AGP Executive Report

World Cup Fever: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today across the US, Mexico and Canada, with Belize fans expected to pack homes, bars and workplaces for matches featuring stars like Messi and Mbappé. Air Travel Boost: Southwest Airlines is expanding winter 2027 service with new Caribbean and Mexico routes, including Nashville–Liberia, Costa Rica and Columbus–San Juan. Business Financing Pressure: A new report highlights a major SME financing gap across Latin America and the Caribbean, with Belize topping the list by share of GDP. Public Transport Crackdown: Belize’s National Bus Company is adding cameras to electric buses to curb standees and improve monitoring of speed, routes and onboard activity. Crime and Courts: A Belize City mother secured bail after 5 charges tied to an altercation; a taxi driver was remanded after police found a gun and ammo; and the Belize Cancer Society reported a break-in that disabled its security system. Community Stories: A grassroots rescue effort is growing after one stray animal sparked a mission to save 77 animals, and government CEOs joined students to plant trees under Greening Belize. Regional Diplomacy: Belize’s foreign trade minister urged deeper Caribbean unity at the CDB meeting as Belize prepares to take on the bank’s chairmanship. Sports (Local): Belize United won the BDFA U-17 title, while Ladyville Rising Stars captured the U-15 championship.

Caribbean Unity & Diplomacy: Belize’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Osmond Martinez urged deeper regional solidarity at the CDB annual meeting, as Belize prepares to chair the Board of Governors and host the 2027 meeting. Trade & Finance: The CDB and IDB Invest launched a US$25 million trade finance facility to boost access to financing for Caribbean importers and exporters. Belmopan Politics: John Saldivar fired back at Oscar Mira, challenging his record and pointing to completed community and sports infrastructure projects during Saldivar’s tenure. Public Safety & Justice: Belize’s NHI says it is distancing itself from the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla, urging the public to rely on verified facts. Courts & Accountability: A bill introduced in the House would expand public access to Belize’s National Sex Offenders Database. Social Services: House approval for a US$23.5M loan plus grants to expand early childhood education and support women’s economic empowerment. Indigenous Rights: Government says FPIC consultations remain ongoing under the Free, Prior and Informed Consent framework. Conservation & Climate Finance: PACT marked another milestone, citing millions mobilized for climate resilience and conservation projects. Regional Integration: Dominican Republic announced it will transfer SICA’s Pro Tempore Presidency to Belize at end of June. Health Systems: PAHO/WHO supported Belize’s sepsis care pathways workshop to strengthen early recognition and antimicrobial stewardship. Belize in the News: Veteran journalist and musician Brother Fem Cruz has died.

Belmopan Politics: John Saldivar fired back at Oscar Mira, arguing key Belmopan projects were completed during his tenure and asking what Mira has done for the city. NHI Clarification: Belize’s National Health Insurance says it is being wrongly linked to the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla and urges the public to rely on verified facts. Crime & Governance: A UNDP report warns Caribbean violence stems from a gap between security policies and the deeper causes of crime, including organized crime and drug trafficking, with Belize named among high-homicide-rate countries. Cuba Aid: Mexico and Belize continued sending humanitarian shipments to Cuba, with a reported 1,700 tons of food and supplies arriving in Havana as fuel deliveries remain constrained. Ombudsman Fight: Former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso and a separate activist challenge government actions around the Ombudsman’s office and legal support, setting up a constitutional showdown over transparency and independence. Coast Guard Rescue: The Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro after a vessel began taking on water. Environment & Health: Belize-backed sargassum removal support continues amid a record sargassum year, while authorities also flagged risks from Africanized bee swarming season. Regional Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic says it will transfer the SICA rotating presidency to Belize at the end of June.

Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: Mexico and Belize continue sending relief to Cuba as ships like the Chinese-owned Asian Katra arrive in Havana with about 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies, while fuel shipments remain constrained. Belize Disaster Response: A 6.1 quake off Cuba’s coast was felt in Belize; NEMO and the meteorological service said there was no tsunami threat and no reports of damage. Belize Coast Guard Operations: The Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro after a vessel took on water, and met fishing cooperatives to strengthen cooperation and crack down on illegal fishing. Local Governance & Economy: Belize is eyeing growth in the coconut sector and expanding beef exports into processed products for better value. Justice & Public Service: Former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso filed a constitutional lawsuit against the Attorney General over pay and independence issues. Public Safety & Crime: Police arraigned five people after a firearm and ammunition discovery in Belize City, including a 16-year-old granted bail. Sports: Bermuda’s T20 qualifier squad includes matches vs Belize, and women’s football saw Bermuda beat Belize in two friendlies.

Ombudsman Fight: Former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso has filed a constitutional lawsuit against Belize’s Attorney General, alleging underpayment and retaliation that led to his exit, while he argues the Ombudsman’s independence is under attack. Humanitarian Aid: Belize joined Mexico in sending about 1,700 tons of food and basic necessities to Cuba, with officials citing solidarity amid shortages and U.S. pressure. Disaster Watch: A 6.1 earthquake off Cuba’s coast was felt in Belize, prompting precautionary evacuations in some offices, but authorities reported no damage or injuries and said there was no tsunami threat. Coast Guard & Safety: The Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro after a vessel began taking on water, and also met with fishing cooperatives to strengthen cooperation and crack down on illegal fishing. Local Economy: Belize is eyeing growth in the coconut sector and exploring ways to expand beef exports into processed cuts for higher value. Sports: Bermuda beat Belize in women’s football matches, while cricket qualifier news includes Belize as an opponent. Public Service: Belize mourned the passing of long-serving legal public servant Edmund Pennil.

Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: Mexico and Belize sent a new shipment of about 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies to Havana aboard the Panama-flagged Asian Katra, as Cuba battles severe shortages tied to U.S. pressure and energy disruptions. Earthquake Watch: A 6.1 quake off Cuba’s northwest coast was felt across the Caribbean and into Florida, with at least one report of shaking in Belize. Regional Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening digital resilience and government continuity, bringing together policymakers and partners from across the Caribbean. Education Update: Belize launched its first nationwide National Student Assessment System pilot, with 20,000+ primary students taking part in non-high-stakes testing focused on Language Arts and Mathematics. Prison Report: Belize Central Prison’s 2025 report says there were no escapes, fewer incidents, and strong rehab participation, but notes more people jailed for minor offenses. Justice in Dr. Bonilla Case: Police charged two people in the murder of Belmopan doctor Naum Bonilla, following a high-profile investigation. Fuel Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry renewed calls for broader fuel price relief, criticizing government transparency on pump pricing. Maritime Training: BCC launched new maritime training courses with regional interest, including participants from Belize.

Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: A ship carrying 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies collected in Mexico and Belize docked in Havana, as Cuba battles severe blackouts and shortages amid U.S. blockade pressure. Belize Murder Case: Belmopan physician Dr. Naun Bonilla was shot in his vehicle last week; police have charged 26-year-old Hannah Rebekah Foreman and 37-year-old Edwin Albert Bethran Jr., with prosecutors citing a business dispute and the joint enterprise doctrine. Justice System Pushback: Home Affairs CEO Elton Bennett urged public confidence after recent convictions, pointing to the Bonilla arrests as proof of investigative follow-through. Legislation Delayed: The OSH Bill was postponed again in the Senate after senators were asked to submit questions in writing. Governance & Land: Indigenous leaders raised concerns about government land initiatives affecting Maya customary tenure and Garifuna village boundary processes. Environment Watch: Belize’s drone industry group says civil aviation consultations are moving too fast, while environmental voices continue pushing for enforcement of the Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye dredging moratorium.

Belize Crime & Justice: Two people have been charged in the murder of Belmopan doctor Dr. Naun Bonilla, with police saying the case involves a business dispute and using the joint enterprise doctrine; the accused are 26-year-old Hannah Rebekah Foreman and 37-year-old Edwin Albert Bethran Jr., both expected to appear in court as investigators continue to lay out how the plot was carried out. Violence on the ground: A 34-year-old man was also charged in connection with the Gardenia murder of 15-year-old Rackeem Armstrong, while another shooting in Belize City led to attempted murder charges after a machete attack. Local Governance & Environment: Belize City is stepping up hurricane preparedness, and the government is pushing a six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye as stakeholders argue for manatee and lagoon recovery. Economy & Policy: Belize has taken the rotating chairmanship of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Board of Governors, and the Senate delayed the OSH Bill again, asking senators to submit concerns in writing. Regional & Health: WHO says the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is an international emergency, with no cure for the Bundibugyo strain. Sports: Bermuda edged Belize 1-0 in women’s football, while Belize’s first nationwide primary student assessment drew more than 20,000 students.

Murder Case in Belmopan: Two suspects were arrested and formally charged in the killing of Belmopan physician Dr. Naum Ulices Bonilla, with Hannah Rebekah Foreman and Edwin Albert Bethran Jr. facing murder and firearms charges after a fast-moving investigation and court appearance. Police Investigation Details: Authorities say the case was built using joint enterprise charges, linking the accused through a business dispute and a coordinated plan, with investigators pointing to digital forensics, surveillance, and financial work. Justice and Court Updates: In a separate High Court matter, Shaquille Perrera was found guilty of murder and attempted murder tied to a Christmas Eve 2023 shooting in Maskall. Education: Belize launched its first nationwide primary student assessment pilot, with over 20,000 students taking non-high-stakes tests in Language Arts and Math. Foreign Affairs & Trade: Oscar Arnold took over as CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, while Belize secured renewed Mexican tariff relief for cattle exports. Environment & Industry: Belize took the CDB board chairmanship, reviewed the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, and warned of increased bee activity during peak swarming season. Aviation & Drones: Drone operators pushed back on Belize’s civil aviation consultation process, saying proposed rules are moving too fast and limiting stakeholder input.

Foreign Affairs Leadership: Oscar Arnold has taken over as CEO of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, moving from his ambassador role in Mexico to Belmopan. Indigenous Land Tensions: Indigenous leaders say proposed government moves on Maya customary land tenure and Garifuna village boundary definitions could reshape control of traditional lands, reigniting long-running rights debates. Drone Rules Under Fire: Belize’s drone industry association says the Civil Aviation Department’s consultation on new operational rules has been rushed and restrictive, with limited access to the full directive. Regional Development Role: Belize assumes the Caribbean Development Bank’s rotating chairmanship of the Board of Governors, with the 2027 annual meeting set to be hosted in Belize. Ocean and Wildlife Pressure: Stakeholders reviewed the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, while a six-month moratorium on dredging/mining in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is defended as needed recovery time for manatees and other habitats. Justice in High-Profile Case: In the Dr. Naun Bonilla murder matter, two suspects were arraigned and police say the charges rely on joint enterprise tied to a business dispute.

Belize Justice: The Belize High Court convicted 31-year-old Shaquille Perrera of murder and attempted murder in a Christmas Eve 2023 Maskall Street ambush, with the surviving victim’s testimony key to the guilty verdict. Dr. Bonilla Case: In Belmopan, lab scientist Hannah Foreman and alleged hitman Edwin Bethran were arraigned over Dr. Naun Bonilla’s killing; police say charges rely on the joint enterprise doctrine and point to a business dispute as a motive, while the Home Affairs CEO urged public confidence in the justice system. Crime & Courts: In Belize City, Phillip Goff was remanded for attempted murder after an alleged machete-related attack tied to a vehicle audio repair dispute; and a Maskall resident reported being held at gunpoint during a ride, leading to charges against Salvadoran national Francisco Vigil Vasquez. Education: More than 20,000 primary students took part in Belize’s first nationwide student assessment pilot, with results used to guide support rather than affect promotion. Environment & Fisheries: A six-month moratorium on dredging/mining in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is underway as officials and researchers warn dredging harms seagrass and manatees; stakeholders also reviewed the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan. Governance & Economy: Belize assumed the Caribbean Development Bank chairmanship; and Mexico renewed tariff relief for Belizean cattle exports. Aviation & Tech: Belize’s drone industry group says civil aviation consultations on new drone rules were rushed and incomplete.

Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir is expanding winter service with new routes that include Belize, boosting nonstop options from U.S. cities like Boston, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando Sanford, as Belize’s tourism push looks to replace lost budget-carrier capacity. Public Safety: Police say two men—one a 16-year-old—were injured in a Pomona Village shooting Tuesday night, after gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on a group outside a business. Justice: A U.S. federal judge blocked key immigration directives that froze some green card, asylum and work-permit decisions—potentially helping Belizeans waiting on U.S. immigration cases. Health & Agriculture: Texas issued a New World screwworm disaster proclamation after the parasite was detected in a calf; Belize is already in the fly’s spread path, and officials are urging vigilance. Local Governance & Youth: The Government introduced bills affecting the Development Finance Corporation (renaming it) and national security vetting, while the LIU work program is being paused and reevaluated amid protests from former participants and workers. Environment: Belize marked Environment Day with a climate action message, and authorities warned of deadly Africanized bee swarms in northern areas.

Caribbean Development Bank: CDB President Daniel Best wrapped up the bank’s annual meeting in the Bahamas with renewed calls for faster action on youth investment, resilience, and protection from climate and geopolitical shocks. Healthy Food Policy: A regional webinar flagged slow progress on non-communicable diseases, with Belize among countries that may miss 2025 targets unless healthy food policies move quicker. Education & Youth: The Ministry of Education launched a pilot National Student Assessment System (NSAS) in Standards 1, 4 and 6, stressing it’s not high-stakes and won’t affect promotion or rankings. Sports & Infrastructure: Belize’s stadium upgrades are in motion, starting with Marion Jones as the government maps bigger facilities. Tourism & Air Access: Bermuda’s BermudAir is expanding winter routes that include Belize, while officials say talks continue to replace lost carriers. Labour & Justice: BEWJ staged a protest over pension and severance disputes, with the matter headed back to court. Health Threat Watch: Belize is among countries being monitored as New World screwworm spreads beyond Panama. Women’s Football: Bermuda beat Belize 4-0 in a friendly, with the teams set to meet again June 7.

Education & Training: The University of Belize and the BDF are running digital literacy sessions for soldiers and other uniformed officers on Moodle, as the BDF pushes digital transformation. Assessment Reform: The Ministry of Education is piloting the new National Student Assessment System in Standards 1, 4 and 6 for Language Arts and Math, with a 2027/2028 rollout planned and clear assurances it won’t be high-stakes for grades or promotion. Parliament & Funding: The House approved a US$23.5M loan for early childhood development and female empowerment, while also backing a US$3M school development fund for Corozal and Cayo—prompting questions about St. Mary’s in Belize City. Labour Dispute: BEWJ workers protested at Parliament over pension and severance issues, saying BEL plans to return to court. Youth Program Fallout: Former LIU participants say the program was cut abruptly after hearing via Facebook, leaving them feeling “used and abandoned.” Sports Infrastructure: Major stadium upgrades are planned nationwide, starting with Marion Jones, plus new facilities at other venues. Tourism & Travel: Bermuda Air is expanding winter routes, including new nonstop service to Belize and Turks & Caicos, and an international airport project is moving forward for Ambergris Caye. Health Watch: Belize is stepping up New World screwworm preparedness with livestock training workshops as the parasite spreads in the region.

Violence Debate: PM John Briceño says Belize’s recent surge in violence is tied to weaker parenting, arguing the country has lost the discipline that once kept young people in check—while critics push back that deeper social and economic issues can’t be ignored. Fuel Costs Clash: Briceño appealed to fuel dealers to absorb rising costs, calling the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s push for more fuel tax relief “embarrassing” and saying the public is already paying the price as taxes and international prices keep climbing. Murder Probe: Police report progress in the Dr. Naum Bonilla killing, detaining a man believed to be the main suspect in Belmopan’s brazen daylight execution. Cybercrime Challenge: A woman arrested twice over a Facebook comment is challenging Belize’s Cybercrime Act in court, arguing it chills free expression. Livestock Biosecurity: Belize is training livestock producers to spot and report New World screwworm early, as the parasite reappears in the region and threatens cattle. Tourism & Travel: BermudAir announced major winter route expansion, including new nonstop flights to Belize from multiple U.S. cities and service to Turks and Caicos and Guatemala City. Health Watch: PAHO warns measles is rising across the Americas ahead of the World Cup, urging stronger surveillance and vaccination access.

Digital Resilience in the Region: Belize hosted a two-day workshop and policy dialogue on strengthening digital resilience, with officials from 13 Caribbean countries discussing “data embassies” to keep critical government data secure during cyber incidents and disasters. Health Alert: PAHO is warning that measles is resurging across the Americas and could spread faster around the 2026 World Cup, urging stronger surveillance, vaccination access, and rapid response for travelers. Air Connectivity: BermudAir announced major winter route expansions tied to Belize, including nonstop service from multiple U.S. and Canadian gateways, plus new links to Turks and Caicos and Anguilla, with tickets set to go on sale Friday. Coastal Environment: The government temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas, including beach reclamation projects, while it develops a plan with agencies and coastal communities. Fuel Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry renewed calls for lower fuel prices, pushing for temporary tax relief and more transparency in how pump prices are set. Flood Watch: Overnight heavy rain hit Punta Gorda, flooding streets and yards as residents monitor rising waters and authorities warn of flash-flood risk.