AGP Executive Report

Electricity Relief & Power Security: Cabinet raised Belize’s electricity GST exemption from $100 to $200 starting Sept. 1, benefiting about 91,000 residential accounts, while also approving an emergency declaration to let BEL procure extra generation for a projected 2027 shortfall. Public Utilities Apology: Public Utilities Minister Michel Chebat apologized after backlash over remarks suggesting households could manage higher light costs using other government supports. Home Affairs Policing Upgrade: Julius Espat said the Ministry wants to expand the Belize Police Department’s K-9 unit from two dogs to at least 20, alongside infrastructure and equipment improvements. Tax Administration Push: The Ministry of Finance defended the Belize Revenue Authority plan, saying it won’t set taxes but will modernize administration and require staff to apply for roles. Crime & Violence: Belize City saw a fatal stabbing on Pickstock Street; Opposition Leader Tracy Panton also renewed calls to tackle gun violence after Brianna Myvett’s killing. Regional Migration Politics: Guyana confirmed it received the first group of U.S. “third-country” deportees under an IOM-assisted, vetted, non-permanent arrangement. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca met the OAS Secretary General in Belmopan and the Adjacency Zone as Belize prepares for the next phase of its Guatemala claim. Maritime Security: The Coast Guard Commandant completed a strategic leadership seminar in South Korea, focused on lawfare and the changing security environment.

Belize Revenue Authority (BRA) Plan: The Ministry of Finance says the proposed BRA would replace the Tax Service Department with a semi-autonomous body, but won’t set or impose taxes—those stay with legislation, while an advisory board oversees and a CEO runs day-to-day operations. Electricity Relief & Power Security: Cabinet raised the electricity GST exemption from $100 to $200 (starting Sept. 1), benefiting about 91,000 households, and approved an emergency declaration so BEL can procure extra generation for a projected 2027 shortfall. Public Safety Upgrade: Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat says the K-9 unit needs expansion from two dogs to about 20, plus more vehicles and station upgrades. U.S.-Belize Relations: New U.S. Ambassador André Bauer arrived and flagged safety, security, and youth opportunities tied to the MCC; he also addressed past remarks about government food assistance. Regional Migration Watch: Guyana received the first group of vetted deportees from the U.S. under a third-country arrangement via IOM, with Belize also named among countries in similar deals. Crime & Justice: A fatal Carnival stabbing in Belize City sparked calls to stop the event entirely, while Opposition leader Tracy Panton renewed calls for action on gun violence after Brianna Myvett’s killing. Maritime & Enforcement: Fisheries seized hundreds of pounds of illegally imported seafood, and the Coast Guard commandant completed a strategic leadership seminar in South Korea. Weather & Risks: Belize remains mainly fair and warm with isolated showers; no cyclone formation expected in the next 48 hours, but residents are reminded September can still bring major storms.

U.S. Deportations to “Third Countries”: Guyana says it has received the first group of six deportees from the U.S. under a provisional “assisted voluntary return” arrangement, with Guyana able to individually reject cases and the U.S. funding transfers via IOM. Public Utilities & Cost of Living: Public Utilities Minister Michel Chebat apologized after remarks that drew backlash over how households should handle higher electricity costs. Electricity Relief & Grid Planning: Cabinet doubled the GST exemption on residential electricity bills from $100 to $200 (starting Sept. 1), benefiting about 91,000 customers, while government and BEL met on an emergency generation shortfall and possible microgrids. Public Safety & Police Capacity: Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat says the K-9 unit needs expansion from two dogs to at least 20, plus plans to improve station infrastructure and mobility. Belmopan Transport: The Belmopan bus terminal was upgraded in a $2.5M investment with better seating, air-conditioning, and bathrooms. Crime & Courts: The Court of Appeal ruled 2020 southside States of Emergency unconstitutional, awarding detainees $22,000 each. International Spotlight: New U.S. Ambassador André Bauer arrived in Belize, stressing safety, security, and youth opportunities tied to the MCC.

Belize Revenue Authority: Government says the proposed BRA would be a semi-autonomous body to modernize tax administration, but it won’t create or impose taxes; staff would have to reapply under a redesigned structure amid union concerns. Electricity Relief & Security: Cabinet doubled the GST exemption threshold on residential power bills from $100 to $200 (starting Sept. 1), benefiting over 91,000 households, and approved an Emergency Declaration for BEL to procure extra generation capacity for a projected 2027 shortfall plus an expansion of the Social Rate to 80 kWh. Court on States of Emergency: The Court of Appeal struck down the 2020 Southside gang States of Emergency as unconstitutional, awarding detainees $22,000 each. U.S. Ambassador André Bauer Arrives: Bauer pledged focus on safety, security, drugs, and youth opportunities tied to the $125M MCC compact, while defending past “stray animals” remarks and saying LGBTQ issues aren’t his top priority. Public Transport Upgrade: Belmopan’s bus terminal received a $2.5M renovation with better seating, bathrooms, and air conditioning. Fisheries Crackdown: Fisheries seized hundreds of pounds of illegally imported seafood, with investigators now looking at alleged suppliers fueling the trade. Health & Inclusion: Health Ministry rolled out a record 67 healthcare scholarships, and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities was sworn in to implement the 2024 Disabilities Act. Weather Watch: Met Service reports mainly fair, warm conditions with isolated showers and no cyclone formation expected in the next 48 hours.

U.S.-Belize Diplomacy: Newly arrived Ambassador André Bauer hit the ground running, stressing “safety, security and opportunities,” backing Taiwan ties despite Washington’s “One China” policy, and saying he’s not making LGBT issues a top priority; he also faced questions on the U.S.-Belize asylum transfer arrangement and on his past “stray animals” remarks about government food assistance. Electricity Relief & Security: Cabinet doubled the electricity GST exemption threshold from $100 to $200, benefiting about 91,000 households, and approved measures to strengthen power security, including an emergency declaration for BEL to procure extra generation capacity and an expansion of the Social Rate. Courtroom Accountability: Belize’s Court of Appeal struck down the 2020 Southside States of Emergency as unconstitutional, awarding detainees $22,000 each and warning emergency powers can’t be routine “bandages.” Public Finance Reform: Government defended the Belize Revenue Authority plan amid union concerns, saying it will modernize tax administration while staying under government oversight. Crime & Enforcement: Fisheries seized hundreds of pounds of illegally imported seafood and detained suspects, with investigators looking at alleged suppliers fueling the trade. Sports Policy: Sports Minister Anthony Mahler defended funding for local coaches and said the National Sports Summit will drive a 5–10 year athlete development strategy. Local Services: Belmopan’s bus terminal reopened after a $2.5M upgrade, adding air conditioning, better seating, and improved bathrooms.

School Safety Clash: Parents say Raymond Sheppard Nazarene Primary is leaving children outside a locked gate before 7:30 a.m., raising worries about supervision and what happens “if something happens.” Tourism Tax Timing: Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler says the proposed hotel accommodation tax increase came “too early,” arguing talks have been underway for nearly two years and linking the need to sargassum cleanup costs. Fisheries Crackdown: Fisheries officers seized 290 lbs of tilapia fillets, 335 lbs of jumbo shrimp, and 14 octopuses on the Hattieville-Boom Road; two men were charged after a pursuit. Education Funds Audit: An audit at Louisiana Government School follows reports of about $100,000 unaccounted for over several years, with next steps involving meetings with school finance staff. Public Service Pay: Government approved a 4% salary increase for eligible public officers and pensioners effective Oct. 1. Disability Rights: Belize officially launched implementation of the Disability Act and set up a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Belmopan Hospital Bids: Two companies submitted bids to build the long-awaited Belmopan tertiary hospital, moving procurement closer to ground-breaking. Police Leadership Change: Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat says SPU commander Aaron Gamboa’s transfer was management-driven, not misconduct. Weather Watch: Met Service reports showers mainly in the south this morning, with drier conditions and drought risk tied to El Niño. ICJ Guatemala Update: Belize and Guatemala are still awaiting an ICJ oral hearing date; officials suggest a decision could come by late 2027.

Public Service Pay & Pensions: Government approved a 4% salary increase for public officers and eligible public-sector workers effective Oct. 1, with pensioners also receiving the same adjustment. Disability Rights Rollout: Belize officially began implementing the Disability Act and launched a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to monitor and guide rights protections nationwide. Revenue Authority Standoff: The PSU is demanding job, wage, and pension protections be written into the Revenue Authority Bill 2026, warning the shift could strip earned benefits. Belmopan Tertiary Hospital Procurement: Two companies submitted bids to build the long-awaited 150-bed tertiary hospital in Belmopan, with hopes to move toward ground-breaking before year-end. ICJ Guatemala Case: Belize is still awaiting a date for oral hearings at the ICJ, while both countries discuss post-ruling plans through the OAS to support a peaceful transition. U.S. Safe Third Country: Belize says talks have started for a possible third asylum transfer under the U.S. agreement, but official confirmation is still pending. Diplomacy: New U.S. Ambassador André Bauer is set to arrive in Belize, with credentials expected next week. Crime & Enforcement: Fisheries officers and police seized hundreds of pounds of illegal seafood after an early-morning operation, and two men were charged.

Police Leadership: Assistant Superintendent Aaron Gamboa has been removed from command of the Special Patrol Unit, with Neville Martinez named interim commander as the Belize Police Department undergoes further shake-ups. Diplomatic Update: Belize says it is still waiting on Canada’s report in the Kennedy Carrillo investigation after a limited waiver of her diplomatic immunity. Energy & Cost of Living: Cabinet approved a bus fuel subsidy extension through March 2027, and Briceño says the government is examining expanding GST relief on residential electricity bills (with no final decision announced yet). Labour Relations: The PM acknowledged a communication breakdown with the NTUCB and says a formal response to the union’s 11 demands is coming. Crime & Security: Police charged two men in the Santa Elena double murder of Rasheed Hyde and Gil Pineda. Environment & Resilience: The UN warns Belize is near a dangerous climate threshold, while the Forest Department is carrying out planned burns to reduce wildfire risk. Sports & Culture: Belize launched its first National Sports Summit to map a future for athletics, and eight Belizeans were honored at the Creative and Cultural Awards.

Public Utilities & Cost of Living: Cabinet approved a bus fuel subsidy of $2.00 per gallon through March 31, 2027, with bi-monthly reviews, while Prime Minister Briceño says Cabinet is also weighing expanded GST relief on residential electricity bills (up to about BZ$200), potentially helping over 100,000 accounts. Labour Relations: Briceño acknowledged a communication breakdown with the NTUCB over eleven demands and says a formal response will be discussed in Cabinet first, with more frequent engagement promised. Police & Governance: Assistant Superintendent Aaron Gamboa was reassigned after nearly a decade leading the SPU; Briceño says he wasn’t personally involved in the specific personnel change. Belize City Politics: Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler rejected claims that the PUP Belize City convention cost $1 million-plus and denied the event reflected a Hyde-versus-Mahler power struggle. Foreign Affairs: Belize says it’s still awaiting an update from Canadian authorities in the Kennedy Carrillo investigation after a limited waiver of diplomatic immunity. Regional Security: OAS hosted high-level talks on Belize-Guatemala cross-border relations and post-ICJ planning. Health System: Briceño says Belize is exploring recruiting doctors from Honduras as uncertainty continues around the Cuban Medical Brigade. Crime: Two men were charged with the murders of Rasheed Hyde and Gil Pineda in Santa Elena. Environment: Belize Forest Department is conducting planned burns in Mountain Pine Ridge to reduce wildfire risk.

Education Update: The Ministry of Education says More Tomorrow Primary School in Cayo is not closing, despite earlier reports of a shutdown and student transfers, citing ongoing talks with parents and staffing challenges. Maritime Accountability: Belize-linked inquiry work is set to begin later this month into the July 18 MV Barima capsizing that killed more than 100 people, with a commission chaired by retired Belize Justice Godfrey Philip Smith. Energy & Government Readiness: BEL says temporary generation at Westlake is expected to start mid-September for six months, while the utility also seeks an emergency declaration to cover an anticipated generation shortfall. Public Utilities & Politics: Opposition and the PUP trade barbs over a NeoPeople pilot and campaign-finance claims, as PUP leaders also dismiss reports of $1 million spent on the Belize City municipal convention. Belize City Municipal Race: Eluide Miller won the PUP mayoral nomination, and the party is now pushing unity ahead of March 2027. Culture & National Events: The National Celebrations Commission released a packed calendar for Belize’s 45th Independence celebrations, while Belize City and Wesley College kicked off September activities with flag-raising and patriotic events. Community & Skills: Robotics pathways are being planned to connect high school programmes to University of Belize courses, and 20 police officers completed a Mandarin language and culture course. Business & Development: Construction has started at Olo Caye’s Mile 5 mainland staging site, and women entrepreneurs completed the first phase of an IDB-funded business incubator. Crime & Courts: A BWS employee was remanded over an alleged firearm threat during a domestic dispute, and a Belize City traffic enforcement training programme has sworn in 53 traffic wardens as special constables.

Electricity Crisis Watch: BEL says temporary generation at the Westlake Facility should start by mid-September (for an initial six months) after recent outages, while the company warns Belize may face a material generation shortfall and is seeking an emergency declaration from the PUC. Credit & Cost Pressures: S&P keeps Belize at B-minus with a stable outlook, citing electricity shortages, high public spending, and hurricane risk as limits on growth. Regional Diplomacy: OAS SecGen Albert Ramdin begins a three-day visit to reinforce peace and cooperation in the Belize-Guatemala Adjacency Zone, including meetings with both foreign ministers. PUP Politics & Money Questions: The PUP Belize City municipal convention spotlights campaign financing concerns, with calls for stronger campaign-finance legislation, and delegates choose Eluide Miller as mayoral candidate. Culture & National Identity: Belize launches its first Belize Music Archive and National Recording Treasures of Belize designation, and marks National Flag Day with flag-raising ceremonies kicking off September celebrations. Public Safety & Court News: Police report a new “No motorcycle” policy at CS Energy after an armed robbery; courts also see multiple charges and remands, including firearm cases and assault-related matters.

Belize City Municipal Politics: PUP delegates (787 total) chose Eluide Miller as mayoral candidate for the 2027 municipal elections, beating Allan Pollard (427 to 341) after a convention that looked and felt like a full election day. Public Safety: Police say drug sales are fueling a turf-war style spike in Cayo, with officers adjusting operations as cocaine and crack replace marijuana in the area. Electricity Governance: BEL has asked the Public Utilities Commission to declare an emergency over a projected generation shortfall, setting up emergency procurement steps. Crime & Courts: A Belize City man (Charles Carr) was remanded after allegations he held his ex and their child hostage at gunpoint and assaulted her; separately, two men fined $1,000 each for being “equipped to commit burglary” after a police stop in ski masks. National Events: Belize City kicked off September celebrations with its annual Flag Raising Ceremony, with Deputy Mayor Miller urging citizens to help nation-build beyond office. International/Trade: MOFA says Belize’s and Haiti’s WTO permanent representatives are visiting Taiwan-aligned trade and tech institutions, signaling continued support for Taiwan. Regional Security: Colombia captured a suspected Tren de Aragua leader, with U.S. cooperation highlighted.

Electricity Emergency Move: BEL has asked the Public Utilities Commission to declare an emergency over a looming generation shortfall, saying peak demand will exceed capacity within the next 12 months and emergency procurement may be needed. Crime & Courts: Police are investigating a suspected arson after a SUV was set on fire on Rasta Street; a 15-year-old was robbed and injured in a Belize City alley when an iPhone was stolen; and a Belize City woman was charged after allegedly swinging a machete through window louvres, bursting a sanitation worker’s lip. Violence in Santa Elena: A double murder investigation continues after Gil “Flaco” Pineda died from gunshot injuries following the shooting that killed Rasheed Hyde. Orange Walk Incidents: Police are probing two drownings in Orange Walk Town (including Cesar “Koka” Cruz) and multiple arrests tied to alleged drug possession and traffic offences, plus an electric bike crash that damaged a car. Public Safety & Policing: Fifty-three Belize City traffic wardens completed enforcement training and were sworn in as Special Constables. Politics: The PUP Belize City mayoral convention chose Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller over Allan Pollard Jr., with counting and delegate turnout figures reported. Culture & Community: Belize mourns children’s healthcare advocate Milagro Garel, while Benque House of Culture announced its “25 Trees for 25 Years” anniversary initiative.

Belize City Politics: Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller won the PUP Belize City mayoral nomination, beating Allan Pollard Jr. (445–341) at the party’s convention, which saw 787 votes cast as the slate for the 2027 municipals took shape. Municipal Governance: The PUP convention also selected ten councillor candidates, including newcomer Kristian “El Toxico” Alpuche, who led with 564 votes. Public Safety & Policing: Police completed a one-month enforcement training for 53 Belize City traffic wardens, who were sworn in as Special Constables. Local Infrastructure: Benque Viejo Town Council says MIDH road works started on the Mollejon Road toward Mollejon Dam after lobbying by farmers and residents. Crime Update: Santa Elena’s community is reeling after Rasheed Hyde was shot dead during a peace walk against gun violence; investigations continue after a reported double-murder earlier involving Gil “Flaco” Pineda. Tax & Business Compliance: Belize Tax Service hosted an E-Invoicing Solutions Expo as voluntary e-invoicing begins now and mandatory rollout is expected next year under the Revenue Authority Bill. Community & Culture: UB’s Intercultural Indigenous Language Institute represented Belize at the 15th Regional Maya Encounter on Language and Culture, while NICH honored historian Lita Hunter Krohn with an Outstanding Cultural Leadership Award.

Belize City Politics: Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller has won the PUP Belize City mayoral nomination, beating Allan Pollard Jr. 445-341 at the party’s municipal convention, with 787 delegates casting votes (786 valid). The convention also set the PUP’s councillor slate, led by Kristian “El Toxico” Alpuche with 564 votes. Municipal Governance: The Belize City Council has sworn in 54 Enforcement Officers as Special Constables, expanding their powers to support traffic enforcement, market checks, liquor license compliance, and council regulations. Violence in Cayo: Santa Elena is reeling after the killing of Rasheed Hyde during a peace walk against gun violence; police investigations continue, and another victim, mechanic Gil “Flaco” Pineda, later died from gunshot injuries in a related double-murder case. Crime & Courts: In Orange Walk, a man was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply after police found 10 ziplock bags (3.61g). Tax & Business: Belize Tax Service launched an E-Invoicing Solutions Expo, outlining a voluntary phase now and a mandatory phase expected next year under the Revenue Authority Bill. Community Support: Crime Stoppers and police joined a Back-to-School Bag Drive for hundreds of families in Belize City.

Santa Elena Shooting: Rasheed Hyde was shot dead in Santa Elena Town during a Peace Walk against gun violence; police have not yet released full details. Drug Busts in Orange Walk: A 39-year-old man was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply after police found ten ziplock bags; another man was charged after police found suspected cocaine in his hand, and officers also found cannabis, cocaine, and a loaded 9mm magazine hidden between tombs in an Orange Walk cemetery. Violence and Theft: A Carmelita chef was injured after a machete attack following a football final; a watchman was tied up at gunpoint as thieves stole 39 sheep; and a man was detained after an attempted motorcycle theft at about 3:15am. Municipal Politics: The PUP heads into its Belize City municipal convention Sunday, expected to choose the mayoral candidate and councillors, while the Belize City Council swore in 54 enforcement officers as Special Constables. Tax and Business: Belize Tax Service launched an E-Invoicing Solutions Expo, moving from voluntary rollout now toward mandatory next year. Regional Agriculture: Belize joined OIRSA talks to strengthen cross-border surveillance against pests and diseases, and hosted the Fruit Fly Commission meeting in Placencia.