AGP Executive Report

Ombudsman Fight in Court: Former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso has filed a sweeping constitutional lawsuit against Belize’s Attorney General, alleging he was underpaid and pushed out after a Freedom of Information ruling that went against the government; the dispute also sparked a back-and-forth with Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher, who says he was “just kidding” when Swaso claims his integrity was attacked. Public Service & Justice Loss: Belize mourns the passing of long-serving legal public servant Edmund Pennil, remembered for decades of work at the General Registry and support to court users. Disaster Readiness: Belizeans were reassured after tremors from a magnitude 6.1 earthquake off Cuba’s coast were felt locally; NEMO said there was no tsunami threat and no reports of damage. Humanitarian Solidarity: Belize joined Mexico in sending about 1,700 tons of food and basic necessities to Cuba, as Havana cites worsening shortages amid U.S. pressure. Security & Training: Police say 52 officers completed a development course, while the Coast Guard marked progress with its first certified dive instructors; separately, five people were arraigned after a firearm was found in a Belize City home. Local Democracy: Caye Caulker Area Rep Andre Perez reflected on last year’s marijuana referendum as a historic moment for residents to decide their community’s future.

Belize–Cuba Aid: A Panama-flagged ship carrying about 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies from Mexico and Belize docked in Havana, as Cuba cites worsening shortages tied to U.S. pressure and energy disruptions. Public Safety & Justice: In Belmopan, police charged Hannah Foreman and Edwin Bethran Jr. in the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, with prosecutors pointing to a joint enterprise theory tied to a business dispute. Prison Update: Belize Central Prison’s 2025 report says there were no escapes and fewer incidents, but notes more people jailed for minor offenses and a continued challenge with pretrial detention. Fuel Relief Pressure: The PM faced renewed calls for broader fuel price relief after the Belize Chamber asked for more transparency on pump pricing. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening digital resilience, focused on protecting government data and keeping services running during cyber or other crises. Regional Leadership: Belize assumed the Caribbean Development Bank chairmanship after the CDB’s annual meeting in Nassau, with calls to turn commitments into action. Education: Over 20,000 primary students took part in Belize’s first nationwide student assessment pilot, aimed at identifying learning gaps without affecting grades. Maritime Training: Belize-linked interest was reported in new maritime courses in the region, including “Law of the Sea and Blue Economy.” Governance & Rights: Indigenous leaders raised concerns about government moves affecting Maya customary land tenure and boundary definitions affecting Garifuna areas. Aviation & Drones: A drone industry group says it’s still waiting on meaningful consultation from the civil aviation department on rules for manned and unmanned aircraft coexistence.

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. Senate & Labour Law: Belize’s OSH Bill, 2025, was delayed again in the Senate after a second meeting with Labour Department technocrats was cancelled, pushing senators to submit questions in writing. Justice in Belmopan Murder Case: Police charged Hannah Rebekah Foreman and Edwin Albert Bethran Jr. in the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, with authorities citing a business dispute and using the joint enterprise doctrine. Public Health Alert: WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with no cure for the Bundibugyo strain. Governance & Rights: Indigenous leaders in Belize raised concerns about government plans affecting Maya customary land tenure and Garifuna village boundary processes. Drone Regulation Fight: The Belize National UAS Industry Association says civil aviation consultations on drone rules were rushed and calls for more transparency and proper stakeholder input. Regional Leadership: Belize assumed the Caribbean Development Bank chairmanship of the Board of Governors. Education Pilot: Over 20,000 primary students took part in Belize’s first nationwide student assessment pilot in Language Arts and Mathematics.

Crime & Justice: Two people were charged in the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, with police saying the case hinges on a business dispute and applying the joint enterprise doctrine; family members say warning signs were missed, while Home Affairs CEO Elton Bennett urged public confidence in the justice system after recent convictions. Public Safety & Health: WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo an international emergency, noting there’s no cure and warning of cross-border spread; Belize also faces broader health risks as officials track the New World screwworm threat regionally. Legislation & Governance: Belize’s OSH Bill was delayed a second time in the Senate after senators were asked to submit questions in writing; separately, the drone industry is pushing back on Belize Department of Civil Aviation consultation and transparency. Land & Indigenous Rights: Indigenous leaders in Belize are challenging government land plans affecting Maya customary tenure and Garifuna boundary processes, while Ambergris Caye continues parcel distribution for first-time landowners. Regional Diplomacy & Economy: Belize assumed the Caribbean Development Bank chairmanship; Belize also renewed trade relief as Mexico extended tariff suspension for Belizean cattle exports. Regional Spotlight: Cuba received 1,700 tons of food and basic goods from Mexico and Belize amid shortages tied to the crisis and U.S. blockade measures.

Foreign Affairs Leadership: Oscar Arnold has taken over as CEO of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, moving from his ambassador post in Mexico City to oversee day-to-day diplomacy and trade. Caribbean Development Bank: Belize has assumed the CDB Chairmanship of the Board of Governors, with Dr. Osmond Martinez accepting the role on PM Briceño’s behalf, as Belize also prepares to host the 2027 annual meeting. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders are pushing back on government moves they say could reshape control over traditional lands, including Maya customary tenure legislation and Garifuna village boundary definitions. Drone Regulation Fight: Belize’s drone industry association says civil aviation consultations are being rushed and that key parts of a proposed operational directive were cut short, with an FOI request still unanswered. Public Safety Law: Government introduced amendments to make the National Sex Offenders Database publicly accessible and expand in-camera proceedings for certain offenses involving women and children. National Security Bill: A National Security Council amendment bill proposes mandatory security vetting and polygraph tests for people with access to classified information. Education Testing: Over 20,000 primary students took part in Belize’s first nationwide student assessment pilot to identify learning gaps without affecting promotion or ranking. Crime in Belmopan: Two suspects, Hannah Foreman and Edwin Bethran Jr., were arraigned in the Dr. Naun Bonilla murder case; police say charges rely on the joint enterprise doctrine tied to a business dispute. Energy and Jobs: Former BEL workers protested outside the House over severance they say is overdue, while the House also advanced a plan to invest about $73M in BEL via share purchase.

Indigenous Land Tensions: Indigenous leaders are pushing back on government moves that could reshape Maya customary land protections and Garifuna village boundary definitions along the Placencia/Stann Creek coast, reviving long-running disputes after CCJ rulings. Foreign Affairs Leadership: Ambassador Oscar Arnold has taken over as CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, moving from his Mexico post to oversee foreign policy and trade coordination. CDB Chairmanship: Belize has assumed the rotating Chairmanship of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Board of Governors, with Dr. Osmond Martinez accepting the role for PM Briceño. Drone Rules Under Fire: The Belize National UAS Industry Association says civil aviation consultations on new drone regulations were rushed and incomplete, and it filed a Freedom of Information request after no response. Belmopan Murder Case: In the Dr. Naun Bonilla murder arraignment, police cited the joint enterprise doctrine as charges were laid against Hannah Foreman and Edwin Bethran Jr., while family members say warning signs were missed. Education Pilot: Over 20,000 primary students took part in Belize’s first nationwide student assessment pilot, aimed at identifying learning gaps without affecting grades. Energy & Governance: The House introduced bills to rename the DFC as the Development Bank of Belize and to strengthen national security vetting, including polygraph requirements for access to classified information. Local Politics: San Pedro Mayor Wally Núñez confirmed he’ll seek a third term in 2027, with support from André Pérez and an independent challenger already in the race.

CDB Leadership: Belize has officially assumed the Caribbean Development Bank’s rotating Chairmanship of the Board of Governors, with Dr. Osmond Martinez accepting on Prime Minister Briceño’s behalf, and Belize also set to host the 2027 annual meeting. Drone Rules Under Fire: The Belize National UAS Industry Association says the Department of Civil Aviation is rushing drone regulations, limiting stakeholder review, and leaving key questions unanswered after an unanswered FOI request. Belmopan Murder Case: Two suspects, Hannah Foreman and Edwin Bethran Jr., were arraigned over Dr. Naun Bonilla’s killing; police say charges rely on the joint enterprise doctrine tied to a business dispute. Education Push: More than 20,000 primary students took part in Belize’s first nationwide student assessment pilot, aimed at identifying learning gaps without affecting promotion or rankings. Security & Governance Bills: Government introduced measures to expand public access to the national sex offenders database and to require security vetting (including polygraphing) for access to classified information. Energy & Local Politics: The House approved a $23.5M US loan for early childhood and women’s empowerment, while San Pedro Mayor Wally Núñez confirmed he’ll seek a third term in 2027.

National Security & Justice: Government tabled the National Security Council (Amendment) Bill 2026, moving toward mandatory security vetting and polygraphing for staff with access to classified information. Public Safety: The Criminal Code is set to be amended to make Belize’s National Sex Offenders Database publicly accessible, with in-camera proceedings for certain offenses involving women and children. Energy & Economy: MPs approved a plan to invest about US$73M in Belize Electricity Limited via a share purchase, aiming to strengthen government ownership and influence. Youth Policy: The LIU work program is back in the spotlight as Minister Anthony Mahler supports a pause and re-evaluation, while former participants say they were “used and abandoned” after abrupt cuts. Local Politics: San Pedro Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Núñez says he’ll seek a third term in 2027, with independent challenger Tino Tzul also entering the race. Court Watch: A judge ruled key caution-statement material inadmissible ahead of the Rosa Chinchilla murder trial. Belize in the Region: BermudAir announced new winter routes that include Belize, boosting tourism connectivity. Health & Agriculture: Texas issued a disaster proclamation after a first New World screwworm detection in decades, underscoring the regional animal-health threat.

Belize Politics & Courts: In the House, MPs approved a US$23.5M IDA loan for early childhood development and female empowerment, with the Opposition backing the motion but demanding more detail on project locations, disbursement timing, coordination across ministries, and reporting to Parliament. Labour & Social Protection: BEWJ staged a protest at Parliament over a pension and severance dispute, saying BEL is heading back to court even after a ruling, while workers insist they’re being left in limbo. Youth Employment Fallout: Former LIU participants say the program was cut abruptly—mostly via Facebook—leaving them without a safety net and fearing a slide toward desperation and crime. Public Safety & Security: Police report progress in the Belmopan murder investigation of Dr. Naum Bonilla, with a suspect reportedly detained; Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira said cameras and technology are being reviewed. Governance & Land: PM Briceño says he disagrees with the Court of Appeal’s Jalacte Maya land-rights damages ruling and says the government will appeal to the CCJ. Sports & Community: Belize’s youth and sports ecosystem got a boost with ethics/due-process training for secondary school athletics administrators, while Belize also faces regional attention after Bermuda beat Belize 4-0 in a women’s friendly. Health & Agriculture: Belize continues New World Screwworm preparedness training for livestock producers, and PAHO issued a measles alert ahead of major mass gatherings like the World Cup. Regional Connectivity: Tourism and aviation news keeps moving—BermudAir announced expanded winter routes including Belize, and Ambergris Caye officials say an international airport project is advancing with IDB-supported designs.

Digital Governance & Security: University of Belize and the BDF are running digital literacy training for soldiers and other uniformed officers on the BDF’s Moodle learning system, part of a wider push for digital transformation. Parliament & Social Policy: The House approved a US$23.5M loan for early childhood development and female empowerment, with the Opposition backing it but demanding clearer project geography, disbursement timelines, multi-ministry coordination, and reporting to Parliament. Labour & Court Fight: BEWJ staged a protest at Parliament over pension and severance, saying government is preparing to return to court after a ruling they say should already apply to them. Youth Program Fallout: LIU participants say the program was cut abruptly—often via Facebook—with no notice, and Mahler is now challenging the budget for the controversial LIU program. Sports Infrastructure: Minister Anthony Mahler says major stadium upgrades are planned, starting with Marion Jones, but progress is slowed by limited funding. Fuel Prices Politics: PM Briceño urged fuel dealers to absorb rising costs while criticizing the BCCI’s renewed call for more fuel tax relief as “embarrassing.” Justice & Land: Police detained a suspected gunman in the Dr. Naum Bonilla murder case; and Briceño said the government will appeal a Court of Appeal ruling in the Jalacte Maya land rights case. Tourism & Connectivity: Bermuda’s BermudAir announced major winter route expansion including direct flights to Belize, plus new Ambergris Caye airport plans moving forward.

Violence Debate: PM John Briceño says Belize’s recent surge in violence is driven by a decline in parenting, arguing the “home” has lost the discipline that once kept young people in check, while critics say it dodges deeper social and economic causes. Fuel Prices Clash: Briceño urges fuel dealers to absorb rising costs, citing his conflict of interest and leaving talks to the Financial Secretary; he also calls the Belize Chamber of Commerce’s fuel tax relief push “embarrassing,” while the Chamber demands short-term excise duty cuts. Belmopan Murder Probe: Police report progress in the Dr. Naum Bonilla case, detaining a man believed to be the main suspect, as residents and medical workers demand justice. Court and Land Rights: Briceño says the government will appeal a Court of Appeal ruling in the Jalacte Maya land rights case, calling it a “wrong ruling” despite respecting the judiciary. Cybercrime Law Challenge: A constitutional case targets Belize’s Cybercrime Act after a woman was arrested twice for a Facebook comment, arguing the law chills free expression. Digital Resilience: Belize hosts a regional workshop with 13 Caribbean countries on strengthening digital resilience and “data embassies.” Public Health Alert: PAHO warns measles could spread faster with World Cup travel, urging stronger surveillance and vaccination checks. Aviation Links: BermudAir announces major winter route expansion, including new nonstop service to Belize and Turks & Caicos from multiple U.S. cities.

Regional Health Watch: PAHO is warning of a measles resurgence across the Americas and urges countries to tighten surveillance, vaccination access, and rapid response ahead of the 2026 World Cup—highlighting rising cases in Mexico and Guatemala and noting Belize is among countries seeing outbreak or imported links. Digital Resilience in the Region: Belize’s Ministry of E-Governance is hosting a two-day workshop with 13 Caribbean countries on “data embassies” and protecting government data during crises, with officials including Desiree Zachariah discussing secure storage and public-private partnerships. Belize Fuel Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry is again pushing Prime Minister Briceño for temporary fuel tax relief and more transparency on pump pricing, arguing businesses and households are still being hit hard. Coastal Environment Move: Government has temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas, pausing beach reclamation while a plan is developed with agencies and coastal communities including San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Seine Bight, and Placencia. Aviation & Connectivity: BermudAir is expanding winter routes, including new nonstop service to Belize from multiple U.S. gateways and service from St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) to Belize, Turks & Caicos, and Anguilla.

Health & Security: PAHO is urging Belize and other countries to tighten measles surveillance, vaccination checks, and rapid response ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that travel and outbreaks can fuel spread. Digital Governance: Belize’s Ministry of E-Governance is hosting a regional workshop with 13 Caribbean countries on digital resilience and protecting government data during disruptions. Public Safety Tech: E-Governance CEO Jose Urbina backs a public sex offenders registry once offenders are proven guilty, framing it as a tool for background checks around schools and public institutions. Local Politics & Culture: Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira says the racy Belmopan billboard should be handled through proper processes, while also defending the use of cybercrime laws against slander and criticism. Justice & Community: Belmopan residents and medical professionals held a candlelight vigil for Dr. Naum Bonilla, demanding justice after his murder. Business Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry is again pushing Prime Minister Briceño for temporary fuel tax relief, saying pump prices remain high despite earlier adjustments. Transport & Tourism: BermudAir announced expanded winter routes that include direct service to Belize, plus new links across the Caribbean. Social Security Leadership: The Social Security Board named Dr. Sheree Smiling Craig as its new chair after Dr. Chandra Nisbet Cansino’s exit.

Cybercrime & Opposition Tensions: Former UDP chairman Alberto August remains at the center of a national row after police detained him for nearly 28 hours and charged him under Belize’s Cybercrime Act over a satirical Facebook post involving Police Minister Oscar Mira; attorney Mike Peyrefitte argues the move looks politically “weaponized,” while August says he’s not trying to divide the party. Public Health Watch: PAHO is urging stronger measles surveillance and vaccination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting a sharp rise across the Americas and warning countries to boost active case-finding and traveler vaccination guidance. Ebola Preparedness: Belize’s Ministry of Health says it’s initiating heightened vigilance at ports of entry despite no suspected cases, coordinating screening and response with border agencies and airlines. Labour & Work Permits: Immigration officials confirm businesses are struggling to find workers, with shortages hitting sectors from agriculture to construction and increasing demand for visas and work permits. Regional Security: Belize Coast Guard reports detaining three Honduran nationals for illegal fishing near Gladden Spit after a joint operation. Tourism Infrastructure: Reports say IDB has approved designs for a proposed San Pedro International Airport, raising questions about readiness and island capacity. Sports & Community: Tut Bay FC wins a BDFA 4K prize match over Wings FC in penalties, while Belizean athletes bring home wins from regional fitness and basketball championships.

Cybercrime & Detention Fallout: Former UDP chairman Alberto August remains at the center of a national row after police detained him for nearly 28 hours and later charged him under Belize’s Cybercrime Act over a satirical Facebook post targeting Police Minister Oscar Mira; his attorney Mike Peyrefitte argues the process was “planned with precision,” while Mira says the post used fabricated quotes and calls the matter a personal tragedy. UDP Divisions: Observers say the controversy exposed cracks inside the UDP, with senior figures calling for August’s release while party leader Tracy Taegar-Panton condemned attacks on expression without naming him. Police Procedures Questioned: A separate police interview raised concerns about whether the 28-hour detention for a non-violent charge is standard, with officers saying similar handling may occur. Minimum Wage Debate: Commentary warns raising the minimum wage from $5 to $6 could backfire by squeezing small businesses and reducing hiring. Labour Shortage: Immigration officials confirm staffing gaps across sectors, including manual and skilled work, with some tourism and construction firms turning to foreign hires. Public Health Alert: The Ministry of Health says Belize is increasing screening and vigilance at ports of entry amid an Ebola outbreak abroad, though risk is currently low. Regional Security: INTERPOL-backed action across the Americas seized thousands of illegal firearms and tonnes of drugs. Tourism Diplomacy: Belize is expected to participate in Caribbean Week in New York as regional leaders push for stronger connectivity and a unified tourism voice.

Police & Courts Fallout: Former UDP chairman Alberto August, released after arrest under Belize’s cyberbullying laws, issued his first statement attacking Police Minister Oscar Mira and alleging police intimidation tied to a satirical Facebook post after Dr. Naum Bonilla’s murder. Minister’s Response: Mira hit back hard, saying the “quotes” attributed to him were fabricated and calling August’s post an exploitation of a grieving family. Public Health: The Ministry of Health and Wellness launched heightened Ebola screening and vigilance at Belize’s airports, borders, and seaports, stressing the risk is low but urging travelers from affected areas to call 0-800-MOH-CARE if symptoms appear. Municipal Politics: Early campaigning is already heating up ahead of March 2027 municipal elections, with potential mayoral and town council candidates stepping forward across multiple towns. Local Governance & Services: New Duck Run polyclinic and hurricane shelter expand emergency and primary care for six rural communities, while a new Lords Bank police substation aims to improve response times and community policing. Regional Tech Policy: UNDP hosted an e-mobility conference in Belmopan sharing results from Belize’s electric bus pilot, with plans to transition away from diesel buses by end of 2027.