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In a significant diplomatic engagement, Guyana’s President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali addressed a joint session of Belize’s Parliament on February 2, 2026, advocating for strengthened bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The presidential appearance at Belize’s recently renovated National Assembly marked a pivotal moment in Caribbean relations, emphasizing mutual respect between sovereign nations.

President Ali articulated a comprehensive vision for collaboration, highlighting three primary areas of engagement: political coordination, economic partnership, and environmental stewardship. He emphasized the countries’ shared responsibility to strategically monetize their abundant natural resources while ensuring equitable distribution of benefits to their citizens. ‘The world in turn has a responsibility to ensure that economic value is passed on to the peoples of our countries,’ President Ali asserted during his parliamentary address.

The Guyanese leader identified several pressing challenges requiring joint action, including climate change mitigation, food security enhancement, energy independence, and combating transnational criminal networks. He particularly stressed the necessity of reforming regional trade mechanisms, advocating for the elimination of bureaucratic obstacles and artificial trade barriers that disadvantage local farmers and agricultural systems.

The two-day presidential visit, which commenced on Sunday, includes high-level dialogues with Belizean officials and culminates in the signing of three bilateral Memoranda of Understanding. These agreements will formalize cooperation in defense coordination, educational exchange programs, and tourism development initiatives, establishing a structured framework for ongoing partnership between the Caribbean nations.

BELIZE CITY – Senior figures within Belize’s United Democratic Party (UDP) have launched a fierce condemnation of the proposed acquisition of telecommunications provider Speednet (Smart) by state-owned Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), labeling the arrangement as a blatant act of corruption and a financial bailout for private interests.

During a recent appearance on the ‘Open Your Eyes’ program, UDP Leader Tracy Panton delivered a scathing assessment of the transaction. ‘Regardless of how attractively this proposal is packaged, it represents corruption at the highest level, executed brazenly before the public eye,’ Panton asserted. She projected that the acquisition would impose a substantial financial burden on Belizean taxpayers, estimating costs between $80 and $100 million, while suggesting the primary beneficiaries would be the Briceno family.

Mesopotamia Area Representative Lee Mark Chang echoed these concerns, accusing BTL of consistently ‘moving the goalposts’ to manufacture public acceptance. Chang highlighted critical transparency deficits, revealing that UDP officials have been denied access to corporate financial records and valuation documentation. ‘We demand full disclosure of the accounting books and concrete financial figures,’ Chang insisted.

The opposition parliamentarian characterized BTL’s evolving proposal as ‘increasingly sweetened’ to gain approval, while questioning the ethical standing of securing endorsement from within the governing party. Chang advocated for democratic resolution through a national referendum.

Both politicians raised alarms about potential anti-competitive consequences and market monopoly creation. Panton specifically referenced the competitive threat posed by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, noting Belize’s technological limitations in matching such advanced infrastructure. ‘This acquisition essentially constitutes a bailout operation designed for private benefit rather than public interest,’ Panton concluded.

Chang further criticized regulatory oversight mechanisms, describing both the Public Utilities Commission and BTL’s board as ineffectual entities comprised of ‘handpicked’ representatives.

The UDP leadership defended their recent protest demonstration at BTL headquarters as legitimate ‘good trouble’ and necessary civil disobedience to demand governmental transparency. ‘We remain committed to continuing lawful protests and advocacy efforts to maintain pressure on this administration,’ Panton affirmed.

Costa Rica has elected Laura Fernández of the governing conservative Sovereign People’s Party as its new president in a decisive first-round victory. The 39-year-old former chief of staff secured approximately 48% of the vote with over 88% of ballots counted, comfortably exceeding the 40% threshold required to avoid a runoff election.

Fernández’s triumph reflects the electorate’s growing concerns about escalating crime rates in a nation traditionally considered one of Central America’s safest havens. Her campaign centered on strengthening the hardline security policies of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who personally selected her as his political successor.

The president-elect has committed to implementing states of emergency in regions dominated by transnational gangs and completing construction of a high-security prison modeled after El Salvador’s Cecot facility. Fernández emphasized that her security approach would remain firmly grounded in constitutional principles while addressing the drug-related violence that dominated campaign discussions.

In her victory address, Fernández promised to govern through “dialogue and national harmony” while continuing her predecessor’s policies. She simultaneously criticized opposition parties for parliamentary obstructionism. Her party secured a legislative majority with 30 of 57 seats, providing stronger congressional support than President Chaves enjoyed during his term.

Fernández is anticipated to maintain Costa Rica’s close diplomatic relationship with the United States, particularly regarding migration control and anti-narcotics cooperation. She will become the nation’s second female president when sworn in on May 8, following Laura Chinchilla’s 2010-2014 administration.