AGP Executive Report

Severe Flooding in Stann Creek: Heavy overnight rain triggered rescues in the Mountain Valley area and a newly established Mennonite settlement along the Hummingbird Highway, with NEMO activating its emergency operations center as hydrology officials warned of flash-flood risk and possible spread northward. Coastal Plain Highway Under Strain: Floodwaters forced a temporary closure near Mile 16, but MIDH says only small sections were affected and that resilience works are holding up, with monitoring continuing. Energy Worry Ahead of El Niño: BEL says it may need up to $4 million a month to protect electricity supply if dry conditions hit, especially affecting hydro output. Belize-Cuba Medical Brigade Wind-Down: The U.S. Charge d’Affaires says Belize is winding up the Cuban Medical Brigade amid labor-standard concerns, while Belize says it remains committed to robust healthcare. Ombudsman Court Fight: Former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso filed a constitutional claim over his non-renewal, arguing retaliation after a FOIA ruling on legal fees. Regional Diplomacy & Business: Belize took over Centroestad’s pro-tempore presidency for the next term, and the U.S. Embassy hosted YLAI entrepreneurs in Belize City. Tourism & Culture: Belize’s Turtle Inn and Hamanasi earned major global travel recognition, while Belize promoted tourism at Mexico’s Mundo Maya fair.

Belize Politics & Courts: The AG says Government is preparing a CCJ appeal after a $6-million communal land ruling in favor of Jalacte Village, while the Ombudsman crisis deepens as former Ombudsman Major Gilbert Swaso files a constitutional claim over his non-renewal and alleged retaliation tied to an FOI decision. Oversight Law Changes: Parliament is also considering a Contractor-General amendment that would remove the current pay benchmark linked to Supreme Court judges. Domestic Violence Protections: Select Senior Justices of the Peace begin specialized training to issue emergency Interim Protection Orders when magistrates aren’t available. Public Accountability Watch: Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar Panton warns Belizeans to watch constitutional rights and oversight independence amid the Ombudsman vacancy and related court action. Governance & Security: A former Irish Guards sergeant sues Belize’s MoD counterpart in the UK over alleged hearing damage from inadequate ear protection. Health & Diplomacy: The US Charge d’Affaires says Belize agreed to wind up the Cuban Medical Brigade program, while Belize continues work on sepsis care pathways with PAHO/WHO support. Sports & Community: World Cup 2026 kicks off and Belizeans across the country gather for matches, even without qualification. Regional/International Aid: A ship carrying nearly 100 tons of goods from Colombia docks in Cuba as humanitarian shipments continue.

Animal Health Watch: A confirmed New World screwworm case in the U.S. has experts warning it likely won’t stay isolated, with officials saying there could already be hundreds to thousands of flies in the country as the outbreak spreads from Central America into Mexico and beyond. Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in safe transport of infectious substances through an IATA workshop, aiming to strengthen regional lab readiness and faster responses to outbreaks. Judiciary Tension: Controversy continues over proposals to raise the retirement age of Superior Court judges, with critics warning of serious disunity and division over the government’s move. Belize Economy & Services: Belize Electricity Limited says higher electricity bills are driven by a mix of factors, including heat-driven demand and billing timing issues. Transport Upgrade: The National Bus Company is rolling out telematics and cameras on electric buses to curb standees and improve monitoring of speed, routes, and onboard conditions. Business Support: BELTRAIDE and RevUP Caribbean are pushing Belizean startups through mentorship and a national MSME roadshow starting June 25. Crime & Courts: A Belize City mother made bail on five charges after an altercation at a shop, while a taxi driver was remanded after police found a gun and ammunition in his vehicle. Sports: Belize fans are gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, with matches expected to bring big crowds to homes, restaurants, and sports bars.

World Cup Fever: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today across the US, Mexico, and Canada, with 48 teams and 104 matches over six weeks. Belize fans may not be in the tournament, but thousands are expected to pack homes, bars, and workplaces to follow games featuring stars like Messi and Mbappé. Transport Crackdown: Belize’s National Bus Company is adding cameras to electric buses to curb standees and improve monitoring of speed, routes, and driver performance. NHI Clarification: NHI says “lucrative” claims about its service contracts are based on misunderstanding, stressing standard contracts and referral-dependent income. Belize City Court: A mother charged with five offenses after an altercation in a shop was granted bail with strict conditions, while police continue firearm cases after a taxi driver was remanded for an unlicensed gun. Belize Politics: The Saldivar–Mira feud heats up again as Saldivar challenges Mira on what he says are Belmopan project achievements. Caribbean Focus: A CDB-IDB Invest deal aims to boost trade financing across the region, and Belize is set to take over the CDB Board of Governors chairmanship.

Belmopan Politics: Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira faced a fresh pushback from former Belmopan Area Rep John Saldivar, who challenged Mira’s record and pointed to infrastructure projects completed during his tenure, asking directly, “What have you done for Belmopan?” Public Accountability: The National Health Insurance (NHI) says it is being wrongly linked to the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging the public and media to stick to verified facts. Courts & Justice: Belize’s Court of Appeal upheld a major win for the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association in its Fairtrade premium dispute against Tate & Lyle, while the trial of foster parents in Ayana Bennet’s death was adjourned. Indigenous Rights: Government says FPIC consultations are ongoing under the Free, Prior and Informed Consent framework. Regional Trade Finance: CDB and IDB Invest announced a US$25 million trade finance facility to boost access for Caribbean markets. Belize in Diplomacy: Dominican Republic confirmed it will transfer SICA’s Pro Tempore Presidency to Belize at month-end. Health Systems: PAHO/WHO supported Belize’s sepsis care pathway workshop to strengthen early recognition and antimicrobial stewardship.

Belmopan Politics: Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira faces fresh pushback from former Belmopan Area Rep John Saldivar, who says key city projects were delivered during his tenure and challenges Mira with the question: “What have you done for Belmopan?” NHI Clarification: The National Health Insurance says links being made between it and the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla are “inaccurate, unfounded, and misleading,” urging the public to rely on verified information. Ombudsman Court Fight: A constitutional showdown is brewing as a lawsuit argues government inaction—leaving the Ombudsman’s office vacant—has stalled transparency and Freedom of Information requests, with former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso describing a legal deadlock. Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: Mexico and Belize continue sending humanitarian shipments to Cuba, with a new reported delivery of 1,700 tons of food and supplies arriving in Havana. Regional Security Report: A UNDP report warns Caribbean violence stems from deeper structural causes, not just security policy, and flags high homicide rates across the region. Belize Coast Guard: Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro after a vessel began taking on water. CARICOM Free Movement: Barbados’ ambassador says misinformation about CARICOM free movement numbers in Barbados is overstated, putting the figure at just under 800 people. Environment & Health: Belize-backed efforts support sargassum removal, while regional health updates include measles concerns ahead of major events.

Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: Mexico and Belize continue sending relief to Cuba as ships make more frequent arrivals; one Panama-flagged vessel, the Asian Katra, docked in Havana with about 1,700 tons of food and basic necessities, while Cuba’s leaders publicly thanked both countries. Disaster Preparedness: A 6.1 earthquake off Cuba’s coast was felt in Belize, prompting precautionary evacuations in some offices; NEMO said there was no tsunami threat. Belize Coast Guard Operations: Coast Guard crews rescued seven people near San Pedro after a vessel began taking on water, coordinating with nearby boats to get everyone to safety. Health Policy Update: Belize’s National Health Insurance says it is not linked to the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, rejecting claims that its procurement and contracting were connected to the case. Legal System Watch: Former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso has filed a constitutional lawsuit against the Attorney General, alleging underpayment and retaliation tied to his work. Public Service & Community: Belize Police report 52 officers completing a development course, and the Coast Guard says two officers became the first certified dive instructors for in-house training.

Public Safety & Health: Belize is being watched as a potentially deadly New World screwworm outbreak spreads in the U.S., with Texas quarantines issued for La Salle, Uvalde, Webb and Zavala after confirmed livestock cases and a dog case in New Mexico—warm-blooded animals face movement restrictions. Disaster Preparedness: A 6.1 earthquake off Cuba’s coast sent tremors across the region, including Belize; NEMO and the meteorological service said there was no tsunami threat and no reports of damage. Cuba Aid: Belize joined Mexico in sending 1,700 tons of food and basic necessities to Cuba, with officials citing ongoing shortages and energy pressures. Local Governance & Justice: Former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso filed a constitutional lawsuit against the Attorney General, alleging underpayment and retaliation tied to his Freedom of Information ruling. Health System Update: NHI says it is not linked to the murder plot involving Dr. Naun Bonilla, stressing no contract was signed while a related business dispute was unresolved. Community & Crime: Police arraigned five in Belize City after a firearm and ammunition discovery; four adults were remanded and a 16-year-old received bail with strict conditions. Maritime: The Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro after a vessel began taking on water.

Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: Mexico and Belize sent a new shipment of about 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies to Havana aboard the Asian Katra, as Cuba battles shortages amid U.S. pressure; Cuban officials framed it as solidarity and “brotherhood.” Earthquake Felt in Belize: A 6.1 quake off Cuba’s northwest coast triggered shaking across the Caribbean and Florida, with at least one report of tremors in Belize. Digital Resilience Workshop: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening digital resilience, focusing on protecting government data and keeping public services running during cyber or disaster crises. Prison Report: Belize Central Prison’s 2025 report says there were no escapes, fewer incidents, and strong rehab participation, but notes more people jailed for minor offenses. Fuel Relief Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry renewed calls for broader fuel price relief, criticizing the government’s handling of pump price transparency and relief efforts. Education Assessment: Over 20,000 primary students took part in Belize’s first nationwide student assessment pilot, aimed at identifying learning gaps without affecting promotion. Justice in Dr. Bonilla Case: Police charged two people in the murder of Belmopan doctor Naum Bonilla, following public pressure for swift action.

Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: A ship carrying 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies collected in Mexico and Belize docked in Havana, as Cuba battles severe blackouts and shortages amid U.S. energy blockade and sanctions. Belize Murder Case: Belmopan physician Dr. Naun Bonilla was shot in his vehicle last month; police say a business dispute led to the alleged plot, and two suspects—Hannah Rebekah Foreman and Edwin Albert Bethran Jr.—were charged and arraigned, with authorities citing joint enterprise and a multi-agency investigation. Justice System Signal: Home Affairs CEO Elton Bennett urged public confidence after a separate murder conviction, pointing to the quick charging in the Bonilla case as proof prosecutions can move forward. Senate Watch: The OSH Bill, 2025, was delayed again in the Senate as lawmakers asked for written responses from Labour officials. Sports (Regional): Bermuda beat Belize 1-0 in women’s football, with Keunna Dill scoring. Governance/Development: Belize assumed the Caribbean Development Bank chairmanship of the Board of Governors.

Belmopan Doctor Murder Case: Two people, Hannah Rebekah Foreman and Edwin Albert Bethran Jr., have been charged and arraigned in the murder of Belmopan internist Dr. Naun Bonilla, with police pointing to a business dispute and using a joint enterprise approach as the investigation continues. Senate Watch: The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill was delayed again in the Senate after senators were told to submit questions in writing, pushing debate to a later date. Education: More than 20,000 primary students took part in Belize’s first nationwide student assessment pilot, meant to guide teaching without affecting grades or rankings. Foreign Affairs & Trade: Oscar Arnold has assumed CEO duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, while Mexico renewed tariff relief for Belizean cattle exports. Regional Leadership: Belize has taken the rotating chairmanship of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Board of Governors. Environment & Safety: The Ministry of Agriculture warns of increased bee swarming during peak flowering season, urging residents not to disturb hives. Sports: Bermuda’s women beat Belize 1-0 in a friendly series, after a prior 4-0 win.

Murder Case in Belmopan: Two people, Hannah Rebekah Foreman (26) and Edwin Albert Bethran Jr. (37), were arrested and formally charged for the murder of Belmopan doctor Dr. Naum Ulices Bonilla, with police saying the case was built using digital forensics, camera footage, and a money trail; both are expected to appear in court as investigators keep details of motive and roles before the first hearing. Justice in Court: In a separate case, the Belize High Court convicted Shaquille Perrera of murder and attempted murder tied to a Christmas Eve shooting in Maskall Street, with sentencing set for July. Education Push: More than 20,000 primary students took part in Belize’s first nationwide simultaneous student assessment pilot, testing Language Arts and Mathematics without affecting promotion or ranking. Foreign Affairs Leadership: Oscar Arnold has assumed the CEO role in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade after serving as ambassador to Mexico. Drone Rules Under Fire: Belize’s drone operators association says consultations on new civil aviation rules were rushed and incomplete, calling for transparency and a proper review process. Environment & Economy: Belize took the rotating chairmanship of the Caribbean Development Bank, while stakeholders reviewed the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan and the government warned of increased bee activity during peak swarming season.

Foreign Affairs Leadership: Oscar Arnold has officially taken over as CEO of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, moving from his ambassador role in Mexico City to lead day-to-day foreign policy and trade coordination. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous communities in Belize are pushing back on government plans that could reshape control of traditional lands, including Maya customary tenure legislation and boundary definition efforts affecting Garifuna territories. Drone Rules Under Fire: Belize’s drone industry association says the Department of Civil Aviation’s consultation on new drone operational rules has been rushed and restrictive, with limited access to the full directive and unanswered questions. Marine Protection & Local Impact: Belize is reviewing and debating coastal dredging impacts, with reports highlighting concerns for seagrass and manatees and pointing to a six-month moratorium in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye. Justice in Belmopan: In the Dr. Naun Bonilla case, two accused—Hannah Foreman and Edwin Bethran Jr.—were arraigned, with police describing a joint enterprise investigation tied to a business dispute. Education: More than 20,000 primary students took part in Belize’s first nationwide simultaneous student assessment pilot, focused on Language Arts and Mathematics. Regional Development: Belize assumed the Caribbean Development Bank’s rotating chairmanship of the Board of Governors, with plans to host the next annual meeting in 2027.

Belize in regional leadership: Belize has officially taken the rotating Chairmanship of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Board of Governors, with Dr. Osmond Martinez accepting the role on Prime Minister Briceño’s behalf, and Belize set to host the 57th Annual Meeting in June 2027. Justice in Belmopan: In a major court development, Shaquille Perrera was found guilty of murder and attempted murder in a Christmas Eve 2023 shooting, while separately, Dr. Naun Bonilla’s alleged killers—Hannah Foreman and Edwin Bethran Jr.—were arraigned as police say the case hinges on a business dispute and the joint enterprise doctrine. Public safety and environment: Belize is warning residents about increased bee activity and swarming season, and officials are pushing a six-month moratorium on dredging and mining in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye to give manatee habitats “breathing room.” Local governance and land: Sittee River’s village council says boundary review talks aim for clarity, not division, and San Pedro Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Núñez confirms he’ll seek a third term in 2027. Economy and trade: Mexico renewed tariff relief for Belizean cattle exports, easing a key hurdle for producers. Aviation rules under fire: Belize’s drone industry association says civil aviation consultations are moving too fast and not fairly, raising concerns about how new drone regulations will affect operators.

Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir says it’s expanding fast beyond Bermuda, unveiling winter routes that add Turks and Caicos, Belize, and Guatemala City, with Belize also tied to new service from St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE). Public Safety: Police report two men injured in a Pomona Village shooting, including a 16-year-old, after gunmen on motorcycles opened fire outside a business. Immigration: A U.S. federal judge blocked key Trump-era immigration directives that froze some green card, asylum, and work-permit decisions—potentially helping Belizeans abroad. Environment & Health: Texas confirmed a New World screwworm case, and Belize’s government continues screwworm defenses; meanwhile, Belize warns of deadly Africanized bee attacks during peak swarming season. Governance: Parliament introduced bills to rename the DFC to the Development Bank of Belize and to require security vetting (including polygraphing) for access to classified information. Sports: Bermuda beat Belize 4-0 in a women’s friendly; San Pedro mayor Wally Núñez confirms a 2027 third-term bid.

CDB & Youth Resilience: As the Caribbean Development Bank wraps up its annual meeting in the Bahamas, CDB President Daniel Best renewed calls for faster action on youth investment, resilience, and protection from climate and geopolitical shocks. Healthy Food Policy: A regional webinar with PAHO, CARPHA and partners says progress on non-communicable disease prevention is lagging, with Belize among countries that may need accelerated healthy food policy action. Belize Education & Youth: The Ministry of Education is piloting Belize’s new National Student Assessment System in Standards 1, 4 and 6, stressing it won’t be high-stakes for grades or promotion. Sports & Infrastructure: Minister Anthony Mahler says major stadium upgrades are planned nationwide, starting with Marion Jones, while talks continue on expanding flight access for tourism. Tourism & Air Links: BermudAir announced new winter nonstop routes that include Belize, plus expanded service across the Caribbean. Crime & Justice: Police have charged two people in the murder of Dr. Naum Bonilla, including a laboratory scientist allegedly tied to a business dispute. Health Threat Watch: Belize’s screwworm defenses get attention as the New World screwworm is confirmed in Texas, raising regional livestock and wildlife concerns. Ambergris Caye Growth: Plans for new schools and an international airport on Ambergris Caye are reported as moving forward.