Seven months after the shocking midair hijacking of a Tropic Air flight by U.S. national Akinyela Sawa Taylor, the Belize Airport Authority has taken decisive action to overhaul airport security. The authority is set to sign new security contracts for municipal airports nationwide, following the termination of nearly $30 million in previous agreements with two private firms. The move comes in response to widespread public backlash and aims to restore confidence in airport safety and tighten oversight. Civil Aviation CEO Narda Garcia emphasized that the new contracts were awarded after a rigorous tendering process, ensuring that the selected company meets all specified requirements. Garcia noted that one company will handle body searches and human security, while another will manage surveillance systems. The announcement of the new contracts is expected soon, marking a significant step toward enhancing airport security in Belize.
标签： Belize
伯利兹
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Boledo Millions to Fund National Health Insurance
The Briceño administration has unveiled an ambitious plan to leverage Boledo lottery profits to bolster Belize’s healthcare system. Prime Minister John Briceño announced that earnings from Boledo sales are projected to exceed $20 million this year, with the funds earmarked for the rollout of National Health Insurance (NHI) nationwide. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to citizens, addressing long-standing gaps in the healthcare infrastructure. Narda Garcia, CEO of the Ministry of Investment, emphasized the need for NHI to operate as an autonomous body, enabling direct funding from the Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL). Currently, Boledo profits are channeled through the government before reaching NHI, which operates under the Social Security Board. Garcia anticipates that legislative changes in December or January will formalize NHI’s autonomy, streamlining the financial process. The Prime Minister highlighted the success of the Boledo initiative, noting that the first year of operations (April 2024 to March 2025) generated $16.7 million, surpassing expectations. This innovative funding strategy underscores the government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and quality for all Belizeans.
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Belize Moves Boldly Toward Digital Transformation
Belize is making significant strides in its digital transformation journey, aiming to transition from a traditional Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hub to a competitive Global Digital Services center. With the BPO sector currently supporting nearly 20,000 jobs, the country is leveraging the Orange Economy to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. On November 20, 2025, government officials, industry leaders, and international partners convened for a high-level strategy workshop to outline Belize’s future in the global digital economy. Narda Garcia, CEO of the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Investment, emphasized the urgency of this transformation, citing the dual threats of artificial intelligence (AI) and protectionist foreign policies. Garcia highlighted the need to view AI as a tool rather than a threat, advocating for skills diversification to ensure job security. Lincoln Blake, Director of the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of training the workforce to master emerging technologies like AI and 3D printing. Consultant Luis Parrilla, leading the development of Belize’s Global Digital Strategy, outlined six key pillars: legal reform, incentive reform, education and capacity training, visibility and export, data governance, and interagency operability. The strategy aims to create a robust environment for sector growth, equipping the workforce with high-demand digital and soft skills. Victoria Tun, Vice-President of the BPO Association, acknowledged the challenges posed by AI but expressed optimism about the industry’s future, emphasizing the importance of upskilling employees. Belize’s five-year Global Digital Strategy reflects the government’s commitment to adapting to technological advancements and ensuring the workforce is prepared for the future.
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Fi We Boledo’s First Year Generates Over $16.7M in Net Earnings
In a significant financial milestone, Belize’s national lottery system, Fi We Boledo, has reported impressive earnings in its first year of operation. Prime Minister John Briceño announced during a recent House Meeting that the rebranded lottery generated $123.2 million in sales from April 2024 to March 2025, with $105 million returned to the public as winnings. After accounting for expenses, the government recorded a net profit of $16.7 million. Briceño highlighted that this achievement marks a turning point after the lottery system was previously managed by a ‘UDP crony’ for over a decade, depriving the nation of substantial revenue. The Prime Minister also projected that net earnings could exceed $20 million in the second year, further bolstering public funds. Additionally, the Belize Lottery Limited (BGLL) has contributed $22 million to the National Health Insurance programme, supporting the expansion of healthcare services across the country. This financial success underscores the government’s commitment to reclaiming and optimizing national assets for public benefit.
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How to Watch Isabella Zabaneh in the Miss Universe 2025 Finale
The 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant reaches its climax tonight, with Belize’s Isabella Zabaneh vying for the coveted crown. Zabaneh, who has garnered immense support from Belizeans both domestically and internationally, aims to break the country’s 46-year placement drought, the last being in 1979. The grand finale, held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, near Bangkok, Thailand, promises to be a spectacle of beauty and talent. The event will commence at 7:00 p.m. Belize time, with pre-show coverage starting an hour earlier. Viewers can catch the live broadcast on the official Miss Universe YouTube channel. This year’s competition has not been without its share of controversies. A dramatic incident involving Miss Jamaica’s serious fall and the resignation of a judge alleging behind-the-scenes manipulation have added layers of intrigue to the pageant. Despite these challenges, the show continues with a record-breaking 121 contestants participating. Zabaneh’s journey symbolizes hope and national pride for Belize, as she competes against the world’s finest in this prestigious global event.
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Major Win for GOB at CCJ
In a landmark decision, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ruled in favor of the Government of Belize, ending a protracted legal battle with private gas companies over the importation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The dispute centered on the government’s establishment of the National Gas Company (NGC) in 2020, which centralized LPG imports through Big Creek, effectively granting NGC a monopoly. Private companies, including Western Gas and Zeta Gas, argued that this move dismantled their business models and deprived them of their ‘goodwill.’ The case escalated through Belize’s judicial system before reaching the CCJ. Senior Counsel Eamon Courtney, representing the government, emphasized that the companies failed to prove damages or a breach of their rights. The CCJ’s majority ruling overturned a previous $60 million damages award to the companies, stating that their rights to property, work, and equality were not violated. Justice Jamadar dissented, arguing that the companies suffered immediate losses. The ruling validates the NGC’s monopoly and absolves the government of liability, marking a significant victory for Belize’s energy policy.
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Four Charged for Child Sexual Exploitation
In a significant development, four individuals have been arrested and charged in Independence Village, Belize, for their alleged involvement in the commercial sexual exploitation of a female minor. The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs confirmed the charges in a press release issued on November 20, 2025. The accused include Belizean nationals Oscar Diaz, Maria Arias, Ramona Cucul, and Guatemalan national Gloria Rodriguez. They face charges of facilitating child prostitution and were arraigned in the Independence Magistrate Court. All four were released on bail set at $6,000 plus one surety, with the case adjourned to February 11, 2026. This incident highlights a broader issue in Belize, where human trafficking remains a pressing concern. In 2024 alone, police investigated 18 cases of human trafficking, with seven out of eight ongoing cases involving women, four of whom were minors. The Ministry has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected trafficking activities to authorities. Reports can be made to the police at 911, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIP) unit, the Department of Human Services, or Crime Stoppers Belize at 922.
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Water Prices to Rise in Belize as Early as April 2026
Belize is preparing for a significant increase in water prices, set to take effect as early as April 1, 2026. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has unveiled its Initial Decision regarding Belize Water Services Limited’s (BWSL) Full Tariff Review for 2026. After extensive studies and consultations, the PUC has approved a 13.5 percent rise in the Mean Water Rate, a figure notably lower than the 20 percent hike initially proposed by BWSL. This adjustment is projected to increase the average customer’s water bill by approximately 5.5 percent.
A key change in the new tariff structure is the elimination of the flat fee of $8.72 for the first 1,000 gallons of water. Instead, all customers will be charged based on their actual water usage, a move the PUC describes as more equitable. This shift ensures that consumers pay only for the water they consume, promoting fairness and efficiency.
In addition to the rate adjustments, the PUC has sanctioned a $130 million investment to enhance the nation’s water infrastructure. This funding will be allocated to replacing aging pipelines, increasing production capacity, procuring essential equipment, and bolstering security at critical facilities. Furthermore, an additional $20 million has been earmarked for expanding water supply and storage systems in rapidly growing communities such as Placencia, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro.
BWSL has also received approval to increase its financial contributions toward water main extensions. The company can now provide up to $6,000 on the mainland and up to $10,000 in San Pedro and Caye Caulker for such projects. However, the PUC declined to raise administrative fees and deferred a decision on BWSL’s request related to Commercial Abstraction, which falls under the jurisdiction of the National Integrated Water Resources Authority.
The PUC’s Initial Decision is available on its official website, and the public is invited to submit feedback on BWSL’s Business Plan for 2026 to 2031 until December 3, 2025.
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Only Two Audit Reports Published in Thirteen Years
Belize’s accountability framework is facing a severe crisis as the Auditor General’s official website displays only two audit years—2011-2012 and 2015-2016. The absence of annual reports for over a decade has compelled citizens to rely on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to access basic public-finance records. This situation undermines the Westminster-style governance model, where the Auditor General is pivotal in ensuring public accountability by scrutinizing the Government’s financial statements, verifying lawful expenditure of public funds, and reporting irregularities to the National Assembly. These reports, reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee, are essential for maintaining transparency and oversight. However, the constitutional cycle has stalled for more than ten years, with most fiscal years lacking reports due to the Accountant General’s failure to submit required financial statements under Section 15(1) of the Finance and Audit Reform Act. Other years remain unpublished because completed audits were never tabled in the National Assembly, leaving a thirteen-year gap in official reporting. This breakdown has shifted the burden of transparency onto private citizens using FOIA. Public-interest litigant Jeremy Enriquez, for instance, has filed an FOIA request seeking multi-year records on the Constituency Development Fund, including allocations, disbursements, and financial statements for all 31 constituencies. While the Government expressed willingness to disclose the requested material, it requested additional time due to the administrative complexity of compiling records across multiple ministries. Enriquez emphasized that the FOIA mandates an access decision within fourteen days, separate from the time needed to compile documents, and signaled readiness to grant more time once the access request is approved. This situation underscores how the absence of timely Auditor General reports has elevated FOIA from a supplementary tool to the primary means of obtaining financial information.
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FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT – Gov’t Requests Extension, Enriquez Insists on FOIA ‘Access Decision’ Deadline
The Office of the Prime Minister has requested an extension to process a comprehensive Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request regarding Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations, citing administrative challenges. Public-interest litigant Jeremy Enriquez, however, maintains that the law mandates an access decision within fourteen days, regardless of the complexity of the request. In a letter dated November 13th, the Government acknowledged Enriquez’s request for detailed CDF records, including multi-year budget allocations, disbursement records, vouchers, audits, and internal assessments. However, it argued that retrieving such extensive data from multiple ministries within the statutory period was impractical. The Cabinet Secretary proposed extending the deadline to December 15th, 2025, to ensure a thorough response. Enriquez responded on November 14th, recognizing the administrative burden but emphasizing that the FOIA requires ministries to issue an access decision—whether to grant, deny, or partially grant the request—within fourteen days, as stipulated in Section 16. He argued that Parliament was aware of the time needed to compile records when enacting the law, meaning administrative difficulties do not exempt the Government from its legal obligation. Enriquez urged the Office of the Prime Minister to issue the access decision within the statutory window, with the understanding that the actual disclosure of documents could follow later. He also expressed willingness to extend the disclosure deadline to January 5th, 2026, to accommodate operational constraints, particularly during the Christmas period. However, he warned that failure to provide the access decision within five days of his correspondence would be considered a deemed refusal, prompting him to pursue legal action.