AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: BermudAir is expanding its winter network with new direct Belize routes from Boston, Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Sanford, and St. Petersburg/Tampa, plus added service to Turks and Caicos and Guatemala City—good news for Belize’s airlift and visitor growth. Coastal Development Oversight: The government has temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after public outcry in San Pedro and other communities, with a plan in the works involving environment, fisheries, mining, and health departments. Ambergris Caye Infrastructure: Plans for a proposed San Pedro International Airport are moving forward, with IDB-approved designs aligned to ICAO standards, aimed at boosting high-end tourism and regional connectivity. Fuel Price Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry renewed calls for temporary fuel tax relief as pump prices stay high; Prime Minister Briceño pushed back, calling the request “embarrassing.” Livestock Biosecurity: Belize held New World Screwworm preparedness training in Corozal, focusing on early detection and reporting to protect cattle and other livestock. Agriculture Risk Abroad: The first US New World Screwworm case in decades was confirmed in Texas, prompting quarantine and surveillance—an external threat Belize producers are watching closely. Digital Resilience: Belize ICT officials joined a regional workshop on digital resilience and “data embassies,” targeting secure data storage during crises. Food Policy & Health: A Caribbean webinar reviewed slow progress on healthy food policy and NCD targets, highlighting trade and climate pressures shaping diet-related disease outcomes.

Airlift & Tourism: Belize is scrambling to replace lost budget-carrier capacity as Spirit Air and JetBlue pull back, with the BTB in talks with Bermuda Air to add routes from Boston, Raleigh, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg and Orlando Sanford. Aviation Expansion: Bermuda Air also announced winter service growth that includes direct flights to Belize from multiple US cities starting Dec. 19, plus new Orlando Sanford operations and additional Caribbean connectivity. Ambergris Caye Infrastructure: Plans for a San Pedro International Airport are moving forward, with IDB acceptance of designs under ICAO standards and funding tied to Social Security Board land, aiming to boost high-end tourism and regional/private jet traffic. Coastal Environment: Government has temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas, including beach reclamation, while it develops a compliance-focused plan with San Pedro, Caye Caulker and other coastal communities. Livestock Biosecurity: Belize is running New World screwworm livestock training in Corozal and Sarteneja to improve detection and reporting, as Texas confirms the parasite and raises regional animal-health alarm. Fuel Price Pressure: The BCCI renewed calls for temporary fuel tax relief, while PM Briceño dismissed the appeal as “embarrassing,” arguing tax structure and international volatility drive pump prices. Labour Market: Officials say Belize faces a growing labour shortage across agriculture, construction and tourism, with businesses increasingly using work permits to fill gaps. Digital Resilience: Belize’s ICT ministry is represented at a regional workshop on data embassies to keep government services running during crises. Fisheries Enforcement: Coast Guard operations with partners net illegal fishing suspects near Gladden Spit, highlighting continued pressure on IUU activity.

Livestock & Biosecurity: Belize is training Corozal livestock producers and animal health staff to spot and report New World screwworm early, aiming to protect cattle and reduce outbreak risk. US Spillover Risk: Texas confirmed the first New World screwworm case in over six decades, with USDA quarantine and movement controls—an industry shock that could ripple into beef prices. Fuel Cost Politics: The PM pushed back hard on the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s renewed calls for more fuel tax relief, while BCCI continues pressing for temporary excise-duty cuts and tighter pass-through of global price drops. Coastal Development Controls: Government temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after public outcry, with new planning talks involving multiple agencies and coastal communities. Aviation & Tourism Growth: BermudAir announced winter route expansions that include direct Belize service from Boston plus new Central America links, while Belize’s tourism leaders convene regionally during Caribbean Week in New York. Infrastructure Watch: Reports say IDB-approved designs are moving forward for a potential San Pedro International Airport, raising big questions about readiness and capacity. Labor Market Pressure: Immigration officials say Belize is facing shortages across manual and skilled roles, with businesses increasingly seeking work permits and visas. Clean Energy for Fisheries: Canada-funded STAR-Fish is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including Belize, with a focus on cold chain and low-carbon certification. Marine-to-Textile Innovation: Belize-based Bloom to Business is partnering to turn sargassum into sustainable textiles, linking marine science with local workforce development.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: BermudAir announced major winter route expansion from North America, adding Belize and Guatemala City plus more Turks and Caicos service, with Boston set to offer the only nonstop Belize link—good news for travel-linked business planning. Coastal Development & Compliance: Belize’s government temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after public outcry, with talks involving environment, fisheries, and local councils aimed at tightening environmental compliance without shutting projects. Fuel Costs Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry renewed calls for urgent fuel relief, pushing for temporary tax cuts/excise reductions and a clearer pass-through of global price drops to pump prices. Inflation & Cost of Living: SIB reported April inflation up 2.9% year-on-year, with transportation costs rising sharply on diesel and food prices also climbing—raising pressure on household and SME margins. Labour Market Strain: Immigration officials say Belize is facing shortages across manual and skilled roles, with businesses increasingly seeking foreign workers via visas/work permits, especially impacting agriculture, tourism, and construction. Energy & Transport Modernization: UNDP’s e-mobility conference in Belmopan highlighted results from Belize’s electric bus pilot, pointing to long-term operating savings and lower energy costs. Blue Economy & Industry Innovation: A Belize initiative is training communities to turn sargassum into sustainable fiber and textiles, linking marine science with new production opportunities. Infrastructure Watch: Reports say IDB has approved designs for a proposed San Pedro International Airport, but readiness questions remain for the island’s next big step. Regional Fisheries Resilience: Canada-funded STAR-Fish clean energy work is scaling low-carbon upgrades for fisheries and aquaculture across Belize and other Caribbean countries. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on data embassies, with ICT officials discussing secure data storage and continuity planning for public services.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: BermudAir says it’s adding winter routes to Belize, Turks and Caicos and Guatemala City, with new nonstop options from multiple U.S. gateways, plus expanded service to Anguilla—another push for year-round regional airlift. Fuel Cost Pressure: Belize’s business lobby (BCCI) is renewing calls for temporary fuel tax relief and tighter pass-through of global price drops, arguing pump prices remain high and diesel users are hit hardest. Energy Transition & Transport: UNDP is sharing early results from Belize’s electric bus pilot in Belmopan, while regional energy talks keep spotlighting rising fuel costs and electrification. Construction & Labour Crunch: Immigration officials confirm labour shortages across agriculture, construction and tourism, with employers increasingly turning to work permits for both manual and skilled gaps. Inflation Watch: SIB reports April inflation up 2.9% year-on-year, driven by higher transport costs (diesel and gasoline) and food increases. Sargassum-to-Textiles: Belize-based “Bloom to Business” is partnering with marine science and textile networks to turn sargassum into sustainable fiber and create local jobs. Infrastructure for Ambergris Caye: Reports say IDB has approved designs for a proposed San Pedro International Airport, raising big opportunity questions about readiness and planning. Governance & Planning: San Pedro leaders move toward an urban planning committee as Cabinet approves a short moratorium on high-rise development in nearby coastal areas. Crime & Enforcement: Coast Guard operations net illegal fishing suspects near Gladden Spit, underscoring continued pressure on IUU fishing in southern waters.

Airport & Tourism Infrastructure: Reports say the IDB has approved designs for a proposed San Pedro International Airport on northern Ambergris Caye, with plans for domestic, regional international, charter and private-jet traffic—raising big questions about whether the island is ready for the scale of change. Tourism Industry Networking: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened June 1 with record ministerial and industry attendance, including Belize representation, as leaders push connectivity and resilience amid tougher global competition. Sargassum-to-Textiles: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network partnered with Belize’s Bloom to Business to train locals to collect and process sargassum into sustainable fiber and textile materials. Labour Market Pressure: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual and some skilled workers, with employers requesting visas/work permits as construction, agriculture and tourism feel the strain. Labour Law Modernization: The Labour Ministry is reviewing and revising Belize’s outdated Labour Act through stakeholder consultations. Cost of Living: SIB reports April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven by fuel, food, electricity and transport costs. Construction & Planning Controls: Cabinet approved a six-month high-rise moratorium in coastal hotspots, and San Pedro is moving toward an urban planning committee to curb haphazard development. Energy & Transport Transition: UNDP shared early results from Belize’s electric bus pilot, and officials say the long-term operating costs look promising. Crime & Enforcement: A joint operation led to the detention of three Honduran nationals for illegal fishing near Gladden Spit.

Caribbean Tourism in Focus: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1 with a record turnout of tourism ministers and commissioners, including expected Belize participation, as leaders push for stronger connectivity and a unified regional push to protect market share. Sargassum-to-Textiles Push: Belize City is seeing a new sustainability model as Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network partner to turn harmful sargassum into sustainable fiber, with local residents trained through the Bloom to Business initiative. Labour Crunch Hits Growth: Immigration and Labour officials say Belize is facing a growing shortage of manual workers and some skilled roles, with employers increasingly relying on imported labour—especially affecting construction, agriculture, and tourism. Minimum Wage Debate: A commentary warns that raising Belize’s minimum wage from $5 to $6 could backfire for small businesses already squeezed by fuel, electricity, and inflation. Inflation Watch: SIB reports April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven by higher transport, food, and electricity costs. Energy & Transport Moves: UNDP’s e-mobility conference in Belmopan highlighted Belize’s electric bus pilot results, while Cabinet approved measures tied to hurricane readiness and public transport modernization. Construction & Planning Pressure: San Pedro is moving toward an urban planning committee as authorities respond to rapid expansion and development concerns. Agriculture Revival Efforts: The Agriculture Ministry is working to revive citrus and is distributing supplies to southern farmers to boost food production and reduce input costs.

Digital Resilience & Data Sovereignty: Turks and Caicos Minister E. Jay Saunders will represent the region at an ECLAC-led policy dialogue in Belize on June 3, focused on protecting critical government data and keeping public services running during cyberattacks and disasters. Electric Mobility & Power Transition: UNDP hosted an e-mobility conference in Belmopan sharing results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot, while COP-31 president-designate Murat Kurum urged faster, wider electrification to cut fossil fuel dependence. Inflation & Cost Pressures: SIB reports April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven mainly by transport (diesel and gasoline jumps), plus higher food, electricity, and restaurant services. Labour & Skills Crunch: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual workers hitting construction, agriculture, tourism support and more, with employers increasingly importing labour; the Labour Ministry also moves to modernize the outdated Labour Act. Public Transport Modernization: Cabinet approved hurricane and transport measures, including a concession framework aimed at modernizing the bus industry; the Belize Bus Association says it was left out of the EV bus pilot rotation. Agriculture Revival: The Agriculture Ministry is pushing to revive citrus and is distributing fertilizer, fruit trees and planting materials in southern districts to boost food production. Hurricane Readiness: With Atlantic hurricane season starting June 1, Belizean authorities urged households and businesses to update emergency plans and supplies. Tourism & Development Planning: San Pedro leaders are pushing for an urban planning committee as growth accelerates, alongside broader coastal development controls.

Electric Mobility in Belmopan: UNDP hosted an E-Mobility Data Insights conference in Belmopan, sharing results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot (five buses on city and highway routes) and pointing to long-term cost and environmental gains. Inflation Watch: The Statistical Institute of Belize says April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven mainly by transport (diesel up to $14.68/gal), plus higher food and electricity costs. Hurricane Season Prep: With the Atlantic season starting June 1, Belize’s NMS and NEMO urged households and businesses to update emergency plans and supplies as forecasts call for 8–14 named storms. Labour Crunch: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual and some skilled workers, pushing employers to import labour; the Ministry of Labour is also modernizing the outdated Labour Act. Public Transport Modernization: Cabinet approved measures including a concession framework to modernize the bus system, while the Belize Bus Association says it was left out of the EV bus pilot rotation. Agriculture Push: The Agriculture Ministry is moving to revive citrus and is distributing fertilizer and planting materials in southern districts to boost food production. Urban Planning for San Pedro: Authorities are moving toward an urban planning committee for San Pedro to curb haphazard high-rise and dock-related development. Energy Reliability: BEL reminded customers that brief storm-related power interruptions can be part of its protection system, and urged reporting outages via its app or hotline. Conservation Update: Friends for Conservation and Development opened a new ranger base near the Guacamallo bridge to support ongoing research in protected areas.

Ocean & High Seas Cooperation: Rapa Nui hosted Pacific voyaging leaders and scientists to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate marine conservation, with Belize among participating countries. Electric Mobility in Belmopan: UNDP convened an e-mobility conference sharing results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot, aimed at cutting long-term operating costs and emissions. Energy & Cost Pressure: SIB reported April inflation at 2.9%, driven mainly by transport fuel hikes and higher electricity costs; BEL also reminded customers how storm-related outages work and how to report them fast. Labour & Business Operations: Belize faces a growing shortage of manual workers, pushing employers to import labour while skilled gaps persist; the Labour Ministry is also moving to modernize the outdated Labour Act. Public Transport Modernization: Cabinet approved measures including a concession framework for bus modernization, while the Belize Bus Association says it was left out of the EV bus pilot rotation. Agriculture Push: Government is working to revive citrus and is distributing fertilizer and planting materials in southern districts to boost food production. Hurricane Readiness: With Atlantic season starting June 1, authorities urged households and businesses to update plans and supplies.

Labour & Immigration: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual workers, with employers increasingly importing labour for construction, agriculture and tourism as skilled Belizeans pursue better pay overseas; the Labour Ministry is also moving to modernize the outdated Labour Act through a multi-sector review workshop. Cost of Living & Energy: Inflation rose to 2.9% in April, driven largely by transport costs and higher fuel prices, while BEL says electricity bills are climbing because Belize imports over half its power from Mexico and costs are passed through to consumers. Hurricane Readiness: With the 2026 Atlantic season starting June 1, Cabinet approved hurricane and transport measures and authorities urged households and businesses to update emergency plans. Construction & Planning: San Pedro is pushing for an urban planning committee to curb haphazard development, following Cabinet’s six-month high-rise moratorium in coastal communities. Agriculture: The Agriculture Ministry is working to revive the citrus industry and is distributing fertilizer, fruit trees and planting materials to southern farmers to boost yields and cut input costs. Public Health & Youth: The Drug Control Council is running a National Tobacco Youth Forum to curb smoking and vaping among young people, and MOHW launched a 2026–2030 community health strategy with UNICEF support. Transport Modernization: The Belize Bus Association says it was left out of an EV bus pilot rotation and wants a seat at the testing process. Coastal Challenge: Sargassum remains a major problem for San Pedro, with residents urging better collection solutions before another heavy season hits.

Conservation & Land Use: Friends for Conservation and Development has relocated its ranger base to an area near the Guacamallo bridge to better support research in Chiquibul National Park and Mountain Pine Ridge. Urban Planning: San Pedro is moving toward an urban planning committee after Cabinet approved a six-month high-rise moratorium in nearby coastal communities, aiming to curb haphazard growth and protect infrastructure. Labour & Migration: Belize is seeing a growing manual labour shortage as employers increasingly rely on migrant workers, while skilled gaps—especially in health—remain. Labour Law Reform: The Labour Ministry is consulting on modernizing the outdated Labour Act to better match today’s workplace realities. Cost of Living: April inflation rose to 2.9%, driven most by transport costs and higher fuel, plus food and electricity pressures. Hurricane Readiness: Authorities are urging Belizeans to prepare for the June 1 start of the Atlantic season, even with a slightly below-normal forecast. Agriculture: Government is pushing to revive citrus and is distributing fertilizer and planting materials in southern districts to boost food production. Transport Modernization: The Belize Bus Association wants a seat in the electric bus pilot, saying independent operators have been left out. Public Utilities: BEL electricity bills are rising partly because Belize imports over half its power from Mexico, with costs passed through to consumers.

Labour & Skills Crunch: Belize is seeing a growing shortage of manual workers, with construction, agriculture, services and tourism all reporting vacancies they can’t fill, pushing demand for work permits and visa approvals. Labour Law Modernization: The Ministry of Labour is convening stakeholders to update Belize’s outdated Labour Act, aiming for a fairer, more current framework for workers and employers. Cost of Living Pressure: April inflation hit 2.9%, driven hardest by transport costs after diesel and gasoline jumped; food and electricity also rose, and dining out is getting pricier. Electricity Bills Explained: Public Utilities says higher bills are tied to increased consumption during the dry-season heat and Belize’s reliance on imported power from Mexico. Hurricane Readiness: Cabinet approved measures ahead of the June 1 start of the Atlantic season, urging households and businesses to refresh emergency plans. Agriculture Push: The Agriculture Ministry is distributing fertilizer, fruit trees and planting materials in southern districts, while also moving to revive the citrus industry. BPO Workplace Focus: The Labour Ministry is seeking stronger oversight and collaboration with the BPO sector amid complaints about call-centre working conditions. Transport Modernization Tension: The Belize Bus Association wants a role in the electric bus pilot, saying independent operators have been left out of hands-on testing. San Pedro Hospital Delays & Costs: Construction is progressing but costs are rising beyond the original Taiwan-funded budget, raising questions about who covers overruns. Coastal Challenge: Sargassum remains a major threat for San Pedro, with officials warning this year could be as bad as last year.

Labour & Immigration: Belize is dealing with a growing shortage of manual and some skilled workers, with the Labour Ministry saying employers across agriculture, construction, services and tourism are struggling to fill vacancies and are increasingly relying on work permits. Labour Law Reform: The Ministry of Labour is moving to modernize the outdated Labour Act through a stakeholder workshop aimed at updating workplace rules and protections for today’s workforce. Cost of Living: April inflation rose 2.9% year-on-year, driven hardest by transport costs (fuel jumps) and also higher food, electricity and restaurant services. Hurricane Readiness: With the 2026 Atlantic season starting June 1, Cabinet approved disaster-prep and transport measures, while authorities urged families and businesses to refresh emergency plans. Agriculture Push: The Agriculture Ministry is intensifying efforts to revive citrus and is distributing fertilizer, fruit trees and planting materials in southern districts to boost yields and cut input costs. BPO Workplace Focus: The Labour Ministry is seeking stronger partnership with the BPO sector amid public complaints about call-centre working conditions, with more inspections planned. Transport Modernization: The Belize Bus Association wants a bigger role in the electric bus pilot, arguing independent operators were left out of hands-on testing. Energy Bills: Public Utilities says higher electricity bills are tied to increased use during the dry season and Belize’s reliance on imported power from Mexico. Construction Watch: San Pedro’s new general hospital is moving forward but costs are rising beyond the original Taiwan grant, raising questions about who covers the difference.

Public Health & Rural Services: MOHW and UNICEF rolled out Belize’s first national community health strategy (2026–2030), aiming to better support community health workers and strengthen care beyond clinics. Labor & Immigration: Immigration and Labor officials say Belize’s labor crisis is hitting nearly every sector, with employers importing workers as Belizeans emigrate for better opportunities—sparking fairness concerns. Transport Costs & Inflation: Diesel and gasoline jumps pushed April inflation to 2.9%, with transport the biggest driver and fuel-linked pressures spilling into food and housing costs. Electric Buses: The Belize Bus Association says it was left out of the EV bus pilot’s operator testing phase and wants direct participation to assess charging, maintenance, range, and real operating costs. Energy Bills Explained: Public Utilities CEO says higher dry-season electricity bills are tied to increased consumption and Belize importing over half its power from Mexico, where costs pass through. Construction & Funding Pressure: San Pedro’s new general hospital is moving, but rising materials and labor mean the Taiwan-funded $33M may not cover completion costs—raising questions on who pays the difference. Coastal & Tourism Stress: Sargassum remains a major San Pedro challenge, while tourism leaders back a temporary moratorium on mining/dredging in sensitive hotspots.

San Pedro Hospital Costs & Delays: Belize Rural South Area Rep Andre Perez says the new San Pedro General Hospital is still moving, but rising construction prices mean the Taiwan-funded $33M grant may not cover the final bill, with the remaining amount to be determined after talks with Taiwan. Tourism & Mining Pressure: Minister Andre Perez backs a temporary moratorium aimed at cooling mining/dredging and high-rise approvals in tourism hotspots like Placencia, Ambergris Caye, Hopkins, Caye Caulker and Sittee Bight, while agencies coordinate on beach claims and dock access. Electric Buses Pilot: The Belize Bus Association is asking to be included directly in the next phase of the electric bus pilot, arguing operators need hands-on experience with charging, maintenance, routes and costs—not just reports. Energy Costs: OLACDE’s meeting with Belize’s energy ministry focused on why fuel-linked electricity and imported power costs keep spiking, urging households to prepare for continued volatility. Digital Skills for Work: BELTRAIDE and the IDB Talent-Up program launched AI, cloud and data analytics scholarships for Belize’s digital workforce. Livestock Upgrade: Northern Belize ranchers trial Japanese Akaushi genetics via imported semen, aiming to build premium beef potential for niche export markets. Sustainable Ocean Plan: Belize’s Draft Sustainable Ocean Plan is open for public review, mapping marine zones for fishing, tourism, shipping and conservation. Road Safety: Transport Dept rolls out helmet safety standards with FIA Foundation support. Port of Belize Expansion: PM Briceño says government is optimistic about modernizing and expanding the Port of Belize, including talks with cruise lines and investors. Fuel Affordability: New regional comparisons place Belize among the hardest-hit CARICOM countries for gasoline affordability versus wages.