AGP Executive Report

BTL-Smart/Speednet Political Fallout: Belize’s business and political circles are still buzzing over BTL’s proposed acquisitions, with the Belize Chamber of Commerce warning that raising the $10,000 procurement threshold alone won’t stop abuse and urging stronger enforcement and faster public disclosure. Belize River Fish Kill: The Department of the Environment continues its probe into the Belize River Valley die-off, while Santander Sugar Group says it’s cooperating fully and insists its plant runs as a closed-loop system with no routine discharge into the river. Child Protection Push: The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign has expanded into Phase II, training teachers to better spot and respond to child abuse and violence. Diaspora Services in the U.S.: Belize’s Immigration Ministry ran an Evanston Diaspora Hub offering passport renewals and nationality-by-descent applications for Belizeans in the Chicago area and beyond. Belmopan Local Politics: Ritchie Galvez says momentum is building for his Belmopan mayoral bid as voter registration transfers ramp up ahead of municipal elections. Road Safety Fatality: A sanitation worker died after allegedly falling into traffic and being struck by a school bus on Lord’s Bank Road; the driver was detained.

Belize-U.S. Travel Boost: BermudAir is launching 5 new nonstop routes to Belize from Boston, Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Sanford, and St. Petersburg-Clearwater, with the first service starting in October and more added for the December holiday rush. Diaspora Services: Belize’s Immigration Ministry ran a three-day Evanston Diaspora Hub in Illinois for passport renewals, first-time passports, and nationality-by-descent applications. Environment Watch: The Department of the Environment is investigating the Belize River Valley fish kill, reporting low dissolved oxygen and other water changes, while Santander Sugar Group says it operates a closed-loop system and has fully cooperated with authorities. Child Protection in Schools: The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign expanded into Phase II with teacher training to strengthen safeguarding and reporting of child abuse. Belmopan Politics: UDP mayoral aspirant Ritchie Galvez says youth registration momentum is building ahead of March 2027. Local Safety & Crime: A sanitation worker died after being hit by a school bus in Belize District; in Belize City, a man was fined $1,500 after admitting assault following a motorcycle collision.

Belize River Fish Kill: The Department of the Environment says it’s investigating a major die-off along a 17.5-mile stretch, reporting very low dissolved oxygen and other harmful water changes, with samples sent for lab testing. Santander Response: Santander Sugar Group says it’s cooperating fully, insists its facility is a closed-loop system with no routine hot discharge into the river, and says authorities were given unrestricted access. Diaspora Services in the U.S.: Belize’s Immigration Ministry ran a three-day Evanston mobile hub for passport renewals and first-time applications, plus nationality by descent. Belmopan Education Workshop: Educators met at the George Price Centre for training on Belize’s independence and nationhood, with historian Assad Shoman urging reflection on teachers’ roles. Road Safety Tragedy: A 39-year-old sanitation worker died after allegedly falling into traffic and being struck by a school bus; the bus driver was detained. Local Governance & Business: Belize City is featured in a Commonwealth study on closing the urban finance gap, while Belize Bank announced a six-year digital modernization partnership with Backbase. Public Safety & Social Issues: Belize City held a solidarity march for Child and Adolescent Sexual Violence Day, and the Social Security Board awarded 85 scholarships.

Belize River Tragedy: A 21-year-old woman, Xue Hua Liu, drowned after reportedly entering the Belize River to escape a swarm of killer bees near Whitfield; divers and police searched for hours before her body was recovered. Deportation Update: Belizean Lloyd Leavi Thompson was returned from the U.S. and taken to Belize Central Prison for processing, though authorities have not said why he was deported. Cold Case Push: The National Forensic Science Service is renewing efforts to identify about 20 sets of remains from 1998–2020, with DNA testing expected to return for several cases soon. Procurement & Corruption Concerns: The Belize Chamber of Commerce says government payments tied to relatives of former Cabinet minister Oscar Mira are “highly questionable,” and warns that raising the $10,000 procurement threshold won’t stop abuse if oversight fails. Belmopan Politics: UDP newcomer Ritchie Galvez says momentum is building for his March 2027 mayoral bid, citing strong voter registration transfers. Education Support: The Social Security Board awarded 85 scholarships to students entering high school and sixth form. Environment Watch: Santander Sugar denies routine discharge into the Belize River after the fish kill, while the Department of Environment continues investigations and public advisories. Business & Tech: Belize Bank signed a six-year partnership with Backbase to roll out an AI-native digital banking platform for retail and business customers. Aviation Security Fee: Cabinet approved a BZ$10 aviation security fee for passengers departing from Belize’s municipal airports.

Environment Watch: Belize’s Department of Environment is still investigating a fish kill in the Belize River Valley after reports of dead fish and public warnings not to eat affected fish or drink untreated river water while sampling and multi-agency checks continue. Telecom Tensions: The BTL–Speednet/Smart acquisition fight is heating up: social partners and the Chamber of Commerce are calling for an immediate halt, demanding more disclosure, and pushing the PUC to publish its competition and consumer impact assessment. Parliament Protest: Opposition and independent senators walked out during Senate business tied to the Speednet controversy, while Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca said the protest reflects democracy at work. Cabinet Moves: Cabinet approved amendments to the Cybercrime Bill to better protect freedom of expression, including requiring the DPP’s written consent before prosecution. Public Finance: Cabinet also approved an IDB US$8 million loan to improve the efficiency of the government wage bill. Agriculture Update: PM Briceño met sugar stakeholders on the mealybug infestation and discussed CRESAP and BAC-SuF support for farmers. Banking Tech: Belize Bank signed a six-year alliance with Backbase to roll out an AI-native banking operating system for retail and business services. Forensics: The National Forensic Science Service is seeking DNA matches for about 20 sets of unidentified remains from 1998–2020 via a free online form.

BTL-Speednet Storm: Belize Telemedia’s board has moved ahead with an $80M plan to buy Speednet (Smart), but the Public Utilities Commission still has to weigh in—while social partners and the opposition demand a halt, more disclosure, and clearer answers on competition, valuation, governance, and consumer impact. Parliament Protest: Opposition and independent senators walked out during Senate business tied to the Speednet controversy, with ministers and business leaders trading views on whether the move reflects “democracy at work” or disrupted key work. Cybercrime Update: Cabinet approved amendments to the Cybercrime Bill to better protect freedom of expression, including requiring the DPP’s written consent before prosecutions. Belize River Fish Kill: The Department of the Environment is investigating a continuing fish kill and has urged residents not to consume fish or drink untreated river water while sampling and checks continue. Forensics Push: The National Forensic Science Service is seeking DNA matches for about 20 sets of unidentified remains from 1998–2020 via a free online form. Aviation Security Fee: A new $10 aviation security surcharge per departing passenger was approved for municipal airports, following a 2025 hijacking incident. Environment in Schools: Teachers across Belize are being trained to bring pollution and hazardous chemical safety into classrooms. Sugar Sector Focus: The PM met stakeholders on the mealybug infestation, including CRESAP and BAC-SuF support for farmers. Belmopan Recondev Probe: Investigators continue looking into the trail of a million-dollar stone crusher purchased by Recondev in 2023.

Public Transport Upgrade: Cabinet approved a revised BZ$20.9M investment shifting from bus terminals to electric buses and charging infrastructure, with a new Public Transportation Investment Bill and a long-term lease plan for terminals to the National Bus Company. Telecom Showdown: Belize Telemedia’s board moved ahead with the Speednet/Smart acquisition, while the Belize Chamber and other social partners question consultation and warn the deal could create a monopoly; BTL says it won’t borrow to finance the purchase and expects repayment from Speednet’s cash flows. Environment Watch: A multi-agency investigation is underway into the Belize River Valley fish kill; residents are told not to eat affected fish or use untreated river water until results are out. Education Push: Over 1,200 educators attended Belize’s 2nd National Ed-Tech Summit, and a new Education Bill proposes more flexible teacher licensing to help address staffing shortages. Foreign Policy & Health: Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says talks continue on keeping elements of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Belize, potentially via work permits or permanent residence. Local Life: Youth Shadow Mayor Caitlin Aragon began a mentorship visit at Belize City Hall; police report a Mahogany Street robbery where a salesman shot two suspected robbers.

BTL-Speednet/SMART Turmoil: Belize Telemedia’s board has approved moving ahead with a reported BZ$80 million plan to buy 100% of Speednet/SMART, but unions, business groups and opposition senators are protesting over competition and transparency as the Public Utilities Commission has not yet ruled. Senate Walkout: Independent senators staged a walkout in protest of the Speednet decision, escalating the political fight in the chamber. Broadcasting Bill Debate: Prime Minister John Briceño defended a proposed Broadcasting Bill aimed at licensing revenue-generating online news operators, saying it’s not censorship. Environment Alert: Belize River Valley residents report a major fish kill; the Department of the Environment is testing water quality to determine cause and whether it’s safe. Child Protection Training: The National Commission for Families and Children launched child protection training for teachers, with 80 educators expected to be trained. Education & Work Pathways: Galen University and Transparent BPO partnered with Corazon Creek Technical High School to let students study while gaining on-campus work experience. Sports Spotlight: Belize’s U20 long-jump record holder Brooklyn Lyttle is set to compete at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Child Protection: The National Commission for Families and Children launched child protection training for 80 teachers from Wesley College, Excelsior High School, and Gwen Lizarraga High School, stressing teachers’ duties as mandatory reporters. Telecom Tension: Belize Telemedia’s board approved a proposed $80M acquisition of Speednet/SMART, but independent senators walked out in protest and unions/social partners are calling for Public Utilities Commission review and more transparency. Broadcasting Rules: Prime Minister John Briceño defended a proposed Broadcasting Bill aimed at licensing revenue-generating online news operators, saying it’s not censorship. Environment Watch: Residents in the Belize River Valley reported a major fish die-off; the Department of the Environment is running water quality tests and has advised against consuming fish or using river water until results come in. Public Safety Alerts: Police warned of a fake traffic ticket text scam. Sports & Education: UB expanded online course access after registration complaints, while Belize Athletics Association launched a week-long summer camp for ages 4–14. Maritime Tragedy: Missing fisherman Samuel Chi was found dead after a search at sea.

BTL-Speednet Fight: Belize Telemedia’s board has approved a 100% buyout of Speednet/SMART for about BZ$80 million, but the deal is already sparking backlash: independent senators walked out, unions and social partners say the process ignores telecom competition rules, and the UDP is demanding more transparency and due diligence while the Public Utilities Commission says it hasn’t made a decision yet. Belize River Fish Kill: River Valley residents are alarmed by a massive fish die-off along the Belize River and are being advised not to consume fish or use river water until the cause is known. Belmopan Education Fix: After complaints about UB’s registration crisis, the university says it will expand selected online classes, add sections, raise enrollment limits, extend add/drop to Aug. 18, and guarantee placement for qualifying final-year students. Belize City Crime: Police detained a suspect after 18-year-old Ewart Hernandez was shot dead near Vernon Street, and they’re searching for another. Missing Child: Police and family are searching for 11-year-old Crystel Petillo, last seen after boarding a bus to Belmopan following an argument. Local Politics: Belmopan Mayor Pablo Cawich says he’s seeking a second term ahead of March 2027 municipal elections, while early campaign sparring continues.

Belmopan Politics: Mayor Pablo Cawich fires back at UDP challenger Richie Galvez, saying he has “no chance” of unseating him ahead of March 2027 municipal elections. University of Belize: UB will expand selected online classes, add sections, and extend add/drop after complaints about a registration crisis—though the overall registration schedule stays the same. Missing Child: Police and family are searching for 11-year-old Crystel Petillo, last seen after leaving Sittee River for Belmopan following an argument with her mother. Violence in Belize City: One suspect is detained after 18-year-old Ewart Hernandez was shot dead near Vernon Street; police are hunting a second suspect. Renewable Energy: IRENA opens a funding call for renewable projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Belize, with a September 1 priority deadline. Environment & Community: A Placencia Lagoon protection mural was unveiled at Malacate Beach as WWF Mesoamerica pushes for protected area status.

MV Barima Inquiry: Guyana’s opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed says he has “absolutely no confidence” in the international COI probing the MV Barima capsizing, questioning the panel’s independence after Attorney Javed Shadick was named secretary. CARICOM Diplomacy: Dominica and the OECS have taken over the CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva, succeeding Haiti, as missions coordinate positions at the UN and WTO. Canal Security Drills: Panama’s PANAMAX 2026 exercise kicked off with about 1,700 troops from 21 countries, including Belize, aimed at protecting the Panama Canal through joint maritime, air, and ground operations. Belize Politics & Governance: The UDP selected five councillor candidates for municipal elections in San Ignacio and Santa Elena, while Prime Minister John Briceno introduced a Revenue Authority Bill to transform the Belize Tax Service into a semi-autonomous SARA. Safe Third Country: Belize confirmed it received the first transfers under the US Safe Third Country Agreement, with eight people transferred in July. Local Justice: Two men pleaded not guilty in Belize City to a $160,000+ robbery at Alfaro’s Construction and Design Company in San Pedro. Youth Empowerment: 35 young women completed a Girls in Governance Leadership and Art Empowerment Camp in Belmopan with UNDP support.

Municipal Politics: The UDP held its Twin Towns convention and picked five councillor candidates for San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town, led by Lin Valentine (555) with Abdel Cowo (429), Tosh Lanza (411), Illiana Moreno (379) and Kim Price (349), to join mayoral candidate Earl Trapp and councillor leader Bernadette Fernandez. Tax Reform: Prime Minister John Briceño introduced a Revenue Authority Bill to transform the Belize Tax Service into a semi-autonomous Revenue Authority, with claims it will improve staffing and specialized tax administration. Education Overhaul: The Education Bill 2026 and a new TVET Bill 2026 were introduced, aiming to modernize school governance and reshape technical and vocational training around workforce needs. Local Business Licensing: Belmopan launched TRALMA and CPIS to digitize trade licensing and local governance, including QR-code licences and paperless processing. Public Health & Rights: The CCJ dismissed a request for clarification on Maya customary land rights, saying direct supervision is no longer needed. Energy & Costs: Belize saw power interruptions after reduced electricity supply from Mexico triggered load shedding. Migration Update: Belize received its first transfers under the U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, with eight people transferred in July 2026.

Safe Third Country: Belize has received its first transfers of eight people from the United States under the Safe Third Country Agreement, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration saying all required reviews and clearances were completed before the July 2026 arrivals. Tax Reform: Prime Minister John Briceno introduced a Revenue Authority Bill to transform the Belize Tax Service into a semi-autonomous revenue authority (SARA), aiming for better staffing and specialized tax oversight. Public Finance & Accountability: The High Court ordered Brad’s Gaming to pay more than $5 million in back business taxes, while the ongoing Ministry of Defence audit—especially the conflict-of-interest portion—may be made public after Cabinet review. Public Service Modernization: Minister Henry Charles Usher says there will be no retrenchment as a loan supports civil service modernization and workforce planning. Education Overhaul: Government introduced an Education Bill 2026 and a TVET Bill 2026 to modernize school governance and reshape technical training around labour needs. Digital Governance: Municipal trade licensing is going paperless with TRALMA, plus a Community Profile Information System for local planning. Environment & Energy: Belize faced power interruptions after Mexico reduced electricity exports, triggering load shedding. Maya Land Rights: The CCJ dismissed a request for further clarification on the 2015 Maya customary land consent order, saying direct judicial supervision is no longer required.

Safe Third Country: Belize has received its first transfers under the U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, with eight people arriving in July 2026 after required national and international reviews and clearances. Tax Reform: Prime Minister John Briceño introduced the Revenue Authority Bill to transform the Belize Tax Service into a semi-autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA), aiming for better staff management and specialized tax expertise. Public Finance & Jobs: Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher said modernization plans tied to an IDB loan won’t mean retrenchment, as the government targets better workforce planning and control of personnel costs. Education Overhaul: The Education Bill 2026 and a new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Bill were introduced to modernize governance, make basic education free in key areas, and create a more industry-led training authority. Local Business Digitization: Belmopan launched TRALMA and CPIS to digitize trade licensing and local community profiles, reducing paper processes and improving transparency. Health & Safety: Belizeans faced power interruptions from load shedding after reduced electricity supply from Mexico. Community & Culture: Belize marks Emancipation Day on August 1, recalling the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.

Tax Reform Watch: Prime Minister John Briceno introduced the Revenue Authority Bill to transform the Belize Tax Service into a semi-autonomous SARA, aiming for better staffing and specialized tax management. Court & Compliance: The High Court ordered Brad’s Gaming to pay more than $5 million in back business taxes, after the Tax Service flagged arrears. Public Service Modernization: Minister Henry Charles Usher says modernization won’t mean retrenchment, as an IDB-backed loan supports workforce planning and digital upgrades. Education Overhaul: Francis Fonseca tabled sweeping education changes, including an Education Bill 2026 and a TVET Bill 2026 to modernize training and make basic education in government schools free and rights-based. Local Governance Digitized: Municipal trade licensing is going paperless with TRALMA and CPIS, including QR-code verifiable licences. Public Health & Safety: Belize joined WHO’s global drug safety monitoring network, while NFSS is set to halt alcohol testing for minor public drinking offences from Oct 1. Culture & History: Belize marks Emancipation Day on Aug 1, reflecting on the abolition of slavery and its lasting impact. Community: San Pedro bids farewell to island matriarch Tomasita Gomez; and an Orange Walk family is fundraising for a child’s urgent surgery in Mexico.