AGP Executive Report

Ombudsman Fight: Former Ombudsman Major Gilbert Swaso has filed a constitutional claim against Belize’s government, alleging his non-renewal and related actions violated the Ombudsman Office’s independence after a Freedom of Information ruling on legal fees. Domestic Violence Access: Select Senior Justices of the Peace began specialized training in Belize City to issue emergency Interim Protection Orders when courts are limited, aiming to speed up protection for victims. Vital Records Update: Belize’s Vital Statistics Office is seeing more online birth certificate applications after a system change that lets certificates be printed on regular paper, with electronic verification meant to reduce counterfeit risk. Child Safety: Dozens of children were left stranded for hours after a school bus broke down on a return trip to Belmopan, raising concerns about safety and response times. Tourism Skills & Culture: Punta Gorda hosted Urumei in honor of Garifuna cultural advocate Bernadina Elijio, while hospitality workers in the south earned AHLEI Guest Service Gold certification and young Belizeans started technical training at Orange Walk ITVET. Community Voices in Fisheries: Twenty-two fishers’ associations published Belize’s first-ever Belize Fishers Audit, pushing recommendations shaped by fishers themselves. Housing Affordability: A local letter highlights frustration that San Pedro land and home prices are out of reach for island residents, fueling fears locals are being priced out.

Coral & Climate: Woods Hole scientists are scouting “super reefs” that might survive extreme heat as global warming drives record coral bleaching. Fisheries & Community Accountability: Twenty-two fishers’ associations unveiled Belize’s first-ever Belize Fishers Audit, built by fishers for fishers with recommendations to improve the sector. Justice & Safety for Families: Select Justices of the Peace received specialized training to issue emergency interim protection orders for domestic violence cases when courts are limited. Vital Records Access: The Vital Statistics Office reports a surge in online birth certificate applications after printing rules were loosened, with electronic checks replacing older serial-stock controls. Culture in the South: Punta Gorda honored Garifuna cultural advocate Bernadina Elijio with Urumei reenactment, mass, and traditional music and dance. Youth Skills & Work: Orange Walk ITVET launched an eight-month technical apprenticeship for 20 young Belizeans under the Breaking Barriers program. Tourism & Pride: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort earned top Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice rankings in 2026. Environment & Future Generations: CEO Caucus Replanting Program kicked off at a Belmopan-area school as Belize pushes toward its million-tree goal. Sports & Belonging: Belize opens the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas qualifier against Bahamas, with matches also set for Belize vs Bermuda and Belize vs Brazil.

Fisheries & Community Voice: 22 fishers’ associations unveiled Belize’s first-ever Belize Fishers Audit, putting fishermen’s priorities and recommendations front and center for accountability and sector improvement. Vital Records Access: The Vital Statistics Office reported a surge in online birth certificate applications after allowing printing on regular paper, with electronic verification meant to reduce counterfeit concerns. Justice for Survivors: Select Senior Justices of the Peace began specialized training to issue emergency interim domestic violence protection orders when courts can’t respond fast enough. Deportation & Legal Turns: Benigno “Mouse” Loria was deported to Belize after U.S. detention and public labeling as a cartel affiliate, while his family disputes the claim. Tourism & Skills: Hospitality workers in Punta Gorda earned AHLEI Guest Service Gold certification, and 20 young Belizeans started LEAF-funded technical training at Orange Walk ITVET. Culture Spotlight: Punta Gorda honored Garifuna cultural advocate Bernadina Elijio with Urumei reenactment, mass, and traditional music and dance. Kids’ Safety: Dozens of Belmopan schoolchildren were stranded for hours after a bus broke down on a return trip. Environment & Youth: CEO Caucus Replanting Program launched at a Roaring Creek school as Belize pushes toward planting one million trees by 2035. Indigenous Identity: The National Kriol Council renewed calls for recognition of Kriol indigeneity, ancestral rights, and inclusion in land and public policy discussions.

Fisheries & Community Accountability: Twenty-two fishers’ associations across Belize have released the country’s first Belize Fishers Audit, built from priorities identified by fishers themselves and aimed at accountability, transparency, and practical recommendations for improving the sector. Vital Records Access: The Vital Statistics Office says birth certificates can now be printed on any paper, boosting access for people who can’t travel, with electronic verification meant to reduce counterfeit concerns. Domestic Violence Protections: Senior Justices of the Peace in Belize City began specialized training to issue emergency interim protection orders when courts are limited, strengthening fast protection for victims. Tourism & Skills: Hospitality workers in Punta Gorda earned AHLEI Guest Service Gold certification with a 100% pass rate, while Orange Walk ITVET launched an eight-month “Breaking Barriers” apprenticeship for 20 young Belizeans in electrical installation and air conditioning/refrigeration. Garifuna Culture: Punta Gorda honored Bernadina Elijio’s legacy with Urumei reenactment, a parade, mass at St. Peter Claver Church, and traditional music and dance. Child Labour Awareness: Belize marked World Day Against Child Labour with school-based education in Corozal and Sarteneja, urging fair play for children and decent work for adults. Regional Mobility for Tourism: Belize is set to launch a Regional Visitor Card for residents of southeastern Mexico, easing access for nearby Mexican states. Environment & Youth: The CEO Caucus Replanting Program kicked off at Our Lady of Fatima Primary School, tying tree planting to waste separation and environmental education under the million-trees goal.

Tourism Win: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Hopkins was named #1 hotel in Central America and #15 in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best.” Education & Research Links: Georgia Southern University signed a partnership with the University of Belize to expand research and graduate pathways, including marine biology and coastal resiliency work. Domestic Violence Protections: Select Senior Justices of the Peace began specialized training to issue emergency Interim Protection Orders under the 2025 Act. Child Safety Alert: Dozens of primary school children were left stranded for hours after a bus broke down during a field trip, raising concerns about supervision and emergency response. Child Labour Awareness: Belize marked World Day Against Child Labour with school-based activities promoting education and “Red Card to Child Labour” messaging. Indigenous & Language Identity: The National Kriol Council renewed calls for recognition of Kriol Indigenous identity and ancestral rights. Governance & Transparency: Former Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso filed a constitutional claim challenging the non-renewal of his appointment and alleged retaliation tied to a Freedom of Information ruling. Environment & Youth Action: Belize launched CEO-led tree planting and replanting programs under the Greening Belize Initiative, aiming for one million trees by 2035. Regional Mobility: Belize is set to launch a Regional Visitor Card for residents of southeastern Mexico to make travel easier.

Domestic Violence Protections: Select Senior Justices of the Peace across Belize began specialized training at ITVET to issue emergency Interim Protection Orders when magistrates aren’t available, as the Justices of the Peace Act, 2025 rolls out. Ombudsman Crisis & Transparency: Former Ombudsman Major Gilbert Swaso has filed a constitutional claim against the Government of Belize over the non-renewal of his post, arguing it undermined the office’s independence and stalled public right-to-know cases. Tourism & Mobility: Belize is set to launch a Regional Visitor Card for residents of southeastern Mexico, aiming to make cross-border travel easier and boost tourism and trade ties. Indigenous Rights & Land Consultations: Government says FPIC consultations under the Free, Prior and Informed Consent framework are ongoing, with officials highlighting community participation in decisions affecting lands and resources. Culture & Youth: The CEO Caucus Replanting Program kicked off at Our Lady of Fatima Primary School, tying youth tree-planting and environmental education to Belize’s million-trees goal for 2035. Sports: Belize opens the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas qualifier against the Bahamas on June 21, with Bermuda and Brazil also in the early matchups.

Animal Health & Biosecurity: A parasitologist says the New World screwworm’s return to the US is likely not a one-off, with hundreds to thousands of flies possibly already present, even though only one confirmed case has been found so far. Sports & Community: Belize opens the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas qualifier against Bahamas, with the full schedule released for the June 21–27 event—cricket as culture, not just competition. Environment & Youth: Belize’s CEO Caucus Replanting Program kicks off at a Roman Catholic primary school as part of the Greening Belize push to plant one million trees by 2035, pairing tree planting with waste separation and environmental lessons. Tourism & Regional Links: Belize is set to launch a Regional Visitor Card for residents of Mexico’s southeastern states, aiming to make cross-border travel easier and boost people-to-people ties. Indigenous Rights: Government says Indigenous consultations under the FPIC framework are ongoing, with communities involved in decisions affecting land and resources. Early Childhood & Women’s Empowerment: The House approves a US$23.5M World Bank loan plus grants to expand preschool services and support women’s economic participation. Public Safety Law: A bill introduced in the House would move toward public access to Belize’s sex offenders registry and set in-camera proceedings for certain offences. Culture & Memory: Belize mourns Brother Fem Cruz, a long-time media figure and musician, after his passing following Parkinson’s complications.

Belize Education & Youth: Belize launched its first nationwide student assessment, with over 20,000 primary students testing Language Arts and Math across 287 schools—results won’t affect promotion, but will guide teaching support. Early Childhood & Women’s Empowerment: The House approved a US$23.5M loan plus grants to expand preschool classrooms and support ECCE practitioners, aiming to boost childcare access and women’s workforce participation. Indigenous Rights: Government consultations continue under the FPIC framework, with officials saying communities must be able to weigh cultural and environmental impacts of proposed projects. Public Safety & Accountability: A Criminal Code amendment bill would open Belize’s National Sex Offenders Database to the public and introduce in-camera proceedings for some offences. Transparency Fight: Activist Jeremy Enriquez filed an urgent lawsuit over the Ombudsman seat being vacant for nearly six months, arguing it stalls Freedom of Information requests. Community & Culture: A Belize youth tobacco-control forum under “Unmasking the Appeal” brought students together to counter nicotine and tobacco addiction. Remembering a Media Pillar: Brother Fem Cruz, a long-time Belmopan-area broadcaster and musician, has died after a Parkinson’s struggle. Obituary: John “Jack” Karl Pribram died June 3, 2026.

Caribbean Media Summit: Media leaders warned that shrinking ad revenue, audience shifts to digital, and AI disruption are squeezing traditional outlets, with calls for new business models and smarter staffing. Regional Unity: Belize’s Dr. Osmond Martinez urged deeper Caribbean solidarity at the Caribbean Development Bank meeting, saying Belize will bring a “sense of purpose” as it prepares to host the 2027 gathering. Indigenous Rights: Government consultations continue under the FPIC framework, with officials saying Indigenous communities must be able to weigh impacts on land, culture, and the environment. Child Protection in Focus: The trial of foster parents charged in Ayana Bennet’s death was delayed, keeping attention on Belize’s foster-care safeguards. Public Safety & Transparency: A bill was introduced to expand public access to Belize’s sex offenders registry, while an activist’s urgent lawsuit challenges the Ombudsman office being left vacant and freezing Freedom of Information requests. Early Childhood & Women’s Work: House approval clears a US$23.5M loan plus grants to expand preschool services and support women’s economic empowerment. Youth Health: PAHO/WHO and Belize launched a national youth tobacco forum under “Unmasking the Appeal,” aiming to curb nicotine and tobacco use. Belize Culture & Learning: Macmillan Education Belize opened a regional poetry competition with a new upper secondary category, and Belize also ran its first nationwide primary student assessment pilot. Remembering Brother Fem: Plus TV journalist Brother Fem Cruz died after a Parkinson’s struggle, remembered as a community pillar and musician.

Education & Youth: Macmillan Education Caribbean has opened its expanded “New Branches” Poetry Competition, adding an Upper Secondary category and inviting Belize students to submit poems under six themes. Local Governance & Rights: A Belmopan activist has filed an urgent lawsuit against the AG, arguing Belize’s transparency laws are effectively stalled because the Ombudsman’s post has been vacant for nearly six months, with a legal deadlock over who pays for the Ombudsman’s attorney. Public Health & Prevention: PAHO/WHO and Belize’s Ministry of Health & Wellness held the first National Tobacco Control Youth Forum under “Unmasking the Appeal,” bringing together students from across the Belize District for a push against nicotine and tobacco addiction. Culture & Community: Caye Caulker Area Rep Andre Perez reflects on the island’s historic marijuana referendum, calling it a landmark moment for local democracy and urging that residents’ voices lead the conversation. Indigenous Land & Identity: Indigenous communities are pushing back against government land initiatives tied to Maya customary tenure and Garifuna village boundary processes, warning it could reshape control of traditional lands. Sports & Heritage: Belize’s ties to regional culture show up in coverage of the Mesoamerican Ballgame exhibition in Kuwait, spotlighting ancient sporting heritage ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Belize City & Safety: Belize Central Prison’s 2025 report says there were no escapes and fewer incidents under Kolbe Foundation management, but highlights ongoing challenges including a high share of inmates linked to murder convictions and more people jailed for minor offenses. Arts & Learning: A Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts plans turtle-focused programming with wildlife artist Matt Patterson, including a paint-along for children and talks on conservation work in places like Belize. Community Life: Sittee River’s village council issued a public statement during a boundary review, stressing unity, clarity for planning, and peaceful coexistence with neighboring communities.

Belize Education: Over 20,000 primary students across 287 schools took part in Belize’s first nationwide student assessment pilot, testing Language Arts and Mathematics to spot learning gaps and guide support—without affecting promotion or ranking. Public Health & Youth: PAHO/WHO and Belize’s Ministry of Health hosted a World No Tobacco Day youth forum under “Unmasking the Appeal,” bringing students together to tackle nicotine and tobacco addiction. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders are pushing back on government moves that could reshape control of traditional lands, including Maya customary tenure legislation and boundary processes affecting Garifuna communities. Local Governance & Community Debate: Caye Caulker Area Rep Andre Perez reflects on the island’s historic marijuana referendum, calling it a landmark moment for democracy and urging that residents decide. Culture & Heritage: San Pedro High School marked its 50th graduation with the presence of its first graduating class from 1976, celebrating decades of education on Ambergris Caye. Environment & Conservation: Wildlife artist Matt Patterson is set to headline the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts with turtle conservation talks and a children’s paint-along, including fieldwork in Belize. Justice & Public Safety: Belize Central Prison’s 2025 report says there were no escapes and rehab participation stayed strong, but more people were jailed for minor offenses, including child support cases.

Education & Youth: Over 20,000 primary students across 287 schools took part in Belize’s first nationwide simultaneous student assessment pilot, testing Language Arts and Mathematics to spot learning gaps without affecting promotion. Public Health & Tobacco Control: PAHO/WHO and Belize’s Ministry of Health ran a World No Tobacco Day youth forum, “Unmasking the Appeal,” bringing students together to tackle nicotine and tobacco addiction. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders are pushing back on government moves that could reshape Maya customary land protections and Garifuna village boundary definitions along the coast. Justice & Safety: Belize is moving toward public access to the National Sex Offenders Database via a Criminal Code amendment, alongside in-camera proceedings for certain child-related sexual offenses. Local Governance & Community: Caye Caulker’s Area Rep Andre Perez reflects on the island’s historic marijuana referendum, calling it a landmark moment for local democracy. Prison Update: Belize Central Prison’s 2025 report says there were no escapes, fewer incidents, and strong rehab participation, but highlights that many inmates are jailed for minor offenses. Culture & Heritage: San Pedro High School marked its 50th graduation with the return of its first graduating class from 1976. Regional Spotlight: Cuba received 1,700 tons of basic necessities from Mexico and Belize amid its ongoing shortages.

Belize Education: Over 20,000 primary students (Standards 1, 4, and 6) from 287 schools took part in Belize’s first nationwide student assessment pilot, testing Language Arts and Mathematics to spot learning gaps—results won’t affect promotion or ranking. Prison & Rehabilitation: Belize Central Prison’s 2025 report says there were no escapes (despite two attempts), fewer incidents, lower drug positivity, and strong rehab participation, but notes a large share of inmates convicted/remanded for murder and more jail time for minor offenses. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders are pushing back on government plans that could reshape Maya customary land protections and Garifuna village boundary processes along the south coast. Public Safety Law: Belize is moving toward public access to the National Sex Offenders Database via a Criminal Code amendment, with in-camera proceedings for certain offenses involving women and children. Governance & Work: The OSH Bill was delayed again in the Senate as senators asked for clearer written responses from labour officials. Foreign Affairs: Oscar Arnold has taken over as CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade after serving as Ambassador to Mexico.

Education & Youth: Belize launched its first nationwide simultaneous primary student assessment (Standards 1, 4, 6) with 20,000+ students across 287 schools, using Language Arts and Math to guide teaching—results won’t affect promotion or ranking. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders are pushing back against government land plans, including Maya customary tenure legislation and boundary definition work affecting Garifuna/Garinagu territories on the Placencia and Stann Creek coasts. Public Safety & Justice: Two people accused in the murder of Dr. Naun Bonilla made their first court appearance as police cited the joint enterprise doctrine, framing the case around a business dispute. Governance & Labour: The OSH Bill was delayed again in the Senate, with senators asked to submit concerns in writing after meetings were cancelled. Foreign Affairs & Culture: Oscar Arnold took over as CEO of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade after serving as ambassador to Mexico. Regional Humanitarian Aid: Mexico and Belize sent 1,700 tons of basic products to Cuba amid worsening shortages. Tourism & Lifestyle: A “Doctor Love” column says San Pedro’s “slow season” feels earlier, likely due to rapid growth and more businesses competing for the same visitor dollars.

Education & Youth: Belize launched its first nationwide primary student assessment pilot, with over 20,000 students in Standards 1, 4, and 6 taking Language Arts and Mathematics tests—results won’t affect grades or rankings, but will guide support and teaching improvements. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders are pushing back against government land plans affecting Maya customary tenure and boundary definitions for Garifuna and Maya communities along the Placencia and Stann Creek coasts. Public Safety & Justice: Belize is moving toward public access to a National Sex Offenders Database via Criminal Code amendments, with in-camera proceedings for certain offenses involving women and children. Governance & Policy: The OSH Bill was delayed again in the Senate, while lawmakers approved a US$23.5M loan for early childhood development and female empowerment. Culture & Community: San Pedro High School marked its 50th graduation, with tributes to education pioneer Angel Nunez. Environment & Tourism: Ambergris Caye’s northern development agenda includes new schools and an approved international airport design, while conservation voices continue to challenge dredging claims in Placencia Lagoon. Regional Watch: Cuba received 1,700 tons of food and basic supplies from Mexico and Belize amid its worsening shortages.

Education & Youth: Belize launched its first nationwide student assessment pilot, with 20,000+ primary students in Standards 1, 4, and 6 taking Language Arts and Math tests—results won’t affect promotion or ranking, but will guide support and curriculum improvements. Public Safety & Families: The House approved changes to expand public access to Belize’s National Sex Offenders Database, with in-camera proceedings for certain sexual offenses involving women and children; E-Governance CEO Jose Urbina backs the move for parent “due diligence.” Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders are pushing back on government plans that could reshape Maya customary land protections and Garifuna village boundary definitions along the Placencia and Stann Creek coasts. Environment & Coastal Life: After complaints about dredging impacts, the government temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas while it maps a new path forward with local communities. Foreign Affairs: Oscar Arnold took over as CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, bringing experience from his ambassador role in Mexico. Culture & Community: Keller United Methodist Church hosted free eye care services in Belize City, helping residents with screenings and glasses. Sports & Tourism: Ambergris Caye’s northern projects include plans for new schools and an international airport design approved by the IDB.