AGP Executive Report

Fisheries Accountability: 22 fishers’ associations unveiled Belize’s first-ever Belize Fishers Audit, built from priorities fishers say they chose themselves, with recommendations aimed at improving the sector. Government Oversight & Contracts: The PSU is demanding “the receipts” after SIF rejected claims of questionable contracting tied to FAST Construction, while the PSU says the public should see tenders and proof. Cuban Medical Brigade: The US Charge d’affaires says Belize has decided to wind down the Cuban Medical Brigade, and MOFA’s CEO says Belize is reviewing options and cabinet will decide next steps. Public Records Access: Vital Statistics says birth certificates can now be printed on any paper to widen access, with electronic verification meant to reduce counterfeit risk. Domestic Violence Response: JPs are being trained to help victims get immediate protection when court access is limited. Land Compensation Legal Fight: Government confirms it will appeal the Jalacte communal land compensation ruling to the CCJ, arguing Belize needs clarity on whether communal and private compensation regimes can coexist. Ombudsman Pressure: Former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso’s constitutional claim keeps spotlight on the Ombudsman vacancy and oversight independence. Regional Diplomacy: PM Briceño attended COCESNA board meetings in Madrid, continuing Belize’s civil aviation engagement. Immigration & Security: Benigno “Mouse” Loria has returned to Belize after US deportation, following ICE’s earlier cartel-affiliate posting.

Belize Governance & Courts: The government is preparing a CCJ appeal after a $6-million communal land ruling in favor of Jalacte Village, with the AG warning the case could create a “two regime” approach to compensation for private versus communal land. Ombudsman Crisis: Former Ombudsman Major Gilbert Swaso has filed a constitutional claim over his non-renewal, alleging retaliation after a Freedom of Information ruling; meanwhile, Parliament is also considering a Contractor-General amendment that would remove the pay benchmark tied to Supreme Court judges. Municipal Politics: PUP Belize City mayoral nomination race heats up as Allan Pollard and Eluide Miller officially launch competing bids ahead of applications closing June 19. Public Finance & Accountability: Questions continue over alleged SmartStream invoice structuring tied to Defence payments, as the Ministry of Defence faces scrutiny over patterns that appear designed to stay under $10,000 thresholds. Health & Foreign Policy: The US Charge d’Affaires says Belize agreed to wind up the Cuban Medical Brigade, while Belize continues planning how to maintain healthcare coverage. Regional Diplomacy: Belize takes over the pro tempore Centroestad presidency from the Dominican Republic, reinforcing regional statistical cooperation. Belize in the World: Belize promotes tourism at Mexico’s Mundo Maya Fair, while Copalli Rum earns a Top 100 Spirits to Stock recognition.

Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: A Colombian ship carrying nearly 100 tons of food, medicine, and solar supplies docked in Havana as the U.S. embargo deepens the crisis, following another Mexico-Belize shipment of 1,700 tons. PUP Mayoral Race: PUP Belize City nomination bids are now official, with Allan Pollard and Eluide Miller launching competing campaigns ahead of a June 19 application deadline. Land Rights & Courts: The AG says Government will prepare a CCJ appeal after a $6-million communal land ruling in favor of Jalacte Village, arguing compensation rules could create a “two regime” problem. Ombudsman Fight: Former Ombudsman Major Gilbert Swaso has filed a constitutional claim over his non-renewal and alleged retaliation tied to a Freedom of Information ruling; Parliament is also considering changes affecting oversight pay. Defence Procurement Scrutiny: PSU has filed a FOIA request tied to SmartStream payments, while questions focus on alleged invoice “structuring” under $10,000 thresholds. Cuban Medical Brigade Wind-Down: The U.S. Charge d’Affaires says Belize’s Cuban Medical Brigade is being wound up, while Belize says it remains committed to maintaining healthcare services. Belize Transport Upgrade: The National Bus Company is rolling out telematics cameras to monitor speed and standees, as it expands its electric fleet. Regional Security: Belize is hosting the Belize-Mexico Border Commanders Conference to coordinate intelligence and tackle transnational crime. Tourism/Regional Business: The U.S. denied a visa to the incoming CHTA president, sparking debate over how it could affect regional hotel operations.

Judiciary & Governance: Belize’s transparency fight is heating up as an activist files an urgent lawsuit over the Ombudsman’s office being left vacant for nearly six months, arguing it has stalled Freedom of Information requests and public spending investigations, while former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso points to a legal deadlock where the Ombudsman’s legal defense depends on the Attorney General—even when the AG is the one challenging the Ombudsman. Public Health & Agriculture: Belize is also moving on sepsis care, with PAHO support for national workshop work on sepsis pathways—aimed at faster detection, better antibiotic use, and coordinated treatment—while regional capacity gets a boost through CARPHA’s training on safely transporting infectious specimens. Transport & Accountability: The National Bus Company is rolling out telematics with cameras to curb standees and improve fleet monitoring, as Minister Louis Zabaneh says the system will track speed, location, and onboard conditions. Belmopan Politics: A fresh round of sparring between Belmopan Area Rep John Saldivar and Oscar Mira has emerged, with Saldivar challenging Mira’s record and asking “What have you done for Belmopan?” Regional Security: Belize is hosting the Belize–Mexico Border Commanders Conference, focused on intelligence sharing and coordination against transnational crime. Environment & Resilience: Government CEOs launched a youth tree-replanting push under the Greening Belize goal of planting one million trees by 2035.

Belmopan Politics & Governance: The Ombudsman fight heats up as an activist files an urgent lawsuit over the government leaving the Ombudsman’s office vacant for nearly six months, arguing it freezes Freedom of Information requests and public spending investigations. Public Accountability: Former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso says a legal deadlock is built into the system because the Ombudsman must rely on the Attorney General for legal defense—even when the AG is challenging the Ombudsman’s decisions in court. Health & Crime: The National Health Insurance (NHI) publicly distances itself from the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging the public and media to stick to verified facts. Indigenous Rights: Government officials confirm FPIC consultations are ongoing under Belize’s Free, Prior and Informed Consent framework, with communities continuing to weigh proposed projects. Justice Reform: The House introduces an Alternative Sentencing (Amendment) Bill to expand court options beyond imprisonment for less serious offences. Sex Offender Registry: A Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill is introduced to allow public access to Belize’s National Sex Offenders Database and to set in-camera proceedings for certain offences. Education & Women’s Work: MPs approve a US$23.5M loan plus grants for early childhood education and female empowerment, including preschool classroom upgrades and support for ECCE practitioners. Local Politics: Belmopan Area Rep John Saldivar and Oscar Mira trade fresh blows over Saldivar’s record and alleged contract concerns.

Belmopan Politics & Courts: A constitutional fight is brewing over Belize’s Ombudsman office vacancy, with a lawsuit arguing transparency and Freedom of Information requests are stuck in limbo—and former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso says the system’s legal setup leaves the Ombudsman unable to get proper representation when the AG is the opponent. Local Governance: Belmopan Area Rep John Saldivar and Oscar Mira are trading barbs again, with Saldivar challenging Mira’s record and pointing to specific community and sports facility works completed during his tenure. Indigenous Rights: Government says FPIC consultations under the Free, Prior and Informed Consent framework are ongoing, with officials citing continued community dialogue and examples from southern Belize. Justice & Public Safety: The House introduced a bill to expand public access to Belize’s sex offenders registry and set in-camera proceedings for certain offences, moving to committee stage. Social Policy & Funding: MPs approved a US$23.5M World Bank concessional loan plus grants to expand early childhood education and support women’s economic empowerment. Humanitarian & Regional Diplomacy: Belize is set to take over the SICA Pro Tempore Presidency from the Dominican Republic at month-end, and Belize officials also pushed regional unity at the CDB meeting.

Belmopan Politics: The feud between former Belmopan Area Rep John Saldivar and current Rep Oscar Mira is heating up again, with Saldivar firing back online and challenging Mira’s record on community and sports infrastructure projects, asking directly, “What have you done for Belmopan?” Ombudsman & Courts: Former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso has launched a constitutional lawsuit against the Attorney General, alleging the government underpaid him and retaliated after an adverse ruling, while related court filings and statements point to a wider fight over the Ombudsman’s independence and legal support. Public Service & Transparency: A separate activist case argues the Ombudsman’s office being left vacant for months has stalled key investigations and Freedom of Information requests, setting up another major legal showdown. Health Policy: The National Health Insurance (NHI) says it is being wrongly linked to the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla and urges the public and media to stick to verified facts. Regional Diplomacy: Dominican Republic officials say SICA’s Pro Tempore Presidency will be formally transferred to Belize at the end of June. Belize Security & Justice: Police arraigned five people after a firearm and ammunition discovery in Belize City, with four adults remanded and a 16-year-old granted bail under strict conditions. Coast Guard & Fisheries: The Coast Guard met with fishing cooperatives to strengthen coordination and crack down on illegal fishing. Economy & Trade: Belize is looking to expand beef exports beyond live cattle toward processed cuts, with Mexico’s market opening cited as a key driver.

Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: Mexico and Belize continue sending relief to Cuba as ships arrive more frequently, including the Panama-registered cargo vessel Asian Katra delivering about 1,700 tons of food and basic necessities to Havana; Cuban leaders publicly thanked both countries, while reports note fuel shipments remain constrained amid the wider crisis. Cuban State Reshuffle: Cuba’s National Assembly has submitted for public review a draft law to reorganize the central state administration, aiming to cut ministries from 27 to 20, with changes expected to be approved in July. Belize Court Challenge: Former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso has filed a constitutional lawsuit against Belize’s Attorney General, alleging underpayment and retaliation tied to an FOI-related ruling; the dispute also includes claims and responses involving Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher. Disaster Response: After a 6.1 quake off Cuba’s coast was felt in Belize, NEMO moved quickly to reassure the public and reported no tsunami threat or damage. Public Service Updates: The Social Security Board named Sheree Smiling Craig as new chair, and Belize also marked training milestones for police professionalism and Coast Guard dive instruction. Security & Justice: Five people were arraigned in Belize City after police found a firearm and ammunition during an operation, with a 16-year-old granted bail under strict conditions.

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.