A historic leadership transition has concluded at one of Belize’s most important correctional facilities, bringing a close to nearly a quarter-century of steady governance. After 24 years at the helm, Virgilio Murillo has stepped down as chief executive of the Kolbe Foundation, the non-governmental entity that manages Belize Central Prison through a long-standing public-private partnership with the national government. On May 19, 2026, George Gomez officially assumed the role of CEO, marking a new chapter for the country’s largest correctional institution.
The handover between the two leaders did not happen abruptly. It was the final outcome of a carefully planned four-month transition process designed to ensure continuity of operations and a smooth transfer of responsibilities. Both the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise and the Kolbe Foundation’s Board of Directors have publicly lauded Murillo’s transformative impact on the prison system over his 24-year tenure. Under his leadership, the facility saw widespread reforms that improved both institutional management and inmate conditions, reshaping what was once considered a struggling correctional system into one aligned with modern correctional practices.
Moving forward, Gomez has made clear that his core priorities as the new CEO will center on expanding evidence-based rehabilitation programs and strengthening reintegration support for incarcerated individuals preparing to rejoin society after completing their sentences. To preserve institutional memory and ensure ongoing access to Murillo’s decades of expertise, the foundation has named him CEO Emeritus. He will remain actively involved with the organization in the new role of Special Advisor to the Board of Directors, providing guidance and insight as the new leadership pursues its reform agenda. This transition reflects the foundation’s commitment to balancing institutional continuity with forward-looking progress in correctional services.