AGP Executive Report

Belize Defence Force Procurement Audit: Prime Minister John Briceño says the Ministry of National Defence audit will stretch back to 2015, including the period when John Saldivar served as Defence Minister, as the government faces renewed scrutiny over the “Mira” procurement fallout and alleged breaches of good governance. Opposition Protest Politics: The UDP says its Friday protest in Belize City is about citizens’ concerns, not party politics, while the NTUCB signals it may attend but insists it won’t be drawn into partisan events. PUP Municipal Elections Prep: PUP Chairman Henry Usher says the party has begun vetting candidates for municipal elections, reporting 115 applicants so far across nine municipalities. Procurement Threshold Debate: Former Miss Universe Belize Bella Zabaneh doubled down on calls to raise the $10,000 CEO spending threshold, arguing it’s too low for effective value-for-money oversight. Courtroom Update: Police officer Phillip Garbutt is back in court after the DPP reinstated a harm charge, with his attorney arguing double jeopardy and seeking a High Court ruling. Justice System Watch: The Belize Bar Association says the court backlog has been greatly reduced after years of reforms and case-management efforts. Public Health & Food Costs: Belize City residents report sargassum reaching the urban coastline for the first time on a noticeable scale, while the Belize Poultry Association announces a 12-cent per pound chicken price increase.

Belize Defence Force Procurement Audit: Prime Minister John Briceño told the PUP National Party Council in Dangriga that the Ministry of National Defence audit will extend back to 2015, including the period when John Saldivar was Defence Minister, as scrutiny continues over “Mira” procurement payments and invoices. PUP Internal Politics: The PUP says it has begun vetting candidates for municipal elections, with 115 applicants so far for nine municipalities, while the party also faces mounting public pressure over procurement oversight. Procurement Threshold Debate: Former Miss Universe Belize Isabella “Bella” Zabaneh responded to backlash over her PUP speech, doubling down that the $10,000 CEO spending threshold is too low and arguing for stronger value-for-money oversight, while staying silent on remarks she made about “media propaganda.” Justice System Update: The Belize Bar Association says the court backlog has been greatly reduced after years of reforms and case-management efforts, though delays remain a concern. Regional Legal/Institutional Tension: Trinidad and Tobago’s Kamla Persad-Bissessar pushed for CCJ involvement over CARICOM’s secretary-general reappointment process, with leaders agreeing to seek an advisory opinion. Public Safety & Health: BAHA issued an avian influenza advisory for Belize as HPAI outbreaks are reported in Honduras and Costa Rica, urging biosecurity and reporting of sick or dead birds. Cost of Living: The Belize Poultry Association announced a 12-cent per pound increase in whole chicken prices, citing higher production inputs. Environment Watch: Sargassum has reached Belize City on a noticeable scale, raising new concerns for coastal businesses and waterways.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: An international operation led by Austria and Romania, coordinated by INTERPOL and partners, identified 2,070 victims and arrested 1,024 suspects across 59 countries, with 465 investigations launched. Regional Disaster Aid: CARICOM partners are mobilizing for Venezuela after earthquakes, including a Guyana-led shipment of 88 containers; Belize is among the contributors. Belize HIV Update: Belize remains among Central America’s highest-burden countries, with about 1.2% adult prevalence and nearly 3,900 people living with HIV, as officials push to close gaps in testing, treatment, and long-term care. Justice System: The Belize Bar Association says court backlog has been greatly reduced after reforms and case-management efforts. National Defence Procurement Fallout: PM Briceño says the Ministry of National Defence audit will reach back to 2015 amid scrutiny of “Mira” linked payments and procurement practices, while PUP figures debate oversight and a $10,000 spending threshold. Cost of Living: The Belize Poultry Association announced a 12-cent per pound increase in whole chicken prices. Municipal Politics: The PUP has begun vetting candidates for municipal elections, with 115 applicants reported so far. Environment & Development: Caye Caulker’s proposed seawall and dredging project will be reviewed after village concerns about mangroves and storm-surge protection. Sports Local Politics: Tut Bay FC complains about a sudden Belmopan venue switch for an upcoming match.

CARICOM Legal Clash: Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says CARICOM’s secretary-general reappointment was unlawful and is asking the Caribbean Court of Justice to step in, arguing the process broke the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Belize Court Win: The CCJ ruled Belize’s registered-agent filing requirements for CARICOM-linked companies don’t violate the treaty’s competition rules, saying Article 177 targets business conduct, not government regulation. “Mira Millions” Fallout: Miss Belize Isabella Zabaneh backed calls to raise the $10,000 procurement threshold, while Belize’s business community is urging stronger safeguards in SmartStream to flag questionable payments earlier; NTUCB also raised concerns about Mira-family-linked contract payments, and Minister Ramon Cervantes denied involvement in contracts tied to his extended family. Cost of Living: Belizeans will pay more for chicken after the Belize Poultry Association announced a 12-cent per pound increase. Health & Biosecurity: BAHA issued a bird flu advisory as Belize stays on high alert for HPAI after outbreaks in Honduras and Costa Rica. Energy & Infrastructure: Belize Electricity Limited says MCC funding is key for a major Ambergris Caye power upgrade as demand outpaces current capacity. Regional Aid: Guyana-led efforts will ship 88 containers of relief supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela, with Belize among the contributors. Environment Watch: Caye Caulker’s proposed seawall and dredging project will be reviewed after village council concerns about mangrove damage.

Avian Flu Alert: Belize is on high alert after BAHA issued an HPAI advisory, urging people to report sick or dead birds and follow strict biosecurity as Honduras and Costa Rica face outbreaks. CARICOM Legal Ruling: The CCJ ruled Belize’s company filing rules for CARICOM-linked businesses—requiring registered agents in Belize—do not violate the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, saying the treaty targets anti-competitive business conduct, not state regulation. Mira Millions Fallout: Miss Belize Isabella Zabaneh backed calls to raise scrutiny of the $10,000 procurement threshold, while the NTUCB renewed concerns about Mira-family-linked contracts and Minister Ramon Cervantes denied involvement in alleged BDF ration supply deals tied to his extended family. Ambergris Power Upgrade: Belize Electricity Limited says an MCC-funded $40M plan is key to relieving San Pedro’s growing power demand and preventing overload on the existing cable. Domestic Workers Push: NTUCB launched a drive to register domestic workers in a new database to strengthen recognition and future advocacy toward ILO Convention 189. Insurance Fraud Fight: ORNCO introduced “Claims Vault,” a shared digital platform meant to improve claims handling and curb fraudulent activity. Regional Diplomacy: Belize took over the ERDI pro tempore presidency, aiming to boost regional cybersecurity, digital interoperability, and responsible AI use.

Disaster Relief & Regional Solidarity: Prime Minister Mark Phillips says 88 containers of disaster relief supplies are ready for shipment to Venezuela, departing from BK Wharf as part of Guyana’s coordinated humanitarian response, with donations funded by multiple CARICOM partners including Belize. Mira Millions Oversight Push: Reigning Miss Belize Isabella Zabaneh backed calls for tighter scrutiny of the “Mira Millions” scandal, arguing Belize’s $10,000 procurement threshold is too low and needs stronger oversight; Prime Minister Briceño praised her stance. Belize-CCJ Corporate Rules: The CCJ ruled Belize’s requirement for certain CARICOM-linked companies to use local registered agents and file documents locally does not violate the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, framing it as lawful state regulation rather than anti-competitive conduct. Public Finance Controls: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged stronger safeguards in government payment systems, recommending upgrades to SmartStream and real-time alerts to flag questionable transactions before payments go out. Labour Rights & Domestic Work: NTUCB launched a drive to register domestic workers nationwide, aiming to strengthen recognition and protections and support future ratification efforts. Police Working Conditions: Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat visited Seine Bight Police Sub-Formation to hear officers’ concerns and push improvements to facilities and staffing. Insurance Fraud Response: ORNCO introduced “Claims Vault,” a shared digital platform to help insurers compare claims, reduce fraud, and improve service. San Pedro Municipal Race: The San Pedro Town Council mayoral race is heating up with PUP incumbent Wally Núñez, UDP’s Joseph “Joe” Elijio, and independent candidates entering the contest.

Belize Procurement & Governance Scrutiny: Prime Minister John Briceño moved to take over the Defence Ministry on an interim basis as Florencio Marin Jr. goes on 90-day leave amid a procurement audit, while the government faces a widening “crisis of confidence” over SmartStream payment irregularities and “Mira Millions” allegations. CARICOM Legal Ruling: The Caribbean Court of Justice ruled Belize’s registered-agent and filing requirements for certain CARICOM-linked companies don’t breach the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, clarifying that the treaty provision targets anti-competitive enterprise conduct, not state regulation. BDF Supply Questions: BDF Commander Anthony Velasquez says there are no complaints about the quality of boots or food supplied to bases, adding that any substandard items would be rejected and reported to the ministry. Corruption Pressure from Civil Society: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged stronger safeguards in SmartStream, pushing for automated monitoring and better audit trails, while the National Evangelical Association of Belize called for deeper, unimpeded investigations and stronger anti-corruption reforms. Contract Claims Heat Up: NTUCB renewed concerns about contracts linked to the Mira family, and Minister Ramon Cervantes denied involvement in BDF ration contracts tied to his cousin’s company. Energy & Infrastructure: Belize Electricity Limited says an MCC-funded Ambergris Caye upgrade is urgent to prevent overload failures, with a major cable replacement plan discussed. Labour Rights Push: NTUCB launched a drive for domestic workers to register in a new database, aiming to strengthen protections and future ratification efforts for ILO Convention 189. Local Politics: San Pedro’s 2027 mayoral race is taking shape with PUP incumbent Wally Núñez, UDP’s Joseph “Joe” Elijio, and independent candidates entering the field.

CARICOM Legal Ruling: The Caribbean Court of Justice delivered its first-ever referral decision in the Barrow case, ruling that Belize’s rules requiring CARICOM-linked companies to use local registered agents and file documents locally do not breach the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas’ competition protections. Procurement & Integrity Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging tighter safeguards in government payment processing, recommending upgrades to SmartStream and stronger alerts, audit trails, and access controls after recent procurement concerns. Mira Contract Questions: The National Trade Union Congress says payments to multiple members of the Mira family raise serious questions about controls and possible nepotism, while Minister Ramon Cervantes denies any involvement in contracts tied to his cousin’s company. Defence Ministry Shake-up: Prime Minister John Briceño moved to take over the Defence Ministry on an interim basis as Florencio Marin Jr. goes on 90-day leave amid a procurement audit and a growing “crisis of confidence” narrative. Energy & Infrastructure: Belize Electricity Limited says an MCC-funded Ambergris Caye upgrade is key to preventing overload failures as demand surges on San Pedro. Labour Rights Push: NTUCB is launching a drive to register domestic workers nationwide, aiming to build a database that could support future ratification of ILO Convention 189. Municipal Politics (San Pedro): The San Pedro mayoral race is taking shape with PUP’s Wally Núñez seeking re-election, UDP endorsing Joseph “Joe” Elijio, and independents also entering.

Defence Procurement Fallout: Prime Minister John Briceño has taken interim charge of the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security after Florencio Marin Jr. went on 90-day leave amid an ongoing procurement audit, with Briceño calling it a “crisis of confidence” and saying the Auditor General will guide a thorough investigation. BDF Operations Response: BDF Commander Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez says he has received no complaints about the quality of boots or food supplies, noting procurement is handled at the ministry level. Anti-Corruption Pressure: The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) urges Briceño to go beyond investigations—calling for stronger financial controls, whistleblower protection, campaign finance reform, and a more empowered Ombudsman. CARICOM Corporate Law: The Caribbean Court of Justice ruled Belize’s CARICOM company filing rules—requiring local registered agents—do not breach the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, framing them as lawful state regulation rather than anti-competitive enterprise conduct. Public Finance Safeguards: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) calls for upgrades to SmartStream and tighter payment controls to flag questionable transactions before money is released. Labour Rights Push: NTUCB is launching a drive to register domestic workers nationwide, aiming to strengthen recognition and set up future advocacy for ILO Convention 189. Police Working Conditions: Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat visited Seine Bight Police Sub-Formation to hear officers’ concerns, including space needs for GBV units and response teams. Energy & Infrastructure: Belize Electricity Limited says MCC funding will help address San Pedro’s growing power demand, including replacing overloaded cable capacity. Municipal Politics (San Pedro): The San Pedro mayoral race is taking shape with PUP incumbent Wally Núñez seeking re-election, UDP endorsing Joseph “Joe” Elijio, and independents including Celestino “Tino” Tzul and Abner Bacab. National Symbols Coins: The Central Bank unveiled Belize’s National Symbols coin series, with new designs set to enter circulation in September 2026.

SmartStream Scrutiny Grows: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging Prime Minister John Briceño to tighten safeguards in government’s SmartStream payment system, recommending automated alerts, duplicate-invoice checks, real-time reporting, and stronger access controls to catch questionable transactions before money is released. Mira Contract Questions: The National Trade Union Congress of Belize says payments tied to the Mira family have raised serious concerns about nepotism and controls in public contracting, while Minister Ramon Cervantes denies any involvement in contracts linked to his cousin’s company supplying rations to the Belize Defence Force. Defence Ministry Shake-Up: As procurement fallout deepens, Briceño has taken over the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security on an interim basis for 90 days while an audit runs, and the BDF commander says there are no complaints about boot quality or food supplies. Regional Legal Ruling: The Caribbean Court of Justice ruled Belize can require registered agents for some CARICOM-linked companies without automatically breaching regional competition rules. Energy & Regional Digital Push: BEL says it’s ready to use MCC funding for a major Ambergris Caye power upgrade, and Belize has taken over ERDI’s Pro Tempore Presidency to advance regional cybersecurity, digital interoperability, and cross-border electronic signatures. Labour & Social Protection: NTUCB is launching a nationwide drive to register domestic workers in a new database to strengthen recognition and future advocacy for ILO Convention 189. Insurance Fraud Fight: ORNCO launched “Claims Vault,” a digital platform to help insurers share claims histories and reduce fraudulent claims. Anti-Corruption Pressure: Churches, including NEAB, are calling on the PM to go further on corruption concerns, including stronger financial oversight and whistleblower protections. Municipal Politics: In San Pedro, three mayoral candidates have entered the race, including PUP incumbent Wally Núñez and UDP’s Joseph “Joe” Elijio.

Defence Procurement Fallout: Prime Minister John Briceño took interim control of the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security after Florencio Marin Jr. requested a 90-day leave amid an ongoing procurement audit, as the PM acknowledged a “crisis of confidence” and promised a thorough investigation. Oversight Push: Briceño says Cabinet will get briefings next week on procurement and spending rules, and the government plans a Central Procurement Unit by July 14 to force public tendering and tighten compliance after the “Mira Millions” controversy. CARICOM Legal Watch: The Caribbean Court of Justice is set to rule July 3 in a landmark Belize corporate law case involving whether certain company requirements for foreign shareholders/directors fit CARICOM treaty protections. Social Investment Fund: Belize launched the 11th cycle of the CDB Basic Needs Trust Fund, with just over US$10M in grant support for community projects targeting vulnerable areas. Health System Upgrade: KHMHA appointed Patient Flow Officers to improve Accident & Emergency operations, aiming to cut waiting times and better manage admissions and discharges. National Symbols & Coins: The Central Bank unveiled a new National Symbols coin series, minting by the Royal Canadian Mint, entering circulation in September 2026. Local Economy & Tender Questions: In Toledo East, a minister outlined grocery bag sourcing and said checks on MP Farms business links are open to review, while Economic Transformation officials faced questions about open tender awards tied to Mira-related allegations. Disaster Preparedness Funding: EU funding was secured for Sendai Framework implementation to strengthen disaster risk reduction and resilience planning across participating Caribbean states including Belize.

Defence Ministry Shake-Up: Prime Minister John Briceño took interim charge of the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security after Florencio Marin Jr. requested a 90-day leave as a procurement audit runs from 2019–2026, with Briceño saying he expects a replacement “by tomorrow” and warning of a “crisis of confidence” even if he rejects a “crisis” in government. Procurement Reform Push: Briceño told Cabinet to operate “above board” and announced briefings next week for ministers and CEOs on the Stores Orders Manual, plus a Central Procurement Unit project (with a public electronic listing requirement) aimed at stopping repeats of the “Mira Millions” fallout. Legal/Policy Updates: The Attorney General flagged parts of Belize’s cyberbullying law as potentially unconstitutional, setting up amendments, while Briceño referred questions on the Joseph Ryan Budna matter to interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat. Health & Governance Services: KHMHA appointed Patient Flow Officers to improve emergency department movement and reduce waiting times. National Symbols: The Central Bank unveiled the Belize National Symbols Coin Series, minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, entering circulation in September 2026. Public Safety: Police and BDF actions continued after reports of violence, including a soldier sexual assault investigation and separate fatal shootings involving minors.

Procurement Reform Push: Prime Minister John Briceño says Cabinet will get briefings next week on the Stores Orders Manual and related finance controls, with the Financial Secretary, Contractor General and Auditor General explaining the rules after the “Mira Millions” fallout. He also says a Central Procurement Unit is planned for July 14, including an electronic public listing requirement for tenders. Defence Audit Update: Defence Minister Florencio Marin Jr. has requested a 90-day leave as the Auditor General continues auditing the Ministry of Defence amid procurement scrutiny involving Oscar Mira’s family links. Cyberbullying Law Fix: Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre says parts of the cyberbullying law may be unconstitutional, and the government is expected to amend it after constitutional concerns. Budna Case Still Pending: Briceño says questions on the Joseph Ryan Budna investigation should go to interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat, noting it is with the DPP. MCC Grant Signed: Belize has signed modified terms to preserve the US$125M Millennium Challenge Corporation grant, shifting US$20M from education to energy, including a planned submarine transmission cable to Ambergris Caye. National Symbols Coin Series: The Central Bank unveiled new Belize National Symbols coins, minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, expected to enter circulation in September. Public Safety: Lobster season opens July 1 with strict regulations; meanwhile, police continue investigations after a targeted supermarket shooting in San Pedro left two dead and two injured, and a 16-year-old was killed in Dangriga.

Procurement Crackdown: Prime Minister John Briceño says the Auditor General will decide whether public officers tied to the “Mira Millions” payment controversy face suspension or other action, while Government moves ahead with a procurement reform push including Cabinet/CEO briefings and a planned Central Procurement Unit with a public electronic listing of needs. RECONDEV Board Timing: Briceño also says a new RECONDEV board could be named by end of week, amid questions about the current chair’s links to the Mira matter. Home Affairs & Police Files: Briceño directs questions on the Joseph Budna abduction matter to interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat and the DPP, and says the cyberbullying case against UDP’s Alberto August is handled through the DPP process. Belize City Mayoral Race: Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller denies reports he was told to withdraw from the PUP Belize City mayoral convention, saying he fully intends to run. Justice System Reform: UNICEF and the National Commission for Families and Children hold a validation session to finalize Child Justice Guidelines for youth in conflict with the law. Elections Admin: Elections and Boundaries opens the voter transfer window July 1 to Aug 31 for eligible voters who changed residence. Public Safety: Police investigate a targeted supermarket shooting in San Pedro that left two dead and two injured, and a separate fatal shooting of a 16-year-old in Dangriga.

Violence and Public Safety: In San Pedro’s Tres Cocos, two men were killed and two others wounded in an execution-style shooting at the Island Supermarket on June 28; police say four gunmen fled by boat after firing dozens of rounds and taking nothing from cash registers, with the store previously attacked and burned in December 2025. Crime Investigation: In Dangriga, a 16-year-old was fatally shot in the Benguche area; police have launched an intensive probe and report two people in custody, with no motive released. Belize City Politics: Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller denied reports that Prime Minister John Briceño asked him to withdraw from the PUP Belize City mayoral convention, saying he met Briceño and was “never instructed or encouraged” to step aside. Justice Reform: UNICEF and the National Commission for Families and Children held a validation session to finalize Child Justice Guidelines aimed at standardizing how youth in conflict with the law are handled. Police Conditions: Infrastructure crews began a nationwide cleanup of police station compounds under Minister Julius Espat, including bush clearing, drainage work, and removal of abandoned vehicles. Elections Administration: Elections and Boundaries opened the voter transfer window for registered electors moving divisions, running July 1 to August 31. Cyberbullying Case: The DPP ordered the discontinuation of the cyberbullying prosecution against UDP’s Alberto August, with seized devices to be returned. Education Infrastructure: Ground was broken for new schools in Trial Farm’s Black Water area and Indian Church (Orange Walk), both with CDB support. EU Shipping Update: Belize Postal Service temporarily suspended accepting EU-bound parcel shipments after EU duty-free changes removed the de minimis threshold.

Belize City PUP Race: Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller says he was never told by Prime Minister John Briceño to step aside in the PUP mayoral convention, adding he met with Briceño and “fully intends to run,” keeping the internal fight with Allan Pollard alive. Crime as National Crisis: The UDP is calling for crime to be treated as a national crisis, urging immediate action from the Briceño administration and stronger police leadership to stop the violence. Police Leadership & Succession: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat says succession planning and morale are key, arguing the force needs a pipeline of younger leaders. Illegal Firearm Case: A man sentenced to over four years after pleading guilty to keeping an illegal Glock and ammunition, while other family members charged in the same search were freed. San Pedro Double Murder: Police continue investigating the Island Supermarket killings of businessman David Harmouch and security guard Daniel Jones, with several persons detained and leads including related civil matters. Lobster Season Opens: Fisheries reminds licensed fishers that the Caribbean spiny lobster season starts July 1, with strict size rules and bans on berried females and soft-shell lobsters. Cane Farmers vs Government: Government urges compliance and nudges cane farmers toward ranching as BSCFA calls it betrayal amid ongoing sugarcane disease pressures. Sports & Youth: Belize District boys and Cayo girls win NSC Super Nationals primary volleyball titles, while Belize District also takes basketball championship honors. International Spotlight: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te warns cadets about China’s espionage—an external security message resonating across the region.