AGP Executive Report

Taiwan Ties: Prime Minister John Briceño called China’s sanctions against Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca unjustified and illegal, saying they would strengthen Belize’s resolve to support Taiwan. The measures include an asset freeze in China, a ban on dealings with Chinese organizations and individuals, and travel restrictions. Belize says the action will not change its foreign policy, while Briceño insists the country must make its own decisions. Taiwan has highlighted cooperation with Belize in health, agriculture, aquaculture and tourism; the United States also condemned China’s pressure. Marine Governance: Fishers say they were left out of final consultations on the Sustainable Oceans Plan, arguing that authorities moved ahead without showing them the final draft. Tax Transparency: The European Union has removed Belize from its list of jurisdictions with outstanding tax transparency commitments after a review found the country had made sufficient progress on information-sharing.

Foreign Policy: China has sanctioned Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca over Belize’s ties with Taiwan, freezing any assets he may hold in China and barring him from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. Fonseca says the measures are an attempt to pressure Belize, but will not change its foreign policy. The United States condemned Beijing’s actions as “coercion and aggression,” while Taiwan highlighted potential cooperation with Belize in health care, agriculture, aquaculture and tourism. Tax Transparency: The European Union has removed Belize from its list of jurisdictions with outstanding tax transparency commitments, following an improved international review of the country’s information-sharing practices. Fisheries Governance: San Pedro Fisherfolk Association president Jorge Aldana says fishers were left out of final discussions on the Sustainable Oceans Plan, despite being told they would have a chance to review it before approval.**

China–Taiwan Tensions: Beijing sanctioned Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca over Belize’s ties with Taiwan, imposing an entry ban and restrictions on his assets and dealings with Chinese entities. Belize rejected the move, saying it will not change foreign policy and will continue to stand behind Fonseca. The United States condemned China’s actions as coercion, while Taiwan praised Belize’s support. Political Response: Mesopotamia Area Representative Lee Mark Chang said his loyalty is to Belize, despite his Chinese heritage, and affirmed respect for Belize’s relationship with Taiwan. Tax Transparency: Belize has been removed from the EU’s tax list after a review found it had improved its information-sharing practices; Prime Minister John Briceño said the decision recognizes progress across government.

Belize-China Tensions: Beijing sanctioned Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca over Belize’s ties with Taiwan, imposing asset freezes, visa bans and restrictions on cooperation. China called the move a warning to others; Belize rejected the sanctions, saying they will not change its foreign policy or its partnership with Taiwan. Taiwan condemned the measures, while the US said it opposes China’s coercion of countries exercising their sovereign rights. National Security: New Security Minister Michel Chebat visited Punta Gorda police and met senior BDF officers as he begins outreach across his expanded portfolio, amid concerns over reported Guatemalan activity near the Sarstoon. Economic Standing: Belize has been removed from the EU tax grey list, following reforms that addressed the bloc’s concerns.

Diplomatic Pressure: China has sanctioned Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca over Belize’s official ties with Taiwan, freezing any assets he holds in China and barring him from entry and business dealings there. Beijing called the move a warning to others; Taiwan condemned it as interference in Belize’s diplomacy. National Security: Social media creator Benjamin Garcia and a second man have been charged with discharging a firearm in public after a police pursuit in Belize City. Garcia has been publicly linked to newly appointed Security Minister Michel Chebat, adding scrutiny to the department’s handling of the case. Tax Standing: The EU has removed Belize from its tax grey list after a positive OECD review of its information-sharing system, ending routine monitoring. Regional Relations: Prime Minister John Briceño has travelled to Bangkok for IMF and World Bank meetings. Belize also asked the OAS to investigate a reported Guatemalan military aircraft incursion into its airspace.

Belize–China Relations: Beijing has imposed sanctions on Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca over Belize’s ties with Taiwan, including travel bans and restrictions on dealings with Chinese organizations. National Security: Social media influencer Benjamin Garcia and Mexican businessman Sergio Martinez Ramirez have been charged with discharging a firearm in public. Garcia has been publicly linked to new National Security Minister Michel Chebat; police say both men were detained after officers heard gunshots on the Philip Goldson Highway. Government and Finance: Prime Minister John Briceño is in Bangkok for IMF and World Bank meetings through October 18. Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde is acting Prime Minister during his absence. Tax Policy: The EU has removed Belize from its tax-governance grey list after a positive OECD review of the country’s information-exchange system. Border Tensions: Belize Territorial Volunteers leader Wil Maheia reported spotting a Guatemalan military vessel near Sarstoon Island, amid continuing tensions over the border.

IMF and World Bank: Prime Minister John Briceño has left for Bangkok for the institutions’ annual meetings, with Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde acting as prime minister until Briceño returns on October 18. Border Tensions: A reported Guatemalan military vessel near Sarstoon Island has renewed sovereignty concerns, following recent incursions that Belize has protested and asked the OAS to investigate. Tax Transparency: The EU has removed Belize from its remaining tax-monitoring list after a positive review of its information-sharing standards, ending routine oversight. Election Oversight: UDP figures are seeking answers from the Elections and Boundaries Department over 24 disputed voter transfers that allegedly remained on a list despite a court order; the department says it awaits a High Court appeal. Public Accountability: A report on Freedom of Information requests describes delays and denials, while procurement controversy has renewed calls to build permanent expertise within the public service. Rural Services: Government has launched a five-year, US$4.7 million electrification initiative for eight Maya villages and opened a $1.3 million water system serving 56 homes in Mabil Ha.

Economic Diplomacy: Prime Minister John Briceño has left for Bangkok to attend IMF and World Bank meetings through October 18. Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde will serve as acting prime minister during his absence. Border Security: A new reported Guatemalan military vessel sighting near Sarstoon Island has renewed concerns over Belize’s sovereignty. The dispute follows earlier maritime and airspace incidents, which Belize has asked the OAS to investigate. National Security: Newly appointed minister Michel Chebat has met with senior BDF officers, as his expanded portfolio brings both the Defence Force and police under his ministry. Tax Transparency: The EU has removed Belize from its tax-governance monitoring list after a positive international review, closing the country’s remaining commitment in the process. Rural Development: Government has launched a US$4.7 million electrification push for Maya communities in southern Belize, while a separate $1.3 million water system now serves 56 homes in Mabil Ha. Government Accountability: A new Senate report records the legislature’s work from 2020 to 2025, while journalists and activists say delays and refusals continue to limit access to public records.

Public Safety: Belize City reported a third murder in less than 48 hours after a Friday-night shooting. Police have warned of possible retaliation following two earlier killings and say investigations are ongoing. Government Accountability: Journalists and activists say Freedom of Information requests have faced delays, limited responses and refusals, raising questions about access to government records. Child Protection: Government agencies, civil society and young people met to shape Belize’s commitments to end violence against children ahead of a global conference in November. Rural Development: Government is advancing a US$4.7 million, five-year electrification project for eight Maya villages and other underserved areas, with community consent built into the process. Tax Transparency: The EU removed Belize from its monitoring list after an improved international rating on tax information exchange; the government says its final commitment under the EU process is now closed. Diplomatic Oversight: Ambassador Alexis Rosado remains involved in Belize’s ICJ preparations while facing a criminal trial, putting the government’s handling of his dual roles under scrutiny.

Cabinet Shake-up: Michel Chebat now leads National Security alongside Energy and Ports, while Ramon Cervantes and Osmond Martinez have been elevated to full ministerial roles. Former PM Dean Barrow called the government’s internal turmoil a new low for good governance, but said John Briceño could win a third term if the opposition fails to unite. Election Oversight: Former UDP chairman Alberto August says 24 disputed voters remained on a supplementary list despite a court order. The Elections and Boundaries Department says it is awaiting a High Court appeal, leaving questions about whether those voters cast ballots in 2025. Access to Information: Journalists and activists say Freedom of Information requests face delays, partial answers and refusals, despite Briceño’s claim the law is being used more than ever. Tax Transparency: The EU has removed Belize from Annex II after the country improved its rating for exchanging tax information. Public Spending: Cabinet approved oil and gas production-sharing agreements with Maranco Limited and Cara Energy, subject to conditions that have not been disclosed.

Cabinet Shake-up: Michel Chebat now leads National Security, Energy and Ports, with CEO roles reassigned after Prime Minister John Briceño’s reshuffle. Former PM Dean Barrow says Cabinet turmoil marks a new low for good governance, yet predicts Briceño could win a third term if the opposition fails to unite. Courts: The CCJ upheld former BTB executives Karen Bevans and Misty Michael’s employment contracts, leaving awards of about $970,000 in place. It also heard the DPP’s appeal of Oscar Selgado’s overturned conviction. Election Concerns: The UDP is demanding greater transparency in polling stations and challenging voter transfers in the Twin Towns, renewing questions over electoral fairness. Regional Security: Belize has asked the OAS to investigate a Guatemalan military aircraft’s reported airspace incursion, saying the operation did not include Belize. Workers’ Campaign: The NTUCB has launched a nationwide petition urging action on 11 demands tied to accountability, democracy and workers’ rights.

CCJ Appeals: The Caribbean Court of Justice heard the DPP’s appeal of the overturned Oscar Selgado conviction, focusing on whether a key witness’s statement was admissible without cross-examination. Cabinet Changes: Michel Chebat has taken charge of National Security, Energy and Ports, while Ramon “Monchie” Cervantes and Osmond Martinez gained ministerial roles. Julius Espat’s brief stint at Home Affairs is over. Police and Election Concerns: The UDP is questioning whether Commissioner Richard Rosado can remain politically neutral under Chebat, and has called for greater transparency in polling stations and scrutiny of voter transfers. The claims remain disputed. Courts: A constitutional challenge over Ambassador Alexis Rosado’s right to adequate legal representation has again delayed his criminal trial. Separately, the CCJ upheld awards to former BTB executives Karen Bevans and Misty Michael, ruling the board could not rely on its own approval failures to escape its contracts. Cybercrime Law: Proposed amendments are drawing support from former UDP chairman Alberto August, who says the changes could better protect free expression from misuse of the law.

Cabinet Reshuffle: Michel Chebat takes charge of the expanded National Security, Energy and Ports portfolio, while Osmond Martinez and Ramon Cervantes move into full ministerial roles. Julius Espat has thanked police officers as he returns his focus to infrastructure; Opposition Leader Tracy Panton is questioning whether the shake-up serves the public or the Prime Minister’s political plans. National Sovereignty: After confirming a Guatemalan military aircraft entered Belizean airspace during a regional counternarcotics operation that did not include Belize, the National Security Council has directed the government to ask the OAS to investigate. Public Transport: Transport Minister Louis Zabaneh says Belize is working toward 75 electric buses by 2027, including an initial 24 buses and nine charging stations, with support from Taiwan. Garifuna Affairs: Government has promised to review a revised agreement with the National Garifuna Council by December, covering Indigenous recognition, land rights, language and culture, and participation in governance. CARICOM Mobility: Belize and three partner states report that 939 nationals have received indefinite stay under their first year of enhanced free movement.

Cabinet Shake-up: Prime Minister John Briceño has promoted Osmond Martinez to Economic Transformation Minister and Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes to Public Utilities, Logistics and Solid Waste. Michel Chebat now oversees National Security, Energy and Ports, combining police and defence under one ministry. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton questioned whether the reshuffle serves Belizeans or Briceño’s political plans; Chebat faces pressure to bring stability after repeated changes at Home Affairs. Guatemala Incursion: Belize says a Guatemalan military aircraft entered its airspace during a counternarcotics operation that did not include Belize. The National Security Council has asked the OAS to investigate, as Guatemala denies the flight occurred. Garifuna MOU: Government and the National Garifuna Council reviewed a revised agreement covering Indigenous recognition, ancestral land rights, language and culture, and participation in governance. Government aims to complete its review by December and sign the MOU by November 2027. Regional Integration: The four-country CARICOM free-movement scheme processed 939 people in its first year; Belize granted status to 146 beneficiaries.

Cabinet Reshuffle: Prime Minister John Briceño named Michel Chebat minister of National Security, Energy and Ports; Ramon Cervantes will oversee Public Utilities, Logistics and Solid Waste; and Osmond Martinez becomes minister of Economic Transformation. Henry Charles Usher takes the substantive Enterprise portfolio, while Julius Espat’s next role remains unclear. Guatemala Airspace Dispute: Belize says radar tracked a Guatemalan military aircraft inside its airspace for about 70 minutes on September 24 and has asked the OAS to investigate. Guatemala denies the flight occurred. CARICOM Free Movement: In the scheme’s first year, Belize granted free-movement status to 146 nationals, part of 939 people processed across Belize, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Maya Land Rights: The Caribbean Court of Justice declined to intervene in legislation on Maya customary land rights, dismissing a request to clarify its 2015 consent order. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Belizean growth of 2.4% in 2026, slowing to 2.0% by 2028. Fuel Costs: Briceño says further fuel-tax cuts would mean reducing social services, as global prices continue to rise.

Cabinet Shakeup: Prime Minister John Briceño has officially confirmed major changes after a lengthy Belmopan meeting: Michel Chebat takes over the renamed Ministry of National Security (plus Energy and Ports), Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes gets Public Utilities, Logistics and Solid Waste, Dr. Osmond Martinez is promoted to full Minister of Economic Transformation, and Henry Charles Usher moves to the substantive Enterprise post—while Julius Espat is out of Home Affairs with no clear next role. Guatemala Tensions: Belize has escalated its response to a reported Guatemalan military aircraft incursion by directing the Foreign Ministry to ask the OAS to investigate, citing radar details including transponder shutdown. Fuel Cost Pressure: Briceño says further fuel tax cuts would mean cutting social services, pointing to global oil price pressure tied to the Iran–U.S. conflict. Punta Gorda Flights: Government is scrambling to prevent a service gap as Tropic Air prepares to end Punta Gorda flights, with talks underway with Maya Air and runway upgrades planned. Security & Justice: The Rosado criminal trial hit a delay after a lawyer dismissal; meanwhile, the MV Barima COI sets formal hearings for Oct. 14 with 100+ witnesses expected. Elections & Funding: The House is set to consider Belize’s US$100M Taiwan loan, with up to US$40M potentially drawn before year-end amid election-year questions. Regional Cooperation: Belize and Colombia join Caribbean partners on cybercrime training to improve cross-border investigations.