Daily Online News (2026)

02/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Ministry of Agriculture Hosts Exchange Program for Southern Farmers in Cayo District

Belmopan, April 1, 2026.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries, through the Department of Co-operatives, held an agricultural exchange program on Monday, March 30, 2026, in the Cayo District, bringing together farmers from the Stann Creek District. The initiative aimed to strengthen knowledge-sharing and expose southern farmers to modern agricultural production systems and technologies.
The program opened with remarks from Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and New Growth Industries, and Hon. Alex Balona, Minister of State, who underscored the Government’s commitment to policies that drive job creation, improve livelihoods, and boost GDP and foreign exchange earnings.
Highlights of the exchange included:
• Sayab Farmers’ Co-operative Society Limited: Farmers toured cover-structure production systems and processing facilities, observing value-added practices and marketing strategies. Crops included lettuce, kale, herbs, and sweet peppers, with produce distributed to major markets such as San Ignacio, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and Belize City.
• Oxmul Farmers’ Co-operative: Participants witnessed open-field systems enhanced by plastic mulching, drip irrigation, fertigation, and smart agriculture sensor technology. Crops such as cantaloupes, papayas, and watermelons showcased how modern methods deliver higher productivity and improved returns.
• Maya Green Growers Co-operative: Farmers observed peanut and carrot cultivation and saw a carrot washer in action. “This machine does the work of three farmers,” noted the chairman, emphasizing how co-operative philosophy strengthens member commitment and bonds.
• San Antonio Women’s Co-operative Society: Over a working lunch, members shared their journey from a small chicken project to a medium-sized enterprise, highlighting diversification and resilience.
• Agro-processing Unit, Central Farm: The laboratory team presented innovative products, including a new plantain, cassava, and cheese-based item introduced by Dr. Maria Yacab, with strong potential in Belize’s local market.
Southern farmers expressed enthusiasm for the innovations and co-operative models demonstrated. Many confirmed their continued interest in formalizing and registering new co-operatives in the near future.

This is Kristian Swasey reporting for Daily Online News.

02/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Cabinet Brief

Belmopan, April 1, 2026.

The Cabinet met on 31st March 2026.
• Cabinet gave its approval to impose a one-year moratorium on the issuance of new licenses to use the 66-foot reserve and seabed to construct docks/piers and overwater structures in coastal/marine urban and coastal/marine peri-urban areas. This moratorium is to allow the Government to undertake a comprehensive nationwide inventory of existing structures and review and strengthen the regulatory framework to enhance monitoring, compliance, and enforcement mechanisms for effective management of the reserve and seabed.
• Cabinet gave its endorsement of a Water Sector Adaptation Plan for Belize and approved a roadmap to prioritize the necessary actions and implementation strategy to identify vulnerabilities, gaps, and priority actions to develop a 10-year programme to include all pertinent ministries and sectors.
• Cabinet gave its approval to consolidate the National Adaptation Plans of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Health, Fisheries, and Coastal Zone into a single Multisectoral National Plan aimed at addressing escalating climate risks, safeguarding development gains, and building long-term resilience. This will strengthen Belize’s capacity to identify and address climate risks in a coordinated manner while embedding climate resilience at the core of Belize’s national development planning, allowing for enhanced access to climate finance.
• Cabinet gave its approval for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade to sign the Protocol amending Article 84 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which underpins trade in goods within the CSME, including the list of conditions to be complied with and the rules that must be satisfied for goods to qualify as being of Community origin. Furthermore, Cabinet authorized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade to seek the ratification of the protocol from the Senate.
• Cabinet approved the inclusion of aviation personnel on the approved list of skills categories under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Cabinet directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade to notify the CARICOM Secretariat of this decision and to coordinate with the Immigration Department and the relevant aviation authorities to ensure this decision is reflected in national administrative procedures with respect to the issuing of CSME Skills Certificates.
• Cabinet gave its approval of proposed modifications to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Belize Compact, including the reallocation of US$20 million of MCC Funding from the Education Project to the Energy Project. In addition, the Government committed to provide counterpart financing to support the Compact.
• Cabinet endorsed a proposal for the Government of Belize to partner with the Institute of Innovation and Growth and the Global Event Partners to host the first Belize International Energy forum in September 2026. This Forum will bring stakeholders together to explore low-carbon development strategies aimed at achieving high shares of renewable electricity generation within a decade.
• On 17th March 2026, Cabinet gave its support and approval of a Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Country Work Programme. This pivotal, actionable roadmap will be designed to integrate disaster risk management into every facet of national development by establishing a comprehensive, multi-year strategy to enhance Belize’s ability to plan, implement, and monitor disaster risk management initiatives. This Work Programme is for the period 2026 to 2030.
• Cabinet was apprised of the status of the technical review of the recommendations submitted by the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC), which outlined a structured methodology to ensure that the recommendations from the PCC are defined and legally assessed in a roadmap for appropriate constitutional reform.
• Finally, Cabinet wishes all Belizeans a safe and happy Easter.

Alan Costa reports for Daily Online News.

02/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Government and JUNT Advance Discussions on Public Service Modernization and Efficiency

Belmopan, April 1, 2026.

On Monday, March 30, 2026, the Government’s Union Consultation Team, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Cordel Hyde, met with representatives from the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), the Public Service Union (PSU), and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers (APSSM) under the Joint Union Negotiating Team (JUNT) to continue dialogue on priority reforms within the public service.
Key areas of discussion included initiatives to strengthen human resource management within the public service, as well as updates on the Inter-American Development Bank-supported Civil Service Modernization Project, which seeks to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery across government.
The meeting also reviewed reports from the Committee for Enhanced Efficiency in Revenue Collection and the Committee to Evaluate and Advise on Cost-Saving Measures. These reports guided discussions on improving revenue performance and identifying targeted, sustainable cost-saving strategies within government operations.
Union representatives were given the opportunity to raise concerns affecting their respective memberships. Both sides engaged in constructive dialogue on practical approaches to address these matters and identify pathways toward resolution.
The meeting reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to collaboration with Belize’s labour unions in strengthening and modernizing the public service.

This is Erica Riveroll reporting for Daily Online News.

02/04/2026

OFFICIAL NOTICE TO ALL FISHERS

IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF QUEEN CONCH (STROMBUS GIGAS) HARVESTING

April 1, 2026

The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs the fishing community that, in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012, Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, has declared that the Queen Conch fishing season 2025–2026 will officially close at the end of business on April 6, 2026.
To ensure compliance with this process, ALL fishers are advised of the following:
• All wild harvesting of Queen Conch must cease effective immediately.
• All fishers currently at sea must return to the mainland to deliver their products to authorized points of sale or cooperatives no later than Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Any person found in possession of Queen Conch meat after April 6, 2026, will be charged and prosecuted in a Court of Law in accordance with the Fisheries Regulations.
The Queen Conch fishery will remain closed until the commencement of the next season on October 1, 2026. We thank you for your cooperation and continued commitment to the sustainable management of Belize’s fisheries resources.

Daily Online News, this is Josue Teichroeb reporting.

02/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Belize Engages CARICOM and Global Partners at WTO MC14

Belmopan, April 1, 2026.

Belize participated in the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC14), held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from March 26–30, 2026, where it actively advanced its national and regional trade priorities within a challenging global trade environment. The delegation was led by H.E. Dr. Harold Young, Belize’s Permanent Representative to the WTO, with support from Mr. Andy Sutherland, Director General for Foreign Trade, and Mr. Berisford Codd, Senior Trade Economist. The team coordinated closely with the CARICOM Ministerial caucus, while also engaging within the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group.
At the margins of the Conference, Belize held several bilateral meetings with key partners, including Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan. These engagements provided opportunities to deepen cooperation, explore market access issues, and reinforce Belize’s commitment to constructive dialogue within the multilateral trading system.
Conference outcomes reflected the increasingly multipolar nature of global trade relations, which limited consensus on several longstanding negotiating issues. While some progress was recorded on fisheries subsidies and elements of special and differential treatment, significant concerns remain unresolved for small and vulnerable economies such as Belize, particularly in the areas of agriculture, e-commerce, intellectual property, and WTO reform.
Belize placed particular emphasis on the need for transparent, predictable, and enforceable trade rules that support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Strengthening these rules is critical to enabling Belizean firms to participate more effectively in international trade, diversify exports, and create sustainable employment opportunities at home.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade notes that while MC14 did not deliver all the outcomes sought by developing countries, it nonetheless provided an important platform for Belize to assert its interests, build alliances, and contribute constructively to ongoing discussions on WTO reform. Belize will continue to work with CARICOM partners and other like-minded members to strengthen dispute settlement, enhance transparency, and embed development considerations in future reform efforts.
Looking ahead, Belize remains committed to export diversification and market expansion as key pillars of its trade strategy. These efforts will be pursued in tandem with domestic trade policy reviews to ensure that Belizean producers and exporters are well positioned to navigate an evolving global trade landscape.

This is Rosa Lewis reporting for Daily Online News

31/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Presentation of Credentials

Belmopan, March 30, 2026.

Today, Governor-General H.E. Dame Froyla Tzalam received Letters of Credence from two newly appointed ambassadors to Belize.
H.E. Amino C. Y. Chi, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and H.E. Ana Luisa Vallejo Barba, Ambassador of the United Mexican States, presented their credentials at the Belize House in Belmopan.
The ambassadors each expressed their hopes of forging stronger bonds with Belize during their tenure. The Governor-General extended a warm welcome to the diplomats and conveyed well-wishes on behalf of the people of Belize.

This is Julie Hardwick reporting for Daily Online News.

28/03/2026

Belize Tourism Board and BELTRAIDE Sign Memorandum of Agreement to Strengthen Tourism Investment Collaboration

Belize City, Belize, March 27, 2026 — The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) have officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to enhance collaboration in driving tourism investment and strengthening Belize’s economic development framework.
The agreement establishes a structured partnership between the two agencies, focused on improving data sharing, aligning investment promotion efforts, and delivering a more seamless, coordinated experience for investors interested in Belize’s tourism sector.
Under the MOA, BTB will provide verified data on tourism accommodations, licensing, and compliance, while BELTRAIDE will leverage this information to support investor inquiries, identify emerging opportunities, and lead targeted investment engagement initiatives. The partnership also outlines joint outreach efforts, including coordinated investor missions, co-developed promotional materials, and shared stakeholder engagement.
Speaking on the significance of the agreement, Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director of BELTRAIDE, stated, “Today’s agreement between the Belize Tourism Board and BELTRAIDE strengthens how we align tourism and investment, creating a more coordinated, data-driven approach to attract quality investment and ensure a supportive investor experience. Ultimately, this MOA is about building a more connected Belize where tourism and investment are not separate conversations, but part of one unified vision for sustainable economic growth.”
Director of Tourism, Evan Tillett, also emphasized the importance of the collaboration:
“This partnership represents a strategic step forward in how we position Belize as a premier investment destination. By aligning our efforts with BELTRAIDE, we are enhancing our ability to provide accurate market insights, improve regulatory oversight, and create a more investor-ready tourism sector that supports sustainable growth and national development.”
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Belize’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its tourism ecosystem and attract high-quality investments that benefit both the industry and the wider economy.

This is Ramon Tun reporting for Daily Online News.

28/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Belize and the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico, Hold High-Level Meeting to Strengthen Ties

Belmopan, March 27, 2026.

High-level delegations representing the Government of Belize and the Mexican State of Quintana Roo met in Belize City on March 26, 2026, to reaffirm their commitment to regional cooperation and strategic partnership. The meeting focused on advancing shared priorities and revising and updating the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Belize and the Mexican State of Quintana Roo.
The discussions centered on several key pillars of the bilateral relationship, most notably investment promotion coordination to attract synchronized factories in Belize and Quintana Roo, and the integration of the Tren Maya infrastructure with Belizean transport networks and the Port of Belize Project.
Key highlights of the meeting included:
1. Updates on the Memorandum of Understanding between Belize and Quintana Roo;
2. Development of synchronized factories and an investment promotion strategy to supply the CARICOM market;
3. Development of logistics and secondary transformation industries between Quintana Roo and Belize;
4. Presentations on beach protection against erosion and best practices on the prevention of gender-based violence in Quintana Roo;
5. Industrial opportunities in energy, agribusiness, and agro-processing;
6. Belize-Mexico Friendship Week; and
7. Best practices for mangrove reforestation.
The collaboration between the Government of Belize and the State of Quintana Roo will facilitate meaningful business collaboration between the private sectors of both parties, promising easier information-sharing and providing greater business opportunities within a short time. These opportunities will range from tourism and cultural exchange to agroindustry, education, customs services, and other important business-related activities that closely link Belize and Quintana Roo.
Present at the meeting were Hon. Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs; Hon. Marconi Leal Jr., Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Trade; Mrs. Narda Garcia, Chief Executive Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, Investment and Civil Aviation; Mrs. Adele Catzim-Sanchez, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, and H.E. Oscar Arnold, Ambassador of Belize to Mexico.
The Mexican delegation included Ingeniero Artemio Santos Santos, Coordinador General de Asesores, Coordinación General de Asesores del Despacho de la Gobernadora; Maestro Antonio Benitez Dominguez, Subsecretario de Desarrollo Económico, Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico; and Dr. Pedro Citlac Chargoy Loustaunau, Asesor, Coordinación General de Asesores del Despacho de la Gobernadora.
Representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Corozal Free Zone Management Agency, the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sport and Diaspora Relations, the Immigration Department, the Government of Belize Press Office, the Economic Development Council (EDC), BELTRAIDE, and NICH were also present.
The meeting concluded with a site visit to the Port of Belize. Both delegations reiterated their dedication to ensuring that the benefits of regional growth are felt by the citizens of both Belize and Mexico.

This is Eric J. Sanchez reporting for Daily Online News!

28/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

GOB Engages Consultant for Comprehensive Review of the Labour Act

Belmopan, March 27, 2026.

The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour, is pleased to announce the engagement of Trinity Consultancy Services Firm to undertake Phase I of the Comprehensive Review of the Labour Act (Cap. 297, Revised Edition 2020).
This important initiative forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to modernizing Belize’s labour legislation to reflect current labour market realities, align with international labour standards, and strengthen protections for both workers and employers.
The consultancy, which officially commences on March 27, 2026, will focus on conducting a Legal and Institutional Gap Analysis of the existing Labour Act and related legislation. This phase will assess gaps, inconsistencies, and enforcement challenges, while identifying priority areas for reform.
The review comes at a critical time, as Belize continues to respond to evolving workplace dynamics, including new forms of employment, technological advancements, and the need for stronger occupational safety and health frameworks. It also supports Belize’s obligations under ratified International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions and aligns with national development priorities, including the Decent Work Country Programme (2024–2029).
The consultancy will be implemented over a four-month period and will involve engagement with key stakeholders, including government agencies, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and social partners, in keeping with the principles of tripartism and social dialogue.
Ms. Tanya Santos, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour, emphasized the significance of this milestone:
“This review represents a critical step in ensuring that Belize’s labour legislation is modern, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of today’s workforce and economy. We are committed to a transparent and consultative process that strengthens our labour administration and promotes decent work for all.”
The Labour Department, under the leadership of the Labour Commissioner, will manage and oversee the consultancy in collaboration with the Labour Act Review Committee and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The Government of Belize looks forward to the successful completion of this phase and the continued advancement of labour law reform in Belize.

This is Nikki Moore reporting for Daily Online News.

28/03/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Transportation of Bridge Truss Members

March 27, 2026

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, through its construction contractor for the Santa Familia Bridge Construction Project, M&M Engineering Consultants Ltd., informs the general public of the transportation of extra-wide and oversized bridge truss segments. The trusses will leave from Cayo Steel in Georgeville and travel to Santa Familia Village via the George Price Highway to the Spanish Lookout Roundabout, then onto the Spanish Lookout Road to Duck Run 1 and then Billy White. This will occur in two trips scheduled for Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, 2026, starting at 7:00 a.m. on both days.
The public is advised to be vigilant and exercise extreme caution when approaching and navigating past the heavy equipment transporting these structural steel trusses. The extra-wide load is approximately 22 feet at its widest point; therefore, it will take up almost the entire width of the highway. Opposite direction traffic will be required to pull off the road. Drivers are asked to be on the lookout for flashing lights, to reduce speed, to heed the warnings put in place, and to follow the instructions of the escorts.
Finally, all drivers are encouraged to abide by transport and safety precautions and to always exercise due care and attention.

This is Kimberly Chi reporting for Daily Online News!

28/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Belize and Guyana Sign MoU to Strengthen Cooperation in Forest Conservation and Climate Resilience

Belmopan, March 27, 2026.

The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to strengthen cooperation in the conservation, sustainable management, and protection of forests.
This agreement brings together two Caribbean Community mainland states with significant tropical forest resources, both playing a vital role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and building resilience to climate change.
“This Memorandum of Understanding strengthens our partnership with Guyana and our capacity to conserve biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and advance sustainable development, while creating opportunities in carbon markets and climate finance,” said Minister Orlando Habet.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration, focusing on:
Forest conservation and sustainable management
Biodiversity protection and ecosystem integrity
Climate change resilience and adaptation
Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems
Exploration of carbon market opportunities
The Government of Belize and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana face common challenges, including deforestation, illegal logging, land use change, wildfires, and the increasing impacts of climate change. Through this partnership, both countries will address these challenges through coordinated action, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
Under this Memorandum, the two countries will collaborate through:
Joint initiatives to strengthen forest management and conservation
Sharing of technical expertise, data, and best practices
Strengthening monitoring, surveillance, and MRV systems
Promoting sustainable livelihoods, including for Indigenous peoples and local communities
Enhancing access to climate finance and international support
Advancing research, innovation, and institutional capacity
The cooperation also emphasises inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that efforts support communities while respecting traditional knowledge and cultural practices.
The implementation of the MoU will be supported through designated national focal points and may include the establishment of a Technical Working Group.
The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management reaffirms its commitment to strengthening climate resilience, conserving Belize’s natural resources, and advancing strategic partnerships that support sustainable development and environmental integrity.

This is Aries Taiti reporting for Daily Online News!

28/03/2026

Press Release

CLOSURE OF THE QUEEN CONCH FISHING SEASON

March 27, 2026

The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers and the public that, in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012, Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, has declared the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery closed at the close of business on April 6, 2026. This is necessary due to the realization of the Queen Conch Production Quota for the 2025-2026 fishing season.
The fishing community is advised that all conch fishing activities shall cease as of this date until the opening of the next fishing season on October 1, 2026. The Belize Fisheries Department further advises all establishments and the public to use, consume, and dispose of all Queen Conch meat in their possession on or before April 6, 2026. Any person or establishment found in possession of Queen Conch after April 6, 2026, will be charged and prosecuted in a court of law in accordance with the Fisheries Regulations.
The Fisheries Department advises the public to report any illegal fisheries activity by calling telephone number 224-4552

This is Amanda Lamb for Daily Online News.

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