标签： Belize

BELIZE CITY – Prime Minister John Briceño has publicly addressed growing concerns regarding potential monopoly formation in Belize’s telecommunications sector, following revelations that government-owned Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) is considering acquiring Speednet Communications and multiple cable providers.

Speaking on December 10, 2025, PM Briceño firmly rejected suggestions that his family connections to Speednet created a conflict of interest, stating: “Belize is a small country. I have never lived off my government salary. I do investments with my family. I do not have any direct investments with Speednet, so I have none. It’s my brother.”

The Prime Minister emphasized that despite BTL being 95% government-owned, the company operates under a commercial structure. “As a private company, we allow them to manage the company and make whatever decisions they believe are in the company’s best interest. I am not involved in that discussion. I’ve stayed away from that,” Briceño clarified.

The situation has gained complexity since June, when Speednet—parent company of SMART—was granted judicial review permission to challenge the Government of Belize. The legal dispute centers on two “ConnectED” contracts awarded to BTL for providing internet services to schools, which Speednet claims should have undergone competitive tender processes as required by the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act for contracts exceeding $5 million.

Public apprehension now focuses on the prospect of a single dominant provider controlling mobile, internet, and cable services nationwide. PM Briceño identified the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) as the primary regulatory safeguard, noting: “The PUC regulates. The PUC has to set the rates. BTL, BEL, and BWS just can’t set any rates as they wish.” He added that the PUC “will have to become even more vigilant in ensuring that the rates being set will not be taking advantage of the Belizean public.”

Prime Minister John Briceño of Belize has formally requested enhanced Mexican security presence along the shared northern border in response to escalating cartel activities and transnational criminal operations. This diplomatic appeal to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum comes amid growing concerns about drug trafficking networks exploiting the Corozal Freezone as an operational base.

The security situation intensified following a recent assassination attempt on Nitin Buxani, a prominent Freezone businessman, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities to organized crime infiltration. Briceño revealed that cartel-related challenges have plagued his administration since 2020, when he initially alerted United States officials about expanding drug operations seeking entry into Belize.

Addressing limitations in Belize’s response capabilities, the Prime Minister noted the country lacks adequate equipment to intercept drug planes landing in remote areas. While cigarette smuggling has been frequently cited, Briceño clarified that numerous goods moving through the Freezone into Mexico contribute to criminal interests, with WTO regulations restricting Belize’s import control options.

In a significant domestic security measure, Belize has launched Operation Northern Fortress, an eight-million-dollar initiative allocating resources for vehicles, communication systems, weaponry, and surveillance technology. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen border enforcement while coordinating with Mexican authorities to disrupt cross-border criminal networks.

The Public Service Union of Belize faces a critical decision regarding its ongoing labor dispute with the government concerning the proposed establishment of a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA). Following formal written commitments from authorities, union leadership has initiated a membership vote to determine whether to withdraw their active trade dispute declaration.

The conflict originated in early November 2025 when the PSU filed an official trade dispute, citing exclusion from crucial policy discussions and expressing substantive concerns regarding operational efficiency, implementation costs, and most significantly, employee welfare protections during the proposed transition from the Belize Tax Service to SARA.

A significant development occurred on December 3, 2025, when government representatives presented formal assurances including a guaranteed delay in SARA implementation until no earlier than October 2026. Additionally, authorities pledged to conduct meaningful consultations with the union once draft legislation and transition documents are finalized.

The union has established a December 16, 2025 deadline for the government to provide clear timelines regarding two key processes: the formation of a joint committee to guide consultation procedures and the completion of all draft documentation. These confidence-building measures have prompted government officials to formally request dispute withdrawal.

PSU leadership has now delegated the final decision to its membership through an official polling process, placing the future trajectory of this labor-government negotiation directly in the hands of rank-and-file members whose working conditions would be most affected by the proposed institutional changes.

Prime Minister John Briceño has once again publicly addressed the controversial resignation of former Agriculture Minister Jose Mai, seeking to quell ongoing speculation about the circumstances surrounding his cabinet departure several weeks ago.

During a recent appearance on the ‘Open Your Eyes’ morning program, Briceño provided constitutional clarity regarding ministerial procedures, explaining that a formal resignation was necessary rather than a leave of absence. “Had he requested temporary leave, I would have been unable to appoint a replacement minister,” Briceño stated. “A leave of absence maintains ministerial status, necessitating a full resignation for cabinet restructuring.”

The Prime Minister vehemently denied circulating allegations connecting Mai to cartel activities, dismissing them as “a narrative that lacks truth.” Despite persistent public scrutiny, Briceño maintained philosophical perspective: “We operate within a democratic framework where questioning is inevitable. Perhaps I should have permitted Minister Mai to personally articulate his reasons rather than attempting to provide explanations on his behalf.”

Briceño further refuted claims that Mai’s oversight of the sugar portfolio influenced his departure, asserting the resignation “bears no connection” to these responsibilities. Instead, the Prime Minister highlighted Mai’s substantial contributions to agricultural development, describing him as “the most successful Agriculture Minister in the nation’s history” whose legacy is being overshadowed by current speculation.

In a related development, Mai broke his silence during an exclusive interview this Tuesday, categorically denying all allegations against him. The former minister declared: “I have committed no wrongdoing or illicit activities, and no evidence exists to substantiate these claims.” Regarding potential political return, Mai expressed initial hesitation but suggested possible reinstatement within approximately twelve months following successful spinal surgery recovery.

Belize Prime Minister John Briceño has vehemently denied any governmental connection to the controversial abduction of convicted criminal Joseph Budna, while simultaneously characterizing the imprisoned man as a “monster” whose extensive criminal history has been largely ignored by media outlets. During a candid interview on Open Your Eyes, the national leader addressed the August 23rd incident that occurred near the Orange Walk Central police station within his own constituency, where Budna was forcibly taken before ultimately being transferred to a Guatemalan prison.

Briceño confronted allegations that law enforcement personnel orchestrated what Budna himself has termed a state-sanctioned crime. When questioned about the incident’s occurrence within his electoral district, the Prime Minister drew parallels to historical criminal activities in previous administrations’ territories, asserting that constituency location shouldn’t imply personal responsibility for every unlawful act.

The Prime Minister utilized the platform to highlight what he perceives as selective public outrage, recounting Budna’s alleged involvement in multiple serious offenses including the accidental killing of a sixteen-year-old and sexual assaults against young boys. Briceño expressed frustration that media attention has focused predominantly on the abduction rather than the victim’s previous criminal actions.

Additionally, Briceño refuted claims by Opposition Leader Tracy Panton that he receives daily security briefings, clarifying that he only obtains weekly updates from National Security Director Ambassador del Cid. The Prime Minister further stated that reviewing surveillance footage of the kidnapping falls outside his official purview, emphasizing that the investigation remains solely with police authorities and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Briceño concluded by affirming that any individuals with proven involvement in the abduction would face legal consequences, while maintaining that his administration must allow law enforcement professionals to conduct their investigation without political interference.

In a development amplifying diplomatic strains, United States military aircraft executed strategic maneuvers near Venezuelan territorial waters on Tuesday. Two F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets were tracked conducting circular flight patterns over the Gulf of Venezuela, approximately 20 nautical miles from the coastline near Maracaibo, the nation’s second-largest metropolitan area.

Aviation monitoring platforms documented the advanced fighter aircraft maintaining their position for approximately forty minutes. According to a U.S. defense official who spoke with media outlets, the operation was characterized as a routine training exercise. However, the mission’s geographical positioning and timing have drawn international scrutiny.

Preceding the Super Hornets’ arrival, flight radar data indicated the presence of an EA-18G Growler aircraft performing similar circuits just north of Venezuela’s maritime border. The Growler represents a specialized electronic warfare platform capable of intelligence gathering, radar signal detection, and electronic countermeasures.

Military analysts suggest the coordinated deployment of these aircraft types indicates potential intelligence-gathering operations targeting Venezuelan defense systems. The combination allows simultaneous electronic surveillance capabilities with combat-ready air support if required.

This aerial activity occurs against a backdrop of heightened military presence in the Caribbean region. Satellite imagery analysis has identified at least nine U.S. naval vessels operating nearby, including the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier. Additionally, the United States has reactivated a previously decommissioned airbase in Puerto Rico, where runway infrastructure has been upgraded to accommodate advanced F-35 fighter squadrons.

The Trump administration maintains that its increased regional presence targets narcotics trafficking networks, alleging Venezuelan leadership’s involvement—a claim consistently denied by President Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan government counters that Washington seeks to orchestrate a resource grab for the nation’s substantial oil reserves and engineer governmental overthrow.

The United States is poised to implement stringent new digital screening measures for international visitors under a proposed policy change from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Announced on December 10, 2025, the initiative would mandate travelers from visa-waiver countries to disclose five years of social media history as part of enhanced security protocols.

Under the forthcoming regulations, applicants through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) must provide comprehensive digital footprints including all social media handles utilized over the previous five-year period. The requirements extend to submitting verified phone numbers, email addresses, and detailed personal information regarding immediate family members. Additionally, travelers will be required to upload a contemporary facial photograph for biometric verification purposes.

This policy shift represents a significant escalation from previous voluntary social media disclosure options introduced in 2016. The mandatory implementation specifically targets visitors seeking entry for periods under 90 days from the 42 nations participating in the Visa Waiver Program. Authorities indicate the measures will become effective December 15, 2025, pending final approval.

The enhanced screening framework emerges as part of broader border security initiatives under the Trump administration, reflecting increased scrutiny of digital backgrounds in immigration assessment. Notably, the policy does not affect travelers from non-waiver countries such as Belize, who continue to require traditional B1/B2 visa applications without social media disclosure mandates.