review time was cut short. Agriculture & Trade: Mexico renewed tariff relief for Belizean cattle exports, keeping a key 15% import tariff suspension in place. Regional Finance: Belize assumed the Caribbean Development Bank chairmanship of the Board of Governors for the year.

Humanitarian Aid & Cuba: Mexico and Belize sent about 1,700 tons of food and essentials to Havana aboard the ship Asian Katra, as Cuba’s 2026 crisis deepens after Hurricane Melissa. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index again flags Haiti at the bottom in the Caribbean, with Belize among the lowest-ranked in the region. Foreign Affairs & Trade: Oscar Arnold officially took over as CEO of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, after serving as ambassador to Mexico. Cattle Exports: Mexico renewed a decree suspending the 15% tariff on Belizean cattle, keeping market access open for exporters. Regional Finance: Belize assumed the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Board of Governors chairmanship, with plans to host the 57th annual meeting in 2027. Energy Investment: Government introduced a bill to rename the DFC to the Development Bank of Belize and also proposed investing about $73m in Belize Electricity Limited via share purchase. Marine & Agriculture: Stakeholders reviewed the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan under the Blue Bond target, while the Agriculture Ministry warned of increased bee activity during peak flowering season. Aviation & Tourism: Drone operators protested the civil aviation consultation process, and BermudAir’s expansion points to more direct air links to Belize and other Caribbean destinations. Security & Courts: Two suspects were arraigned in the Dr. Naun Bonilla murder case, with police citing joint enterprise and a business dispute as key motives.

Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Leadership: Belize has officially assumed the CDB Board of Governors chairmanship, with Dr. Osmond Martinez accepting the role on behalf of PM John Briceño, and Belize also set to host the 57th Annual Meeting in June 2027—an important boost for regional development finance. Foreign Affairs & Trade: Ambassador Oscar Arnold has taken over as CEO of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, moving from his Mexico post and signaling a continued push on trade and cooperation. Energy & Public Ownership: Government introduced the Development Finance Corporation (Amendment) Bill to rename the DFC as the Development Bank of Belize, while also moving to invest about $73m in Belize Electricity Limited via a share purchase plan aimed at strengthening national influence. Justice & Public Safety: Two suspects—Hannah Foreman and Edwin Bethran Jr.—were arraigned in Belmopan over the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, with police citing joint enterprise and a business dispute as key motives, as Home Affairs CEO Elton Bennett urged confidence in the justice system. Agriculture & Trade Risk: Mexico renewed tariff relief for Belizean cattle exports, while the New World screwworm threat continues to dominate regional livestock planning after a first U.S. detection in Texas. Marine & Regulation: Stakeholders reviewed the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan under the Blue Bond 30% protection target, and the drone industry association protested what it says is a rushed, restrictive civil aviation consultation process. Business & Tourism: Remington Hospitality took over management of Aruna Resort & Villas on Ambergris Caye, and FEDECATUR re-elected Efren Pérez to lead regional tourism efforts.

Caribbean Development Bank Leadership: Belize has officially taken the rotating Chairmanship of the CDB Board of Governors, with Dr. Osmond Martinez accepting the role on behalf of PM John Briceño, and Belize set to host the 57th Annual Meeting in 2027. Foreign Trade & Agriculture: Mexico renewed a decree suspending the 15% tariff on Belizean cattle imports, easing pressure on exporters as Belize continues talks with Mexican authorities. Energy & Public Finance: Government introduced the Belize Electricity Investment Bill to allow a $73m share purchase in Belize Electricity Limited, aiming to boost national ownership and influence. Marine Economy: Fishing and tourism stakeholders reviewed draft zoning under the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan to meet Blue Bond targets of protecting 30% of marine space. Aviation & Tourism Growth: BermudAir is expanding winter routes with new service to Belize and more Caribbean links, while Ambergris Caye’s international airport project is reported to be moving forward. Regulation & Business: Belize’s drone operators are protesting the civil aviation consultation process, saying the review was cut short and key questions remain unanswered. Public Safety & Justice: Police arraigned Hannah Foreman and Edwin Bethran Jr. in the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, with prosecutors citing joint enterprise and a business dispute motive.

CDB Chairmanship: Belize officially took the rotating Chairmanship of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Board of Governors at the CDB’s 56th Annual Meeting in Nassau, with Dr. Osmond Martinez accepting the role and Belize also named host for the 57th meeting in June 2027. Public Safety & Justice: In Belmopan, two suspects—laboratory scientist Hannah Foreman and alleged hitman Edwin Bethran Jr.—were arraigned in the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, with police pointing to a multi-layer investigation using monitoring cameras, digital forensics, and financial intelligence; meanwhile, Pomona Village saw a separate shooting where a 16-year-old and a 25-year-old were injured. Immigration: A U.S. federal judge blocked key Trump-era immigration directives that froze some green card, asylum, and work-permit decisions, a potential relief for Belizeans waiting on U.S. cases. Energy & Policy: Government introduced a bill to rename the Development Finance Corporation to the Development Bank of Belize, and also moved to invest about $73m in Belize Electricity Limited via a share purchase plan; separate fuel-price pressure continues as PM Briceño criticized the Chamber’s call for more tax relief. Tourism & Air Connectivity: BermudAir announced major winter expansion with new nonstop routes to Belize and Turks & Caicos (plus broader Caribbean links), while FEDECATUR re-elected Efren Pérez to lead regional tourism efforts. Agriculture Biosecurity: Texas confirmed a New World screwworm case in a calf, renewing regional concern as Belize strengthens livestock defenses and training.

Ambergris Caye Infrastructure: Belize’s Rural South area rep says an international airport for Ambergris Caye is moving ahead, with designs accepted by the IDB and funding secured via the Social Security Board, aiming to boost high-end tourism and add private-jet, domestic and regional services. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: BermudAir is expanding winter routes into Belize and the wider Caribbean, including new nonstops to Belize from multiple US cities and service growth to Turks & Caicos and Anguilla—good news for visitor access and local travel demand. Fuel Prices & Business Pressure: Prime Minister Briceño pushed back hard on the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s renewed call for more fuel tax relief, arguing the tax formula and market realities mean the business sector should understand how pump prices are built. Labour & Social Security Dispute: BEWJ staged a protest at Parliament over pension and severance issues, saying BEL plans to return to court even after promises to take the matter to Cabinet. Livestock Biosecurity: The Agriculture Ministry ran livestock training in Corozal to strengthen New World screwworm detection and reporting, warning early action is key to protecting Belize’s cattle industry. Public Safety: Police are investigating a shooting in Pomona Village that left a 16-year-old and a 25-year-old injured, with suspects arriving on motorcycles.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: BermudAir unveiled a major winter expansion, adding nonstop service to Belize from multiple U.S. and Canadian cities and launching new routes including Turks and Caicos and Grand Cayman, with tickets going on sale Friday—good news for visitor arrivals and regional competition. Local Development: Ambergris Caye’s northern pipeline includes plans for three new schools and an international airport; officials say the design is accepted by the IDB and meets ICAO requirements, with funding secured and management expected under the Belize Airports Authority. Energy Costs & Business Pressure: Prime Minister Briceño pushed back hard on the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry fuel tax relief push, calling it “embarrassing” and arguing the tax structure and international oil volatility make the Chamber’s ask unrealistic. Labour Dispute: BEWJ staged another protest at Parliament over pension and severance; the union says the government may return to court despite a ruling, and it wants direct Cabinet/PM attention. Agriculture Biosecurity: Belize is training livestock producers in Corozal (Progresso and Sarteneja) to spot and report New World screwworm early, as the threat grows after a confirmed case in south Texas. Governance & Courts: The PM said the government will appeal a Court of Appeal decision in the Jalacte Maya land rights case, citing disagreement with the ruling and its financial impact. Environment & Coastal Management: Government temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after public outcry, with a new plan expected for San Pedro, Caye Caulker and other coastal communities. Hospitality Investment: Remington Hospitality took over management of Aruna Resort & Villas on Ambergris Caye, signaling continued growth in Belize’s leisure and resort market.