AGP Executive Report

Police Accountability: A San Pedro officer was suspended after video showed him putting a firearm in a man’s mouth. The department says it has opened criminal and disciplinary investigations, with a second officer also under investigation. Ambergris Development: Residents and business groups say they were left out of plans for a new airport and other projects in northern Ambergris Caye. Area Representative Andre Perez says officials must return to the public for consultation; stakeholders say roads, garbage collection and other basic services need attention first. Transportation Reform: After the Senate passed the Public Transportation Investment Bill 9–4, the Belize Bus Association said it had sought amendments—not to block the bill—including safeguards for independent operators and the National Bus Company. Protest and Representation: Union Senator Glenfield Dennison continued his solo demonstrations on living costs, crime and accountability, drawing support from NTUCB President Ella Waight. Energy Oversight: Senators unanimously approved a special committee to investigate a decade of power shortages and electricity supply failures.

Public Transport: The Senate passed the government’s bus investment bill 9–4, approving tax breaks and an exclusive southern route for the National Bus Company. The Belize Bus Association says private operators were shut out and wants an audit; a breakaway group has deepened divisions in the industry. State of Emergency: Canada updated its Belize travel advice after the 30-day emergency was declared in parts of Belize City and Cayo, citing violent crime and expanded police powers. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton warns security measures must respect human rights and address the causes of violence. Senate Oversight: Senators unanimously approved an investigation into a decade of electricity shortages, blackouts and reliance on Mexican power. Elections: The Elections and Boundaries Commission says redistricting will not be completed before 2027, leaving unequal constituencies in place. Public Concerns: Union Senator Glenfield Dennison took his protest to the streets, highlighting crime, governance and the rising cost of living.

Transport Reform: The Senate passed the Public Transportation Investment Bill 9–4, granting the National Bus Company tax breaks and exclusive rights on the Southern Corridor. The Belize Bus Association says operators were shut out, while a new association has split from the BBA amid a dispute over representation. Crime and Rights: Opposition Leader Tracy Panton says the State of Emergency must not strip young men of their dignity, and argues security measures should be matched with investment in jobs, education and family support. Political Pressure: Union Senator Glenfield Dennison took his protest campaign to the streets for a third day, highlighting crime, living costs and accountability. Electoral Boundaries: The Elections and Boundaries Commission says redistricting will extend into 2027 as it awaits a review of possible constitutional changes. Foreign Affairs: Belize will end its 36-year medical cooperation agreement with Cuba but offer direct contracts to Cuban health workers. Climate and Energy: At the Commonwealth summit, Prime Minister John Briceño highlighted shared climate concerns; meanwhile, the Senate backed an investigation into a decade of power shortages and blackouts.

Crime Response: Prime Minister John Briceño says a meeting with gang leaders was not a negotiation, but an effort to restore public safety. The government has since imposed a 30-day state of emergency in affected areas; attorney Dickie Bradley warns that emergency powers do not erase residents’ legal rights. Public Transport: The Belize Bus Association is asking senators to delay the Public Transportation Investment Bill until they review the National Bus Company’s finances and plans. More than 30 operators have split off to form a rival association, citing poor representation. Electoral Boundaries: Redistricting is expected to stretch into 2027 as the Elections and Boundaries Commission awaits legal guidance and works through technical issues. The delay leaves unequal constituency populations unresolved. Regional Diplomacy: Belize voted to end the U.S. embargo on Cuba, but CARICOM was divided at the UN, with some members abstaining or not voting and Trinidad and Tobago opposing the resolution.

Public Transport: Bus operators have split from the Belize Bus Association, while the BBA is asking senators to delay the Public Transportation Investment Bill until independent reviews of the National Bus Company’s finances and plans are completed. It says all qualified operators should receive equal concessions. Crime and Emergency Powers: Prime Minister John Briceño says a recent meeting with gang leaders was “not a negotiation,” as the government presses ahead with a targeted state of emergency after deadly violence. Canada has updated its travel advisory to reflect the emergency measures. Electoral Boundaries: The Elections and Boundaries Commission says redistricting will extend into 2027, with legal questions and updated voter data still to be addressed. Activist Jerry Enriquez is also appealing a ruling that upheld the decision not to investigate his judicial misconduct complaint. Infrastructure: The temporary Swing Bridge crossing is about 80% complete, with completion expected by late November or early December; traffic delays are likely. Ambergris Caye Airport: Government’s proposed $600 million airport remains contentious, with residents and tourism businesses raising concerns about consultation, basic infrastructure and the future of San Pedro’s existing airport.

Commonwealth Summit: Prime Minister John Briceño is in Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM, where leaders are discussing trade, climate finance and investment. Belize is seeking partnerships to support development and climate resilience. Health Policy: Belize will not renew its decades-old medical cooperation agreement with Cuba, but plans to hire Cuban doctors and other health professionals already working here under individual contracts. Crime Response: The government is forming a joint urban crime unit with police, the BDF and Coast Guard, while exploring AI surveillance and tighter rules for rental vehicles amid escalating gang violence. The measures come alongside a State of Public Emergency in designated areas. San Pedro Airport: Government says a new airport is needed to meet future demand, but the town council and tourism stakeholders oppose closing the existing facility and want infrastructure and community needs addressed first.

Crime Response: As a state of emergency remains in force in parts of Belize City, Ladyville, Cotton Tree and Unitedville, the government is forming a joint police, BDF and Coast Guard unit and increasing checkpoints. Officials are also pursuing AI surveillance and tighter rental-vehicle rules after cars were linked to crimes. Police Commissioner Richard Rosado defended changes to the Leadership Intervention Unit, saying its employment programme was under review, not the unit itself. Political Debate: From Antigua, Prime Minister John Briceño said police know many gang leaders and must pursue them. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton again demanded Rosado’s removal, citing accountability concerns. Critics, including Senator Glenfield Dennison and attorney Dickie Bradley, argue repeated emergencies won’t solve crime without tackling poverty and social conditions. San Pedro Airport: The government says the existing airport is nearing capacity and is planning for future demand. San Pedro’s council and tourism stakeholders oppose closing it for a proposed northern airport, urging consultation and investment in the island’s pressing needs.

Crime Emergency: Belize’s state of emergency covers 19 areas across Belize City, Ladyville, Cotton Tree and Unitedville after a deadly surge in violence. Police say about 60 people are candidates for detention; Opposition Leader Tracy Panton is demanding a stronger, coordinated response, while families and rights advocates question the sweeping powers. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister John Briceño is at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua, with Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde serving as acting PM. Canada’s Mark Carney urged deeper trade with the Caribbean, while Belize was among seven CARICOM countries backing a UN call to end the U.S. embargo on Cuba, exposing divisions in the bloc. Trade: The Senate approved Belize’s trade agreement with El Salvador, which gives Belizean grains, meat, citrus, seafood, juice and honey preferential access to that market. Conservation: At the UN biodiversity conference, Belize called for more international funding, saying it needs about US$137 million to carry out its 2025–2035 conservation plan.

State of Emergency: After a deadly weekend that left seven people murdered, the government declared emergency measures in parts of Belize City, Ladyville, Cotton Tree and Unitedville. Police have identified about 60 people for possible detention, drawing concern from families who say they may challenge the detentions in court. Security Policy: National Security Minister Michel Chebat says officials will study El Salvador’s anti-gang strategy, while acknowledging human-rights concerns. The government is also weighing mandatory prison sentences for gun offences and allowing minors accused of serious crimes to be tried as adults, alongside a “Second Chance” programme for youths. Trade: The Senate approved Belize’s partial-scope trade agreement with El Salvador, which offers preferential access for goods including grains, meat, citrus and seafood. Commonwealth Summit: Prime Minister John Briceño is in Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM, where leaders are expected to discuss climate resilience, investment and reparations for slavery. Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde is acting as Prime Minister during his absence.

State of Emergency: Belize’s emergency measures took effect Sunday across 19 designated areas of Belize City, Ladyville, Cotton Tree and Unitedville after a wave of deadly gang violence. Police say about 60 people have been identified for possible detention; Belmopan is not covered. Government Response: Security Minister Michel Chebat says officials will study El Salvador’s anti-gang approach while weighing human rights concerns. He also announced a Second Chance programme for youth aged 15 to 23 and proposed tougher gun penalties, including mandatory prison sentences and allowing minors accused of serious crimes to be tried as adults. Chebat denied the government offered gang members money during mediation talks. Opposition Criticism: Tracy Panton questioned the government’s reliance on mediation and called for stronger policing, accountability and prevention programmes as violence continues.

Security Crackdown: A state of public emergency took effect November 1 in designated parts of Belize City, Ladyville, Cotton Tree and Unitedville after a surge in deadly shootings. Police say about 60 people have been identified for possible detention, but not all have been taken into custody. The violence includes a quadruple killing on the Coastal Plains Highway, the murder of 19-year-old Dodrick Madrill and the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Kevin Meraz in Punta Gorda. Political Response: Opposition Leader Tracy Panton questioned the government’s mediation with gang-affiliated figures, saying dialogue must be backed by effective policing and accountability. She also called for Commissioner Richard Rosado to step down. Security Oversight: Senators debated proposed polygraph tests and vetting for staff with access to sensitive National Security Council information, while raising questions about how test results would be handled. Cost of Living: Prime Minister John Briceño says Cabinet is seeking budget savings to fund relief for Belizean families, with details still pending. BEL, meanwhile, says it needs another BZ$20 million to meet payments to Mexico’s CFE after government’s BZ$73 million investment in the utility.

Gun Violence: After a deadly spate of shootings, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton criticized the government’s meeting with gang-affiliated figures and called for Police Commissioner Richard Rosado to step down, demanding stronger enforcement and accountability. Police have charged a man and a 16-year-old with the murder of 19-year-old Dodrick Madrill; a separate shooting in Ladyville killed Herbert Belloso. Cost of Living and Power: Prime Minister John Briceño says Cabinet is seeking budget savings for relief expected from November through March. The announcement comes as BEL seeks another $20 million after the government’s $73 million investment in the utility; Briceño calls the funding an investment, not a bailout. Security Oversight: Senators debated a bill that would require vetting and periodic polygraph tests for personnel with access to National Security Council information, while raising questions about how screening results would be handled. Regional Diplomacy: Belize was among seven CARICOM countries backing a UN resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba, as the bloc split over the vote.

CARICOM and Cuba: Belize was among seven CARICOM countries backing a UN resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba, despite a split among regional states. Rising Costs: Food prices climbed 4.3% year over year in September; chicken cuts rose 11.3% and ground beef 11.8%, adding pressure as fuel and electricity costs also rise. Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister John Briceño says Cabinet is seeking budget savings to fund relief from November through March, but has yet to announce specific measures. Security Oversight: Senators debated requiring National Security Council personnel to undergo vetting and periodic polygraph tests; the opposition questioned how test results would be handled. Electricity Funding: BEL says it needs another $20 million to meet payments to Mexico’s CFE, following the government’s $73 million purchase of preference shares. Briceño calls the funding an investment and says cheaper energy sources are being pursued. Climate Preparedness: Belize joined regional talks on preparing for El Niño’s potential effects on water supplies, agriculture and public finances.

Cost-of-Living Relief: Prime Minister John Briceño says Cabinet is seeking budget savings to fund assistance expected from November through March, but has yet to disclose the measures. The promise comes as food, fuel and electricity costs rise. BEL Funding: Belize Electricity Limited says it needs another $20 million to meet payments to Mexico’s CFE, on top of the government’s $73 million investment. Briceño calls the funding an investment in keeping the lights on, while BEL seeks higher power charges. National Security: Senators debated a bill requiring National Security Council personnel to undergo vetting and periodic polygraph tests. Opposition senators questioned how test results would be handled. San Pedro Building Oversight: The Central Building Authority has stripped the town council’s Building Unit of its plan-approval powers, citing alleged breaches of the Building Act. The council is seeking the audit findings and a review of the decision. Climate and Economy: Belize joined regional talks on preparing for El Niño’s potential effects on public finances, farming and water supplies. Placencia Erosion: The village council is urging government support and funding for short-term beach restoration, warning that erosion worsened by sargassum threatens tourism and the local community.

Public Safety: Police identified four victims of the Coastal Plain Highway massacre, including a 16-year-old, and detained five men as they investigate possible gang links. National Security: Senators debated requiring vetting and polygraph tests for National Security Council members, with opposition senators questioning how the bill would handle serious concerns uncovered by screening. Trade and Transport: The Senate approved a trade agreement with El Salvador, while opposition senators faulted the government for providing too little detail. Bus operators and the Public Service Union also warned that a proposed transport bill could favor the National Bus Company over independent operators. Cost of Living: September inflation reached 4.7%, and consumer confidence fell to its lowest level since April 2024, adding pressure for the government to deliver promised relief. Government Delivery: Belize and development partners are seeking to speed up delayed projects and improve oversight. Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner called for more resources and financial independence for local governments. Indigenous Inclusion: Governor-General Froyla Tzalam urged Belize to move beyond celebrating Maya heritage and create greater opportunities for Maya communities to sustain their culture and live with dignity on ancestral lands.

Cost of Living: September inflation reached 4.7% year over year as consumer confidence fell 9.6% to its lowest point since April 2024. Prime Minister John Briceño says Cabinet has identified budget savings for relief, with details pending. Power Crisis: The government is defending its $73 million investment in BEL as the utility faces roughly BZ$20 million in overdue payments to Mexico’s CFE and difficulty accessing U.S. dollars. BEL wants to double the monthly COPA cap, potentially raising bills by 6% to 7%; Briceño says the government will oppose further increases. Transport Reform: Senators debated proposed National Bus Company concessions, including a 15-year exclusive Southern Corridor deal. The Public Service Union says it was not properly consulted and the bill gives the company an unfair advantage over private operators and workers. ICJ Team: Briceño says Alexis Rosado resigned as Belize’s co-agent to avoid distracting from the territorial case. Rosado faces criminal charges and maintains his innocence; the Prime Minister says he agrees with some, but not all, of Speaker Valerie Woods’ criticism.