AGP Executive Report

Aviation Anniversary: TACA Flight 110’s 1988 “miracle” engine-out landing near Michoud is being revisited as a former pilot returns to the site—an emergency that still stands out decades later. Tragedy in Orange Walk: A one-year-old boy died after being accidentally struck by his father’s vehicle in a Mennonite community; police are investigating and the case is headed to the DPP. Arts Leadership Shake-up: Wilma Theater is ending its three-leader artistic experiment and naming Lindsay Smiling as sole artistic director, with other co-leaders shifting roles. Environment vs. Development: Conservation and tourism groups are again pushing for stronger coastal protections, including a call for a moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye. Fuel Pain Continues: Government moves to cushion pump prices—while fuel tax cuts and margin changes are sparking fresh backlash and raising questions about lost revenue. Public Safety Push: Renewed calls for a national sex offenders registry are back in the spotlight.

Fuel Crisis Fallout: Government says the fuel tax squeeze is costing it millions monthly as landed fuel costs jump fast—regular gasoline up from $4.62 to $9.39 a gallon since January—while officials keep cutting taxes to blunt the pain at the pump. Mining & Mangroves: BTIA is demanding an immediate moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye, echoing conservation groups calling for a halt to approvals in sensitive areas. Public Safety—UXOs: BDF is destroying nearly 2,000 unexploded ordnances, but a new dispute has erupted with former UDP minister Elvin Penner over alleged removal of explosive materials and contested land inside the training area. Child Protection Push: PM Briceño backs a public national sex offenders registry, while the Special Envoy renews calls for faster action amid renewed allegations involving people in authority. Local Politics: Belize City’s mayoral race heats up as UDP candidate Jackie Willoughby declares her bid and Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller denies missing funds at CitCo and rejects nepotism claims. Regional Watch: NOAA forecasts a likely quieter hurricane season, but Belize is still urged to prepare.

Fuel Relief vs. Reality: Prime Minister John Briceño says government has already forgone about BZ$80 million in fuel taxes to ease pump prices, but warns it can’t absorb global fuel shocks without hurting key services like housing, education, and NHI. NHI Fight: Briceño also pushed back on UDP claims that the new NHI bill could lead to charges for basic care, saying there are no current plans to charge for basic NHI services—while critics warn contributions may come later. Gas Station Margin Clash: Government moved unilaterally to cut dealers’ margins for six months, converting the formula to a flat rate—sparking dealer backlash. Crime Update: Police say Joel Sierra died from acute respiratory failure after Saturday’s shooting, with toxicology pending; and Unitedville saw its third murder in three months, suspected drug-related. Health Watch: Belize reports 8 measles cases since the start of 2026, urging vigilance—especially for unvaccinated people near borders. Governance & Courts: The CCJ sent Andrew Bennett’s extradition hearings back to the High Court. Regional Diplomacy: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Denzil Douglas handed COFCOR chairmanship to Suriname’s foreign minister in Paramaribo.

Fuel & Cost of Living: The government has unilaterally cut gas-station dealer margins for the next six months, shifting the formula to a flat rate—sparking dealer backlash while the PM says the burden is shared. Health & Politics: The PM says the state is backing a “National School-based HPV Vaccination Programme” while avoiding a direct fight with the Catholic Church, and he also pushed back on UDP claims about NHI—calling it “National Hustle Insurance” and insisting any user contributions are “for the future.” Road Safety: Belmopan hosted the first day of a National Motorcycle Helmet Standards and Regulation Training Program to tighten what riders are actually using. Crime: Police are investigating the third murder in Unitedville in three months, with the latest killing suspected to be drug-related. Environment & Tourism: BTIA is calling for an immediate moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye, citing mounting damage fears. Regional/World: The UN General Assembly backed climate obligations tied to the ICJ’s landmark ruling, while WHO declared the Congo Ebola outbreak a global emergency.

Coast Guard Tragedy: Three sisters were found dead in the ocean near a popular tourist beach in England, and police say detectives are still probing what led to the deaths. UDP Infighting: Opposition Leader Tracy Panton says she’s focused on rebuilding the UDP, despite fresh public attacks from former UDP figures Shyne Barrow and Alberto August. Health Policy Clash: The UDP warns Belize’s proposed National Health Insurance law could push costs onto Belizeans directly, while critics question the role of private providers. Cost-of-Living Pressure: A new call is growing to eliminate income tax, arguing Belizeans are already squeezed by fuel, food, rent, and electricity costs. Regional Migration Fallout: St Kitts and Nevis confirmed the arrival of CARICOM nationals transferred from the US under a migration agreement, sparking debate over transparency and process. Public Health Alert: Belize reported 8 measles cases since the start of 2026, urging vigilance—especially among unvaccinated people and border communities. Belize City Council Enforcement: Council says it’s targeting reckless weekend driving after viral stunt footage on Princess Margaret Drive. Media Community Mourns: Reporter Aaron Humes has died at 39, with colleagues and family describing his impact on Belize journalism.

Health Alert: Belize’s Ministry of Health is urging vigilance after confirming 8 measles cases since the start of 2026, with more suspected cases under review. Officials say the risk is highest for unvaccinated people, especially those in or traveling through border communities, and they’re asking residents with fever and rash to contact a health centre or the hotline 0-800-MOH-CARE before visiting. Regional Migration: St. Kitts and Nevis has received its first group of US-transferred third-country nationals, including three CARICOM nationals from Jamaica and Belize, after the government stayed quiet until after arrival—sparking calls for more transparency. Belize City Council Enforcement: The council says it’s stepping up action against reckless driving stunts caught on video on Princess Margaret Drive. Public Life & Loss: Belize mourns journalist Aaron Humes, with tributes highlighting his impact and the strain the public controversy took on him.

Health Watch: Belize health authorities are urging vigilance after measles cases, as officials remind the public to stay alert for symptoms and follow guidance. Climate & Water: Belize Water Services is asking residents to start conserving now, warning that possible El Niño conditions could bring hotter weather and less rain, putting pressure on water supplies. Public Safety & Justice: Calls are growing for Belize to fully implement a long-delayed National Sex Offenders Registry, with advocates saying identities shouldn’t stay hidden while women and children remain at risk. Courts: The CCJ has sent the extradition fight involving Andrew Bennett back to Belize’s High Court, keeping the legal battle moving. Immigration Scrutiny: The Immigration Ministry is facing fresh questions after reports of missing monies and a separate push for a first national migration policy through consultations. Environment Pressure: Conservation groups are demanding a pause on approvals for development in sensitive marine and coastal areas, citing ongoing damage and weak enforcement. Regional Migration: St. Kitts and Nevis received its first group of CARICOM nationals transferred from the U.S., but the government’s late disclosure sparked public backlash.

Immigration Crackdown: Belize’s Immigration Minister Kareem Musa faced fresh questions after reports of a “six-figure fleecing” at the Belize City Immigration Department, with Musa saying at least one employee has been identified and charges are expected. Justice Watch: The CCJ has sent Andrew Bennett’s extradition fight back to Belize’s High Court, keeping the long-running case in motion. Public Safety: A tenant and his landlord were both remanded after police found an unlicensed gun and 15 rounds under a living-room rug. Sex Offender Registry Push: Kareem Musa says he supports a publicly accessible national sex offenders registry. Environment Under Pressure: Conservation groups demand a suspension of all development approvals in sensitive marine and coastal areas, citing illegal dredging, mangrove clearing, and wastewater dumping. Policy Planning: Immigration has begun nationwide consultations for Belize’s first Migration and Development Policy. Community & Culture: Over 58 Belize District schools are set to take part in the Festival of Arts at the Bliss.

Marine Accountability: A joint statement is demanding real action on Belize’s mangroves, seagrass, beaches and reefs, calling out repeated illegal dredging, mangrove clearing, wastewater dumping, and the lack of transparent permitting and penalties. CCJ Legal Reset: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hear a Belize referral on Tuesday, May 19, in the G Anwar Barrow case tied to anti-competitive conduct rules—while separately, the CCJ has ordered Andrew Bennett’s extradition fight back to the High Court after finding the law used against him wasn’t in force when key WhatsApp messages were taken. Local Business Push: Belmopan hosted Made in Belize Trade Show 2026, with 90+ exhibitors spotlighting homegrown food, crafts, eco-innovations and services. Transport Watch: Cabinet approved talks for electric bus financing, and officials met rural operators to tackle village-run complaints. Public Safety: Police are investigating the May 16 killing of 19-year-old Lamar Garnett on Grace Ebanks Street. Health & Conservation: Belize marked World Hypertension Day amid warnings that high blood pressure can start as early as age 12, and a new aerial study estimates Belize’s manatees at about 555.

Belize Crime & Safety: A 19-year-old, Lamar Garnett, was shot dead in the Port Loyola area near Jane Usher Boulevard, with police saying a man of Hispanic descent allegedly entered a yard, fired, and fled. Public Health: Belize marked World Hypertension Day with warnings that high blood pressure can hit as early as age 12, and officials reported 62,236 documented cases countrywide by end of 2025. Wildlife & Conservation: Cabinet approved a one-year hunting moratorium on the white-lipped peccary, yellow-headed Amazon parrot, and brown brocket deer, alongside plans to replace the 1981 Wildlife Protection Act. Transport Modernization: Cabinet moved forward on talks for electric bus financing, while the Ministry met rural operators to address complaints and modernize village bus runs. Legal Watch: The CCJ ordered Belize courts to reconsider the extradition case of attorney Andrew Bennett after finding the law used to suppress key WhatsApp messages wasn’t in force when they were obtained. Business & Community: The Made in Belize Expo 2026 drew 90+ exhibitors showcasing local entrepreneurship.

LGBT Rights Push: On IDAHOBIT, ERAO SVG launched a National Call for Reparations for LGBT Vincentians, pointing to criminalised same-sex relations and a still-pending appeal after a 2024 court upheld the laws. Digital Society: A new Belize-focused explainer warns algorithms are quietly driving what people see online—shaping politics toward emotion and polarization. Health Spotlight: World Hypertension Day coverage highlights rising high blood pressure in Belize, including cases starting as young as 12, with calls to check readings regularly. Transport Update: Cabinet-backed talks move forward on electric bus financing, while the Ministry of Transport meets rural operators to tackle village-run complaints. Justice Watch: The CCJ set aside earlier extradition rulings for attorney Andrew Bennett, sending the case back for reconsideration after a legal timing error. Public Safety: Police are investigating another Belize City shooting after 19-year-old Lamar Garnett was killed on Grace Ebanks Street/Port Loyola. Environment & Conservation: Cabinet approved a one-year hunting moratorium for three wildlife species, and a new aerial study estimates Belize’s manatee population at about 555. Community Loss: Belize mourns pediatrician Dr. Cecilio Eck, who died in Mexico after stage four cancer.

Belize Courts & Extradition: The Caribbean Court of Justice has sent attorney Andrew Bennett’s extradition case back for reconsideration, after ruling earlier courts relied on an interception law that wasn’t actually in force when the WhatsApp messages were obtained—meaning the legal process gets a reset, not a final win or loss. Public Transport Upgrade: Cabinet has approved talks to finance electric buses for Belize’s National Bus Company, with possible support from Taiwan, the EU/EIB, and other climate and development partners, while fuel subsidy payments to bus operators are still being verified for next steps. Health Watch: World Hypertension Day spotlights Belize’s growing problem—high blood pressure is being seen in children as young as 12, with tens of thousands of documented cases nationwide. Wildlife Conservation: Cabinet approved a one-year hunting and capturing ban for the white-lipped peccary, yellow-headed Amazon parrot, and brown brocket deer, alongside a new wildlife bill to replace the 1981 law. Crime & Safety: Police are investigating the killing of 19-year-old Lamar Garnett in Port Loyola, and the week also saw deadly traffic incidents, including a nine-year-old girl who died after an SUV crash.

Culture & Spotlight: Shyne Barrow backed Machel Montano’s new documentary, “Journey of a Soca King… Like A Boss,” screened in Brooklyn—Montano’s Belize outreach is front and center as the film streams on Amazon May 29. Public Safety & Crime: Police are investigating the killing of 19-year-old Lamar Garnett in Port Loyola after gunshots erupted near Jane Usher Boulevard. Conservation Move: Cabinet approved a one-year hunting and capturing ban for the white-lipped peccary, yellow-headed Amazon parrot, and brown brocket deer, alongside plans to replace the 1981 Wildlife Protection Act with a new bill. Health Watch: World Hypertension Day put Belize’s rising child and teen blood pressure cases in focus, with officials urging regular checks. Transport & Infrastructure: Cabinet advanced talks to finance electric buses and possible terminal upgrades, while temporary bridge work in Belize City is underway. Regional Climate Prep: Belize is among Caribbean countries preparing for the US$250M loss-and-damage climate grant push. Also Noted: EU handed fencing and monitoring gear to the Mason River Protected Area.

Violence in Belize City: Police confirm 19-year-old Lamar Garnett was shot dead just after 8:40 p.m. Thursday in Port Loyola, found with multiple gunshot wounds inside a yard off Jane Usher Boulevard; investigators say a man described as Hispanic allegedly entered, fired, then fled through the back of the property, with motive and suspects still unknown. Legal showdown: The CCJ has sent Belize’s extradition case involving attorney Andrew Bennett back for reconsideration after ruling lower courts relied on an interception law that wasn’t in force when the WhatsApp messages were obtained—keeping him out of immediate extradition. Transport shake-up: Cabinet approved talks to finance electric buses for the National Bus Company, with possible terminal upgrades, while the Ministry met rural operators to address village-run complaints. Health focus: World Hypertension Day spotlighted Belize’s high blood pressure burden, including cases starting as young as 12. Conservation & community: A first-of-its-kind aerial study estimates Belize’s endangered manatees at about 555; meanwhile, the Coast Guard graduated 49 new recruits and Belize mourns pediatrician Dr. Cecilio Eck.

Climate Finance Push: CDB and FRLD just ran a Bridgetown workshop to help 15 eligible Caribbean countries— including Belize—prepare “bankable” proposals for the US$250M loss-and-damage grant, with a June 15 submission deadline. Public Health Tech: Saint Lucia announced its new rapid PCR system is operational, delivering multi-disease results in under two hours—part of a wider regional push for faster outbreak detection. Belize City Infrastructure: MIDH has started work on temporary bridge crossings for the Belcan and Swing Bridge reconstruction, aiming to keep traffic moving while major repairs begin later this year. Community & Loss: Belize mourns beloved pediatrician Dr. Eck (“Dr. Shrek”), while tributes also continue for other local figures. Safety & Crime: Police are investigating a fatal Stann Creek SUV crash involving a nine-year-old cyclist, and Belize also approved a wildlife protection step banning hunting/capturing of three species for one year.

Tragic Road Crash: A nine-year-old girl, Vanessa Cal of Red Bank Village, died after an SUV collision in Stann Creek on May 14; police say the driver mistook the accelerator for the brake, hit a fence, and the child later deteriorated at Independence Polyclinic. HPV Vaccine Fight: The Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan says HPV vaccines belong in doctors’ offices, not schools—while the Ministry of Health warns stopping school-based delivery could raise long-term cancer risk. Gun Safety Warning: Police are reminding licensed firearm holders after stolen licensed guns were linked to major crimes, including the Inhale Vape robbery and the murder of Salma Funez. Land-Dispute Violence: A bulldozer operator, Rupert Alexander Gentle, was remanded after allegedly shooting a woman during a disputed land clearing in Lemonal. Immigration Fraud Checks: Internal reviews continue at the Belize City Immigration Office over possible receipt reversals and missing money. Regional Climate Funding: Caribbean countries, including Belize, are preparing proposals for a US$250M loss-and-damage grant after a Barbados workshop.