AGP Executive Report

Police & Home Affairs: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat met senior commanders in Belize City and flagged low police morale as a top priority, saying the force needs more strategically positioned resources and direct engagement with all ranks. Infrastructure & Accountability: Espat also toured the Queen Street Police Station roof, calling its condition “deplorable” and saying engineers will deliver a report so repairs can move quickly. Public Service & Citizenship: Belize honored 173 public officers for 25 years of service, and a separate ceremony swore in 111 new Belizean citizens from 22 countries. Governance & Courts: The Elections and Boundaries Commission says Belize’s FOIA cannot compel it to release redistricting records, citing constitutional independence. International Relations: Belize and Guatemala signed a joint declaration committing to respect the ICJ’s border ruling in good faith. Blue Economy: A Blue Economy Climate Resilience Forum at the Biltmore Plaza focused on marine conservation, fisheries management, and Blue Bonds. Crime: A Honduran man charged with sexual assault of a 10-year-old was granted bail after appearing in court. Belize City Politics: Reports claim PUP leaders are urging Eluide Miller to step aside for Allan Pollard Jr ahead of the 2027 mayoral convention.

Home Affairs Shake-Up: Interim Minister Julius Espat began familiarization in Belize City, meeting senior police commanders and flagging two urgent issues—leaking infrastructure at Queen Street and low police morale—promising more resources and follow-up reports. Police Leadership & Conditions: Espat said officers are operating under “inhuman” roof conditions and ordered engineers’ analysis to be reviewed, while also committing to speak with ranks beyond top leadership to understand morale drivers. Citizenship Drive: Immigration Minister Kareem Musa oversaw a swearing-in of 111 new Belizeans in Belmopan, citing backlog clearing, digitization, and faster processing. ICJ Border Deal: Belize and Guatemala signed a joint declaration reaffirming peaceful border relations and agreeing to accept the ICJ ruling as legally binding. Blue Economy Forum: Stakeholders met for the 4th Blue Economy Climate Resilience Forum, focusing on marine conservation, fisheries governance, and Blue Bonds—while fishers complained they were not properly represented in an “audit” dispute. Procurement Overhaul: Cabinet fast-tracked a public procurement rules overhaul within three months amid scrutiny tied to the Oscar Mira controversy and payment practices. Crime: A Honduran man accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old was granted bail after arraignment, following community outrage over the weekend incident.

Home Affairs Shake-Up: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat toured Queen Street and met senior commanders, flagging a serious Belize Police morale problem and pushing for more strategically placed resources. Police Infrastructure: Espat also inspected the long-leaking roof at the Queen Street station, calling its condition “deplorable” and asking for an engineering report after years of inaction. Citizenship Drive: Immigration Minister Kareem Musa oversaw a citizenship ceremony swearing in 111 new Belizeans from 22 countries, citing cleared backlogs and digitization progress. Public Procurement Reform: Cabinet fast-tracked an overhaul of procurement rules amid scrutiny of payment practices tied to the Oscar Mira controversy, with new draft rules due within three months. Governance Change: PM Briceño confirmed RECONDEV’s board will be replaced. Belize City Politics: Reports say PUP leaders may be urging Eluide Miller to withdraw ahead of the 2027 mayoral convention, sparking pushback online. Regional Diplomacy: Belize reaffirmed multilateral cooperation at the OAS and assumed SICA’s rotating presidency pro tempore. Healthcare Workforce Plan: The Ministry of Health launched HRH policy and a 2026–2030 strategic plan to recruit, train, deploy, and retain more health workers. Blue Economy: A Blue Economy Climate Resilience Forum focused on marine conservation, fisheries management, and Blue Bonds. Crime: A Honduran man accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old was granted bail after arraignment, following community outrage.

Home Affairs Shake-Up: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat began a familiarization tour in Belize City, meeting senior police commanders and flagging the Queen Street station roof as a serious, long-delayed safety issue after personally inspecting it. Police Morale Focus: Espat also said a “serious morale problem” across the Belize Police Department is a top priority, calling for more strategically placed resources and direct engagement with all ranks. Citizenship Drive: Immigration Minister Kareem Musa presided over a citizenship ceremony in Belmopan where 111 men and women from 22 countries were sworn in, highlighting backlog-clearing and digitization efforts. Public Service Recognition: Belize honored 173 public officers for 25 years of service during the 2026 Public Service Awards. Border & Legal Commitments: Belize and Guatemala signed a joint declaration at the OAS General Assembly reaffirming respect for the ICJ ruling and peaceful border dialogue. Procurement & Governance: Cabinet fast-tracked a comprehensive overhaul of Belize’s procurement rules amid scrutiny of payment practices tied to the Oscar Mira controversy, and confirmed RECONDEV’s board will be replaced. Blue Economy & Fisheries Tensions: A Blue Economy Climate Resilience Forum brought stakeholders together, while local fishers criticized how their “audit” was treated in the fisheries debate. Crime Court Update: A Honduran man accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old was granted bail after arraignment, following community outrage over the weekend incident.

Belize City Politics: Reports say PUP higher-ups urged Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller to withdraw from the 2027 Belize City mayoral convention, sparking public pushback from party figures who insist delegates should decide. Procurement & Governance: Cabinet fast-tracked an overhaul of Belize’s procurement rules after scrutiny of payment practices tied to the Oscar Mira controversy, with new draft rules expected within three months. Energy & Public Finance: The House tabled a bill to let the government buy about 8.1 million BEL shares for roughly $73 million, drawing Opposition criticism over whether it’s a bailout. Regional Leadership: Prime Minister John Briceño assumed Belize’s rotating Pro Tempore presidency of SICA, while Belize also urged stronger multilateral cooperation at the OAS General Assembly. Healthcare Workforce: The Ministry of Health launched a 2026–2030 plan to transform recruitment, training, deployment, and retention of health workers. Blue Economy: A Blue Economy Climate Resilience Forum focused on marine conservation, fisheries management, and Blue Bonds, while fishers criticized not being properly represented in an audit dispute. Crime: A Honduran national charged with sexual assault of a 10-year-old was granted bail after a court appearance.

Belize City Politics: Reports say PUP leaders may be urging mayoral hopeful Eluide Miller to withdraw ahead of the 2027 convention, sparking public pushback from councillors who insist delegates should decide. Procurement & Governance: Cabinet has fast-tracked a comprehensive overhaul of Belize’s procurement rules after scrutiny of government payment practices tied to the Oscar Mira controversy; PM Briceño also confirmed the RECONDEV board will be replaced. Regional Leadership: Briceño took over the rotating SICA presidency pro tempore from the Dominican Republic, with Belize promising stronger regional cooperation. Healthcare Workforce: The Ministry of Health launched a 2026–2030 HRH policy and strategic plan to improve recruitment, training, deployment and retention. Immigration Reform: A UNHCR-supported consultation reviewed proposed amendments to modernize Belize’s refugee and asylum legislation. Blue Economy: Minister Andre Perez defended a fishers’ “audit” as unofficial while announcing updates to the Blue Economy Climate Resilience Forum, including new monitoring ideas. Cost of Living: SIB data shows May inflation at 4.3%, with higher prices for meat, healthcare, utilities and LPG, while domestic exports fell 29.5% year-on-year.

Procurement Overhaul: Cabinet fast-tracked a comprehensive rewrite of Belize’s public procurement rules after scrutiny of payment practices tied to Minister Oscar Mira, with new draft rules due within three months. RECONDEV Board Change: PM Briceño confirmed the Reconstruction and Development Corporation (RECONDEV) will get a new board, continuing governance shake-ups around entities linked to the Mira family. Belize City PUP Mayoral Fight: Reports say the PUP may be trying to avoid a contested Belize City mayoral convention by asking councilor Eluide Miller to withdraw, sparking public pushback from party figures. Public Safety Leadership: Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado said the Leadership Intervention Unit’s work program remains under review, while also denying any political directives on police contracts and welcoming interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat. Healthcare Workforce Plan: The Ministry of Health launched a 2026–2030 policy and strategic plan to recruit, train, deploy, and retain more health workers. Refugee Law Consultations: A UNHCR-backed stakeholder consultation began reviewing proposed amendments to modernize Belize’s asylum and refugee legislation. Cost of Living: New SIB data shows May inflation at 4.3%, with higher prices for meat and poultry, healthcare, utilities (including LPG), and rising municipal inflation in San Ignacio/Santa Elena.

Cost of Living Watch: Belize’s inflation picture stayed mixed but pressured households in May, with San Ignacio/Santa Elena topping municipal inflation at 5.6% (vs 4.3% national), while San Pedro was lowest at 3.3%. Food Prices: SIB data showed fruits and vegetables rising in key items like cucumbers (+24.5%), grapefruits (+15.7%) and limes (+10.2%), while plantains (-10%) and pineapples (-5.1%) fell. Meat and poultry also climbed, with ground beef up 11.1% and whole fish up 10.1%. Utilities & Housing: Higher electricity, water and LPG pushed “Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels” up 2.2%, including LPG rising by $7.83 per 100-pound cylinder. Belize Politics & Integrity: After a Cabinet reshuffle tied to Oscar Mira’s leave during an audit, UDP caretaker Edward Broaster filed a corruption complaint to the Integrity Commission, while Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat called it a political right. Anti-Corruption Reform: A Belize-led forum with Global Financial Integrity and BELPRI discussed gaps in Belize’s anti-corruption laws and enforcement, urging better coordination and implementation. Regional Diplomacy/Trade: Belize’s foreign affairs chief pushed stronger multilateralism at the OAS, and Belize promoted hot sauces, cocoa and seafood at Taiwan’s Food Taipei Mega Shows. Regional Cooperation: Belize is among 14 countries benefiting from Saudi Arabia’s IMO-backed “Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability” project.

Mira Fallout in Belmopan: Prime Minister John Briceño says Police Minister Oscar Mira has been asked to leave Cabinet temporarily for three months while an audit is conducted into procurement at the Ministry of Defence, and he moved Julius Espat to Home Affairs and Elmer Usher to Free Zones; Briceño denied wrongdoing over leaked SmartStream-linked payments, saying the government followed process. Integrity Commission Complaint: UDP Belize Rural Central caretaker Edward Broaster filed a formal corruption complaint against Mira at the Integrity Commission, citing a Prevention of Corruption Act breach and submitting a large package of supporting documents; Espat dismissed it as part of political contestation, saying the system exists for such calls. Anti-Corruption Push: A Belize-led session with Global Financial Integrity and BELPRI reviewed gaps in Belize’s anti-corruption laws, pointing to weak coordination, missing implementing bodies, and enforcement hurdles. Maya Land Rights Outreach: Government launched a national public education campaign on implementing the CCJ Consent Order on communal land rights, bringing together indigenous groups, non-Maya communities, private landowners, and civil society to discuss concerns and next steps. Regional Governance & Oceans: Belize’s foreign affairs CEO Oscar Arnold urged stronger multilateralism at the OAS General Assembly, while CRFM and partners launched an open-access Caribbean Blue Economy Knowledge Hub including Belize.

Mira Accountability Firestorm: Police Minister Oscar Mira is out of Cabinet for three months as leaked SmartStream records raise questions about millions in split payments to family-linked MP Farms, with the Auditor General ordered to audit procurement and payments. Opposition Pressure: The UDP says Mira’s administrative leave isn’t enough and joins the NTUCB in demanding his immediate removal and a full, transparent investigation into contract awards and whether financial thresholds were bypassed. PM Responds: Prime Minister John Briceño defended the government’s process, saying he sees no illegality, while noting Mira asked to be excused from Cabinet during the audit. Maya Land Rights Push: Government launched a national public education campaign on implementing the 2015 CCJ Consent Order on Maya customary land rights, bringing together government, Indigenous groups, private landowners, and civil society to discuss concerns and remedies. Anti-Corruption Scrutiny: A Washington-based non-profit, via an MOU with BELPRI and NGOs, is compiling a report on gaps in Belize’s anti-corruption laws, pointing to weak coordination, missing implementing bodies, and enforcement hurdles.

SmartStream Fallout in Belize Politics: The UDP and NTUCB are escalating pressure on Defence Minister Oscar Mira after leaked SmartStream records allegedly show millions in government payments to MP Farms, a Mira-family-linked business, with the UDP saying administrative leave isn’t enough and calling for removal from Cabinet while an independent probe runs. Constitutional Rights Dispute: Alberto August is pushing back on reports police may seek foreign help to access his phone, warning it would violate his privacy rights, while offering to cooperate if authorities show any criminal link. Maya Land Rights Campaign: Belize launched a public education drive on the Caribbean Court of Justice’s 2015 Consent Order, bringing stakeholders together in Belmopan to discuss draft protections and compensation for Maya communal land rights. Courtroom Delays: Mark Anthony Usher’s fatal traffic case was adjourned again because prosecutors still lack the case file needed for disclosure, setting a new disclosure date for July 22. Regional Leadership: Belize takes over OCAM’s pro tempore migration presidency on July 1, promising “smart border management” and regional information sharing. Sports & National Pride: Bermuda beat Belize in a T20 qualifier, while Belizeans also continue to rally around the World Cup trophy presentation plan involving U.S. President Trump.

SmartStream Fallout in Belize: Belize’s National Trade Union Congress and the UDP are both ratcheting up pressure on Defence Minister Oscar Mira after leaked SmartStream records allegedly show millions in payments to MP Farms, a Mira-family-linked business, with the NTUCB calling for a full independent probe and Mira’s resignation while the UDP says leave of absence isn’t enough. Mira Family Payments Details: New reporting on the leaks claims about $5.68M paid to MP Farms across roughly 600+ invoices from Sept 2024 to June 2026, with most transactions reportedly under reporting thresholds. Legal Scrutiny: Senior attorney Dickie Bradley questions the fairness of former police corporal Elmer Nah’s triple murder conviction, pointing to concerns around disclosure and how key identification material was handled. Maya Land Rights Campaign: Government launched a public education drive on the 2015 CCJ consent order in Belmopan, bringing stakeholders together on communal land rights and draft legislation. Regional Leadership: Belize takes over OCAM migration management leadership and also assumes CECC/SICA educational and cultural presidency for six months. Crime Court Delay: Mark Anthony Usher’s fatal traffic case was adjourned again due to missing disclosure materials, pushing disclosure to July 22.

Belize Police Week: The Belize Police Department held its annual Medal, Awards and Promotion Ceremony in Belmopan on June 17, honoring 326 officers with long service and meritorious/distinguished awards, plus promotions—its first awards ceremony since 2022—while highlighting ongoing community outreach under the theme “Honouring Our Call, Strengthening Our Community.” Crime & Justice (Belize-linked): A U.S. congressional push is spotlighting alleged retaliation tied to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, with one hunger-strike leader deported to Belize after lawmakers demanded answers about treatment of detainees who met them. Regional Security (Belize flag in spotlight): Ukraine says Russian drone attacks hit foreign merchant ships in the Black Sea, including vessels flying the Belize flag; Ukraine reports no injuries on the Belize-flagged ship, but the incident renews concerns about maritime safety. Culture & Sports (Belize audience): Belizeans were seen carrying the national flag at the World Cup, while local fans also marked Maradona’s 1986 “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” as Argentina faced Austria. Maya Tourism Spotlight: Historian Dan Snow is in Belize for a History Hit series exploring major Maya discoveries, including the Caracol dynasty burial chamber of Te K’ab Chaak.

Belize Police Week: The Belize Police Department held its Medal, Awards and Promotion Ceremony in Belmopan on June 17, honoring 326 officers with long service and meritorious/distinguished awards, plus promotions—its first awards event since 2022—while the week’s theme focused on strengthening community ties through outreach. Climate Watch: Belize’s National Climate Outlook Forum says the rest of 2026 may bring fewer storms and hurricanes, less rainfall, and a possible drought, with disaster risk management and public service readiness highlighted for El Niño and climate extremes. Crime & Courts: Former police corporal Elmer Nah, convicted in the Ramnarace triple murder case, is set to be sentenced after the court adjourned for more time on submissions. Public Safety & Governance: Police Minister Oscar Mira and other officials faced questions tied to operational transparency and oversight concerns, as scrutiny continues around government processes and accountability. Regional Security: International reporting flags renewed risks to Black Sea shipping after Russian drone strikes hit foreign vessels, including one Belize-flagged ship, underscoring wider maritime security pressures.

Crime & Security: Belize-flagged MV WEALTH was intercepted in the Solomon Islands after a months-long intelligence-led operation, with authorities suspecting drug trafficking, illicit tobacco smuggling, and other maritime transnational crime. Public Safety Operations: Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira says “strategic operational searches” are ongoing across Belize City and the country to prevent retaliation after recent killings, while denying that another state of emergency is the first option. Energy & Governance: Government’s proposed $73M BEL preference-share purchase is drawing fresh scrutiny, with the Opposition questioning whether Social Security funds could be used to bail out BEL amid reported financial losses. Labour & Oversight: Belize Energy Workers for Justice protested outside BEL’s AGM demanding severance be included in any bailout; meanwhile the Public Service Union is pushing for heads to roll over alleged “smurfing” invoice-splitting and says oversight offices are not acting fast enough on its Freedom of Information requests. Contracts & Accountability: Maria Arthurs was sworn in for a second term as Contractor General amid continued contract scrutiny around the Mira family; NTUCB also raised concerns about the perception of relatives benefiting from taxpayer-funded contracts. Local Politics: UDP says it has received 90 applications for 2027 municipal elections, while PUP Belize City mayoral nomination talks continue as delegates are expected to decide between Allan Pollard Jr. and Eluide Miller. Regional Development: Belize and Quintana Roo discussed trade and transport links, including a possible connection between Tren Maya and the Port of Belize to improve cargo corridors into CARICOM. Disaster Preparedness: Belize hosted training for the 2026 National CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit exercise, building regional response capacity.

BEL Power Deal Scrutiny: Government’s plan to buy about 8.1 million BEL shares at $9 each (about $73M) is drawing heat over whether Social Security funds could be pulled in, as the Opposition calls it a “bailout” while PM Briceño says it’s a partner investment and disputes the larger figures. Public Service “Smurfing” Fight: The Public Service Union is demanding heads roll over alleged invoice-splitting in SmartStream, after oversight offices responded that matters are under review or fall under existing processes—PSU president Dean Flowers says FOI duties are being dodged. Crime & Justice: Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira hailed the sentencing of former corporal Elmer Nah to three concurrent life terms (with 50 years before parole) for the Ramnarace New Year’s Eve murders, calling it proof of proper police work. Contracts & Perception: NTUCB and former BEL workers’ groups are pressing concerns over family-linked government contracting and severance disputes tied to CCJ principles. Belize in the Region: Belize and Quintana Roo discussed using Belize as a CARICOM gateway and linking Tren Maya to the Port of Belize; Belize also hosted a CARICOM disaster response training for regional relief capacity. Local Politics: UDP kicked off preparations for 2027 municipal elections after receiving 90 applications; PUP’s Henry Charles Usher says delegates should decide between mayoral hopefuls Allan Pollard Jr. and Eluide Miller.