AGP Executive Report

CARICOM-India Ties: India is ramping up cooperation with CARICOM, with a new seven-pillar framework discussed during a recent CARICOM-India summit that included plans like IT scholarships and an expanded technology centre in Belize. Health & Research: St. Maarten native Khalisha Halley presented CARPHA conference research on substance use during pregnancy and links to low birth weight. Women’s Football: Belize will host Bermuda’s Senior Women’s National Team for matches on June 4 and 7, with the series tied 1-1. Public Services: The Ministry of Health handed over three new ambulances for Punta Gorda, Placencia, and San Ignacio hospitals. Crime & Justice: A police constable was charged for allegedly slapping a fellow officer during a traffic stop, while another case saw crack pipes seized and charges filed in Belize City. Governance & Accountability: Belize City Council was ordered to pay damages after a road reserve lease was ruled invalid. Community Support: Rotary Belize Sunrise donated $30,000 to the Inspiration Center. Security Operations: INTERPOL-led Operation Orca XI seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across 20 countries, including Belize. Missing Person: Authorities and family continue searching for Andy Onan Lizarraga, last seen near the Belize–Chetumal border on May 24. Sports: Verdes FC won the PLB closing season title, earning a CONCACAF Champions League spot.

Police Money Probe: Belize police have launched an investigation into missing funds from the Crimes Investigation Branch evidence room—over $20,000 linked to a 2023 case—while a separate probe into missing Immigration Department money and reversed receipts continues. Crime & Courts: A Belize City taxi driver was fined after pleading guilty to wounding during a domestic dispute; police also report ongoing investigations into multiple shootings, including a man injured while walking to work. Security & Defence: The BDF is pushing back on claims by former minister Elvin Penner tied to the Baldy Beacon ordnance exercise, and the Defence Force says it’s still working to locate remaining unexploded ordnance. Health & Community: A seminar on Alzheimer’s was held in Belmopan, and Tonic Life donated medical equipment to the BDF. Regional & Travel: JetBlue is ending its direct New York–Belize route, and Belize is set to host the 57th ALIDE General Assembly next year.

Public Safety & Security: Belize is still wrestling with unexploded ordnance, with the Defense Minister saying they’ve recovered over 1,000 but can’t say how many remain, urging communities to help locate UXOs. Accountability in Government: Police say the Immigration Department embezzlement probe is expanding after receipt reversals and missing funds allegations, while a separate case continues over more than $20,000 reportedly stolen from the CIB office—an officer commanding was transferred and Professional Standards is reviewing the matter. Local Crime Wave: Belize City shootings left a man injured on Cleghorn Street and another victim shot multiple times on Jane Usher Boulevard; police also detained a special patrol officer after an alleged red-light incident. Transport & Cost of Living: Dolla Van fares are set to rise to $3 starting June 1, blamed on fuel costs. Justice & Institutions: Senior Counsel Edmund Marshalleck was sworn in as Temporary Justice of Appeal. Travel Update: JetBlue is ending its direct New York–Belize flights permanently.

Immigration Crackdown: ICE has added Belizean fugitive Santos Moreira to its “Most Wanted” list, saying he’s evaded removal since 2010 after manslaughter and other felony convictions, with his last known location in Los Angeles. Public Safety: The BDF bomb squad safely recovered an undetonated M67 grenade in Corozal Town, and police say investigations will focus on how it ended up there. Health Alert: Belize’s measles situation remains active, with the Ministry reporting 12 cases since the start of 2026, largely linked to travel from Guatemala, and urging vaccination and precautions. Energy Pressure: Belize Electricity Limited responded to complaints about high bills, blaming hotter seasonal temperatures pushing up air-conditioning use. Regional Climate: CARICOM welcomed the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the ICJ climate ruling, reinforcing states’ obligations under international law.

Reef Trade Backlash: Critics are asking how the Great Barrier Reef can be “chopped out” at up to 190 tonnes a year for live coral exports, even as bleaching and heatwaves keep stressing the ecosystem. Health Diplomacy: Belize is part of wider Commonwealth momentum on cervical cancer elimination, with a new compendium spotlighting country progress on vaccination, screening, and care. Measles Alert at Home: Belize health authorities confirm 12 measles cases since the start of 2026, mostly linked to travel from Guatemala, and say ring vaccination and isolation are underway. Security Update: The BDF bomb squad safely recovered an undetonated M67 grenade in Corozal Town, and police continue investigations into how it ended up there. Local Economy & Skills: The IDB’s Talent-Up scholarships are training Belize’s digital workers in AI, cloud, and data analytics. Governance Watch: JPAC is preparing another Auditor General report for the House next month.

Health Spotlight: A new Commonwealth compendium launched in Geneva highlights how countries are pushing toward cervical cancer elimination through HPV vaccination, screening, treatment and care—even as budgets tighten. Tourism & Inclusion: A Caribbean tourism discussion in Belize is calling for a more inclusive approach, arguing travellers’ needs now go beyond “being seen” to feeling safe and catered for. Migration Pressure: A UNDP report says 32% across Latin America and the Caribbean intend to leave within three years, with lack of economic opportunity driving 58.4% of those plans; Belize is listed at 19% monetary poverty. Belize City Safety & Crime: The BDF bomb squad safely recovered an undetonated M67 grenade in Corozal, while police continue firearm and drug operations in Belize City and have charged suspects in the Unitedville murder case. Public Health Alert: Belize’s measles count since the start of 2026 is now at 12, with cases linked to travel from Guatemala and contact tracing/ring vaccination underway. Energy Bills: BEL says hotter seasonal temperatures are driving higher electricity use and urges customers to adjust habits like using fans and closing blinds.

Wellness Tourism Push: Travel and Tour World released its 2026 Top 30 Wellness Tourism Destinations for the Americas and Caribbean, spotlighting shorter, nature-based, flexible trips as travelers chase wellbeing without overspending. Electricity Bills Response: Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) says hotter seasonal weather is driving up cooling demand, and urges customers to use fans, circulate air, and close blinds during peak heat. Measles Alert: Belize’s Ministry of Health says there are 12 measles cases since the start of 2026, linked to travel from Guatemala, with ring vaccination and isolation underway. Public Safety Scare in Corozal: BDF bomb squad safely recovered an undetonated M67 grenade from C Street, with details still emerging. Crime and Accountability: An audit suggests $21,000 seized in 2023 may never have been deposited into the Queen Street exhibit room, raising chain-of-custody questions. Regional Climate Law: CARICOM welcomed UNGA adoption of an ICJ climate ruling, calling it a win for climate justice.

Public Safety Shock: BDF bomb squad safely defused a live M67 grenade after it was found in Corozal Town, with investigators now working out how it ended up there. Health Watch: Belize is tracking a measles flare-up—12 cases since the start of 2026, all linked to travel from Guatemala; contact tracing and ring vaccination are underway. Power Bills: BEL responded to customer complaints about unusually high electricity bills, blaming hotter seasonal temperatures pushing up AC and fridge use and urging simple habits like fans and closing blinds. Belize City Tourism Push: City Hall says it’s preparing for the Port of Belize cruise expansion, while also targeting sargassum along the coast. Crime & Courts: Two people, including a minor, were charged in the Unitedville murder tied to suspected drugs; police also charged a Belize City man after a firearm, ammo, and drugs were found during an SPU operation. Governance & Money: An audit raises questions over $21,000 missing from the Queen Street Police exhibit room—investigators now believe it may never have been properly deposited. Environment & Development: Tourism and conservation groups renewed pressure for a moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye.

ICJ Climate Push: CARICOM states welcomed the UN General Assembly’s adoption of a landmark ICJ advisory opinion on states’ climate obligations, with Belize speaking for AOSIS—another boost for climate justice at the global level. Health Alert: Belize confirmed a measles cluster, with 12 cases tied to travel from Guatemala; officials say ring vaccination and isolation are underway, including a school-linked case at a City primary school. Public Safety: The BDF bomb squad safely recovered a live M67 grenade in Corozal Town after an earlier scare, and authorities are still tracing how it ended up there. Police Accountability: An internal audit says $21,000 may never have been properly deposited into the Queen Street Police exhibit room after a 2023 seizure—raising new chain-of-custody questions. Security & Crime: Police charged two, including a minor, in the drug-related Unitedville murder of Allen Gongora, while Belize City continues firearm and drug operations. Local Development: Belize City is preparing for cruise port expansion after environmental approval, with officials saying consultations and infrastructure planning are moving ahead.

Aviation Anniversary: TACA Flight 110’s 1988 “miracle” engine-out landing near Michoud is being revisited as a former pilot returns to the site—an emergency that still stands out decades later. Tragedy in Orange Walk: A one-year-old boy died after being accidentally struck by his father’s vehicle in a Mennonite community; police are investigating and the case is headed to the DPP. Arts Leadership Shake-up: Wilma Theater is ending its three-leader artistic experiment and naming Lindsay Smiling as sole artistic director, with other co-leaders shifting roles. Environment vs. Development: Conservation and tourism groups are again pushing for stronger coastal protections, including a call for a moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye. Fuel Pain Continues: Government moves to cushion pump prices—while fuel tax cuts and margin changes are sparking fresh backlash and raising questions about lost revenue. Public Safety Push: Renewed calls for a national sex offenders registry are back in the spotlight.

Fuel Crisis Fallout: Government says the fuel tax squeeze is costing it millions monthly as landed fuel costs jump fast—regular gasoline up from $4.62 to $9.39 a gallon since January—while officials keep cutting taxes to blunt the pain at the pump. Mining & Mangroves: BTIA is demanding an immediate moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye, echoing conservation groups calling for a halt to approvals in sensitive areas. Public Safety—UXOs: BDF is destroying nearly 2,000 unexploded ordnances, but a new dispute has erupted with former UDP minister Elvin Penner over alleged removal of explosive materials and contested land inside the training area. Child Protection Push: PM Briceño backs a public national sex offenders registry, while the Special Envoy renews calls for faster action amid renewed allegations involving people in authority. Local Politics: Belize City’s mayoral race heats up as UDP candidate Jackie Willoughby declares her bid and Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller denies missing funds at CitCo and rejects nepotism claims. Regional Watch: NOAA forecasts a likely quieter hurricane season, but Belize is still urged to prepare.

Fuel Relief vs. Reality: Prime Minister John Briceño says government has already forgone about BZ$80 million in fuel taxes to ease pump prices, but warns it can’t absorb global fuel shocks without hurting key services like housing, education, and NHI. NHI Fight: Briceño also pushed back on UDP claims that the new NHI bill could lead to charges for basic care, saying there are no current plans to charge for basic NHI services—while critics warn contributions may come later. Gas Station Margin Clash: Government moved unilaterally to cut dealers’ margins for six months, converting the formula to a flat rate—sparking dealer backlash. Crime Update: Police say Joel Sierra died from acute respiratory failure after Saturday’s shooting, with toxicology pending; and Unitedville saw its third murder in three months, suspected drug-related. Health Watch: Belize reports 8 measles cases since the start of 2026, urging vigilance—especially for unvaccinated people near borders. Governance & Courts: The CCJ sent Andrew Bennett’s extradition hearings back to the High Court. Regional Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Denzil Douglas handed COFCOR chairmanship to Suriname’s foreign minister in Paramaribo.

Fuel & Cost of Living: The government has unilaterally cut gas-station dealer margins for the next six months, shifting the formula to a flat rate—sparking dealer backlash while the PM says the burden is shared. Health & Politics: The PM says the state is backing a “National School-based HPV Vaccination Programme” while avoiding a direct fight with the Catholic Church, and he also pushed back on UDP claims about NHI—calling it “National Hustle Insurance” and insisting any user contributions are “for the future.” Road Safety: Belmopan hosted the first day of a National Motorcycle Helmet Standards and Regulation Training Program to tighten what riders are actually using. Crime: Police are investigating the third murder in Unitedville in three months, with the latest killing suspected to be drug-related. Environment & Tourism: BTIA is calling for an immediate moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye, citing mounting damage fears. Regional/World: The UN General Assembly backed climate obligations tied to the ICJ’s landmark ruling, while WHO declared the Congo Ebola outbreak a global emergency.

Coast Guard Tragedy: Three sisters were found dead in the ocean near a popular tourist beach in England, and police say detectives are still probing what led to the deaths. UDP Infighting: Opposition Leader Tracy Panton says she’s focused on rebuilding the UDP, despite fresh public attacks from former UDP figures Shyne Barrow and Alberto August. Health Policy Clash: The UDP warns Belize’s proposed National Health Insurance law could push costs onto Belizeans directly, while critics question the role of private providers. Cost-of-Living Pressure: A new call is growing to eliminate income tax, arguing Belizeans are already squeezed by fuel, food, rent, and electricity costs. Regional Migration Fallout: St Kitts and Nevis confirmed the arrival of CARICOM nationals transferred from the US under a migration agreement, sparking debate over transparency and process. Public Health Alert: Belize reported 8 measles cases since the start of 2026, urging vigilance—especially among unvaccinated people and border communities. Belize City Council Enforcement: Council says it’s targeting reckless weekend driving after viral stunt footage on Princess Margaret Drive. Media Community Mourns: Reporter Aaron Humes has died at 39, with colleagues and family describing his impact on Belize journalism.

Health Alert: Belize’s Ministry of Health is urging vigilance after confirming 8 measles cases since the start of 2026, with more suspected cases under review. Officials say the risk is highest for unvaccinated people, especially those in or traveling through border communities, and they’re asking residents with fever and rash to contact a health centre or the hotline 0-800-MOH-CARE before visiting. Regional Migration: St. Kitts and Nevis has received its first group of US-transferred third-country nationals, including three CARICOM nationals from Jamaica and Belize, after the government stayed quiet until after arrival—sparking calls for more transparency. Belize City Council Enforcement: The council says it’s stepping up action against reckless driving stunts caught on video on Princess Margaret Drive. Public Life & Loss: Belize mourns journalist Aaron Humes, with tributes highlighting his impact and the strain the public controversy took on him.

Health Watch: Belize health authorities are urging vigilance after measles cases, as officials remind the public to stay alert for symptoms and follow guidance. Climate & Water: Belize Water Services is asking residents to start conserving now, warning that possible El Niño conditions could bring hotter weather and less rain, putting pressure on water supplies. Public Safety & Justice: Calls are growing for Belize to fully implement a long-delayed National Sex Offenders Registry, with advocates saying identities shouldn’t stay hidden while women and children remain at risk. Courts: The CCJ has sent the extradition fight involving Andrew Bennett back to Belize’s High Court, keeping the legal battle moving. Immigration Scrutiny: The Immigration Ministry is facing fresh questions after reports of missing monies and a separate push for a first national migration policy through consultations. Environment Pressure: Conservation groups are demanding a pause on approvals for development in sensitive marine and coastal areas, citing ongoing damage and weak enforcement. Regional Migration: St. Kitts and Nevis received its first group of CARICOM nationals transferred from the U.S., but the government’s late disclosure sparked public backlash.