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A significant leadership transition has officially commenced at the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), marking the dawn of a new strategic chapter for the nation’s maritime defense. In a formal ceremony attended by senior government officials, diplomatic corps members, and military representatives at BCG headquarters in Belize City, Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis formally assumed command on January 29, 2026.

Formerly serving as Vice-Commandant since 2019, Soberanis now shoulders the responsibility of steering the force’s future trajectory. The change-of-command ritual symbolized both continuity and evolution for an institution that began two decades ago with merely fifty personnel borrowed from the Belize Police Department and the Belize Defense Force’s Maritime Wing.

Under the foundational leadership of retired Brigadier General Cedric Borland, the BCG has matured into a professionally recognized maritime entity with expanded personnel, vessel inventory, operational responsibilities, and nationwide bases. The newly appointed Commandant emphasized that his career development within the organization has systematically prepared him for this leadership role, noting the importance of institutional investment in military officers to ensure command continuity.

Soberanis brings substantial international academic credentials to his new position, including graduation with honors from the prestigious United States Naval War College in 2016, where he received the Leadership Award for international students. He additionally holds a Master’s Degree in International Strategic Studies from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

The Rear Admiral outlined his vision for enhanced collaboration with both domestic and international partners, emphasizing that strengthened cooperation would increase effectiveness in addressing evolving maritime threats. He stressed commitment to maintaining organizational course while shifting cultural dynamics within the Coast Guard to better fulfill national responsibilities.

Prime Minister John Briceño expressed unequivocal confidence in Soberanis’s leadership capabilities, particularly noting his strong moral character and Christian principles as foundational attributes for service excellence. The ceremony also highlighted the crucial role of family support in military service, with Soberanis’s mother, Darlene Graham, recounting early signs of her son’s leadership destiny, and his sister, Judy Soberanis, traveling from the United States to witness this professional milestone.

The Belize Defense Force (BDF) commemorated its 48th anniversary with a historic leadership transition at Price Barracks on January 29, 2026. In a meticulously orchestrated ceremony at the Sir Colville Young Parade Square, Brigadier General Anthony Velasquez formally assumed command from outgoing leader Brigadier General Azariel Loria, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s military history.

The change of command ritual, deeply embedded in military tradition, featured precision marching formations and ceremonial music that underscored the significance of the transition. General Velasquez, who began his career as a private soldier in 1992, now commands Belize’s primary defense institution after three decades of service.

In his inaugural address, Commander Velasquez articulated his strategic vision: “To the soldiers of the Belize Defense Force—your discipline, courage, and sacrifice form the institutional backbone. I pledge to lead with integrity, clarity, and unwavering dedication. Together we will strengthen this force, protect our nation, and build a future worthy of Belize.”

Prime Minister John Briceño highlighted the BDF’s critical role in national security during his anniversary remarks: “The Force has demonstrated repeatedly that it rises to every challenge. When our northern frontier demanded heightened vigilance, the BDF responded decisively. Belize will always defend its borders.”

Outgoing Commander Loria reflected on his tenure since 2022, noting substantial achievements: “We secured priority in salaries and emoluments across all ranks while implementing systematic changes that improved our work ethic. These past four years demanded unprecedented effort, but that hard work has cultivated a positive evolution in our military culture.”

The leadership transition coincides with planned expansion efforts, as the BDF prepares to recruit 150 new soldiers to bolster its capabilities. This ceremonial transfer of authority represents both continuity and progression, with Velasquez committed to advancing institutional values while introducing fresh strategic perspectives to address Belize’s contemporary security challenges.

In a pivotal moment for Belize’s national security, Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis has assumed command of the nation’s Coast Guard amidst escalating maritime threats. The newly appointed Commandant faces a complex security landscape spanning both northern and southern territorial waters.

Northern maritime borders confront intensified drug trafficking operations, while southern waters experience persistent tensions with Guatemalan naval forces. Admiral Soberanis emphasized that safeguarding Belize’s territorial integrity and sovereignty represents his paramount mission objective.

The Commandant articulated his strategic approach during his inaugural address, stating: ‘Maintaining our national emblem at all forward operating bases, including Hunting Caye, remains non-negotiable. This visible presence fundamentally represents our sovereignty and national identity.’

Regarding ongoing tensions with Guatemala, particularly in the contentious Sarstoon River area, Soberanis clarified that operational decisions derive from higher governmental authority. ‘These strategic matters fall under the jurisdiction of our ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Coast Guard operationalizes policies determined by the Government of Belize in coordination with the Belize Defense Force.’

The Admiral emphasized that his forces will maintain assertive maritime presence without escalation. ‘Our mission centers on establishing and asserting Belize’s sovereign presence as directed by governmental mandate. We maintain continuous patrol operations to uphold sovereignty while avoiding unnecessary provocation.’

This leadership transition occurs alongside national reflection on Belize’s eight-year offshore oil moratorium, highlighting the interconnected nature of maritime security, resource management, and international relations in the region.

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE – Prime Minister John Briceño has publicly addressed the escalating controversy surrounding the proposed acquisition of Speednet by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), following a contentious Cabinet meeting with telecom executives that has ignited widespread public concern.

In a brief encounter with journalists on January 29, 2026, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to due process while facing pointed questions about growing opposition from multiple sectors. The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), the National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB), independent senators, and opposition parties have all voiced strong objections to the proposed consolidation.

Prime Minister Briceño clarified his position, stating, ‘I have consistently maintained that we reside in a democratic nation where peaceful protest represents a constitutional right, provided it remains within legal boundaries.’

When pressed about his perceived endorsement of the acquisition, Briceño offered a nuanced clarification: ‘My position has been mischaracterized. I have not publicly endorsed the deal but rather advocated for allowing the established process to proceed unimpeded. The BTL leadership presented their case to Cabinet for approximately two and a half hours, addressing all ministerial inquiries to our satisfaction.’

The Prime Minister highlighted the financial implications for national institutions, revealing a critical detail: ‘Social Security currently receives approximately a two percent return on its investment in BTL. Projections indicate this could increase to nine percent through industry consolidation, ultimately benefiting all contributors to the system.’

Briceño concluded by emphasizing the board’s fiduciary responsibilities and explicitly stated that BTL would not assume any of Speednet’s existing liabilities, characterizing the transaction as primarily involving cash flow assets. The Prime Minister terminated the questioning session, expressing frustration with what he characterized as media misinterpretation of his previous statements.

The Belizean government, under Prime Minister John Briceño, has initiated a significant regulatory overhaul of the nation’s telecommunications sector. New legislation is currently being drafted to establish price controls for both telecom and broadband services, responding directly to concerns raised by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). This regulatory intervention comes amid the proposed acquisition deal between BTL and Speednet, though the Prime Minister emphasized these consumer protection measures will proceed regardless of the merger’s outcome.

The regulatory framework aims to address market dominance concerns, with BTL currently controlling approximately 60% of telecommunications and 50% of broadband services. The Prime Minister stated that the primary objective is to prevent arbitrary price increases and ensure fair industry practices, noting that similar regulatory oversight already exists for utilities such as energy and water.

Regarding satellite internet services, Prime Minister Briceño addressed questions about Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture. While indicating he wasn’t aware of any recent license modification requests from the company, he clarified that Starlink services could be permitted in areas where local providers don’t currently offer coverage. These decisions would fall under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission, maintaining the government’s commitment to expanding internet access to underserved regions while protecting consumer interests.

In a significant diplomatic development, Belize is positioning itself to capitalize on Guyana’s remarkable economic metamorphosis fueled by its burgeoning oil sector. President Irfaan Ali of Guyana is scheduled to arrive in Belize this Sunday for an official state visit, marking a pivotal moment in Caribbean regional cooperation.

The visit represents a dramatic reversal of fortunes for Guyana, which Prime Minister John Briceño noted was once overlooked but now commands regional attention due to its petroleum discoveries. “It is kind of ironic because at one time nobody wanted to go to Guyana and now everybody wants to go to Guyana,” Briceño observed, drawing parallels between Guyana’s capital and Belize City during his previous visits in the mid-2000s.

The bilateral discussions will focus on concrete collaboration across multiple sectors including agricultural development, tourism enhancement, and educational exchange programs. While oil cooperation remains a potential regional discussion point, Briceño emphasized the immediate practical opportunities in non-energy sectors. The Prime Minister expressed nostalgia for regional energy initiatives like Petro Caribe while acknowledging the unlikelihood of such agreements resuming under current geopolitical circumstances.

This diplomatic engagement occurs against the backdrop of Belize’s own energy policy reflections, having maintained an offshore oil moratorium for eight years. The talks signal a strategic shift in Caribbean alliances as smaller nations seek to benefit from Guyana’s unprecedented economic ascent, which has transformed the country from a regional outsider to an economic powerhouse within the CARICOM community.

Prime Minister John Briceño has publicly addressed growing concerns regarding the unequal distribution of constituency development funds across Belize’s electoral districts. The controversy emerged after social activist Jerry Enriquez filed a freedom of information request seeking transparency in fund allocation and expenditure documentation.

The disclosure revealed that Briceño’s Orange Walk Central constituency receives the highest monthly allocation despite not being among the country’s largest voting districts. The Prime Minister explained that constituencies are categorized into three distinct tiers based solely on voter population metrics, with funding proportional to registered voter numbers.

Briceño emphasized the administration’s strict accountability protocols, stating that representatives must submit detailed receipts and spending reports before receiving subsequent allocations. He acknowledged that this requirement has caused dissatisfaction among some area representatives whose payments were withheld pending proper documentation.

Regarding his constituency’s elevated funding, the Prime Minister clarified that the additional resources address nationwide demands on his office, supporting initiatives spanning sports, education, and healthcare across multiple regions including Toledo and Belize City. He contrasted the current system with the previous administration’s approach, noting that opposition constituencies now receive funding whereas they previously received nothing.

On the delayed release of expenditure receipts, Briceño cited the overwhelming volume of documentation involving tens of thousands of individual receipts. While defending the administrative challenge, he extended an invitation for Enriquez to personally review the comprehensive records maintained by Cabinet Secretary offices.

The Prime Minister maintains that the allocation system reflects objective voter demographics rather than political favoritism, though transparency advocates continue calling for enhanced disclosure mechanisms regarding public fund distribution and utilization.