AGP Executive Report

Belize in the spotlight abroad: Belize has assumed the SICA Social Integration Pro Tempore Presidency for July–December 2026, with Minister Thea Garcia-Ramirez leading a push for stronger social protection, care for vulnerable groups, and coordinated migration reintegration across Central America. Diaspora services go mobile: Belize’s Immigration Ministry is running a Mobile Passport Hub in Miramar, Florida (July 13–Saturday), offering passports and nationality services with walk-ins accepted alongside booked appointments. Culture and language in action: Belize is expanding its role in children’s literature across Central America after a Guatemala conference, sharing Kriol publishing work and strengthening regional partnerships. Indigenous women protect traditional plants: In Toledo, Indigenous Arts Belize women expanded a nursery to grow cocoa, soursop, achiote and other heritage plants, building a community resource for future generations. Child-centered justice training: Belize City hosted a two-day judicial training on trafficking in persons, restorative justice, and diversion, aiming to help judges make more child-sensitive decisions. Garifuna heritage stays alive: Warasa Garifuna Drum School in Punta Gorda is offering free summer drum classes and drum-making for youth. Sports development talk: Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association President Allan Sharp called for long-term planning and better support to professionalize sport administration and athlete development.

Diaspora & Community Services: Miramar, Florida has officially declared July 11 “Belize Day,” as Belize’s Immigration delegation continues passport and nationality services through a Mobile Passport Hub, including a secure IT setup that captures photos, fingerprints, and signatures with a live connection back to Belize. Healthy Schools: PAHO and OAS rolled out new guidelines urging schools across the Americas to improve nutrition and boost daily physical activity as overweight and inactivity among youth keep rising. Regional Leadership: Belize assumed the SICA Social Integration Pro Tempore Presidency for July–December 2026, with a focus on social protection, care programs for vulnerable groups, and coordinated approaches to migration and reintegration. Child Protection & Justice: Belize launched a two-day judicial training on trafficking in persons, restorative justice, and diversion to help judges make more child-centered decisions. Indigenous Culture & Environment: Indigenous Arts Belize women expanded a nursery in Toledo to preserve traditional plants like cocoa, soursop, and achiote—linking culture, food, and sustainability. Garifuna Heritage: The Warasa Garifuna Drum School in Punta Gorda is offering free summer drum classes for youth to keep traditional drumming alive. Sports & Youth Development: Summer Bond Camp is adding rocket science to its program, with hands-on sessions led by Belizean rocket scientist Dr. Policarpio Soberanis. Business & Governance: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged the government to strengthen procurement financial controls now, including smarter monitoring of transactions before payments are processed.

CARICOM Spotlight: Belize’s Attorney-General Anthony G. Sylvestre represented the country at the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia (5–8 July), as leaders set the tone for regional priorities. Diaspora & Culture in Action: Miramar, Florida has proclaimed July 11 “Belize Day,” while Belize’s Immigration team is running a Mobile Passport Hub offering passports and nationality services for Belizeans in the area. Healthy Schools Push: PAHO and the OAS launched new school guidelines to tackle rising childhood overweight and obesity, urging healthier eating and daily physical activity. Regional Social Leadership: Belize assumed the SICA Social Integration Pro Tempore Presidency (July–December 2026), with a focus on social protection, care for vulnerable groups, and coordinated migration support. Child Protection & Justice: A two-day judicial training in Belize City targets trafficking in persons with child-centered justice, restorative justice, and diversion. Indigenous Women & Environment: Indigenous Arts Belize women in Toledo expanded a nursery to preserve traditional plants like cocoa, soursop, and achiote. Garifuna Heritage: Warasa Garifuna Drum School in Punta Gorda offers free summer drum classes for youth, including drum-making. Business & Governance: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged immediate strengthening of procurement controls to prevent irregular transactions.

Healthy Schools: PAHO and OAS rolled out new guidelines urging healthier eating and daily physical activity in schools as overweight and inactivity among children and teens keep climbing. CARICOM Reparations Push: The CARICOM Reparations Commission heads to the UK (July 13–16) to build public education and civil society engagement around reparatory justice. Child Justice Training: Belize launched a two-day judicial training on trafficking in persons, restorative justice, and diversion to help judges make more child-centered decisions. Indigenous Women & Plants: In Toledo, Indigenous Arts Belize women expanded a nursery to preserve traditional plants tied to food and ancestral knowledge. Children’s Literature Boost: Belize strengthened its regional role in children’s books after joining a Central American conference in Guatemala, including Kriol-language publishing. Diaspora Services in Florida: Belize’s Immigration Ministry ran a Mobile Passport Hub in Miramar, offering passport and nationality services for Belizeans abroad. Garifuna Drum School: Warasa Garifuna Drum School in Punta Gorda offers free summer drumming classes for youth. Summer Bond Camp: Belize City’s Summer Bond Camp added robotics and rocket-science sessions to keep kids learning through play. Business & Procurement Controls: BCCI urged the government to tighten public procurement financial controls now, including smarter monitoring of transactions.

Healthy Schools Push: PAHO and OAS rolled out new guidelines to curb rising childhood overweight and inactivity, urging schools to make healthier eating and daily movement the norm. LGBTQ Cruise Bans: A Virgin Voyages LGBTQ charter was turned away again in the eastern Mediterranean, adding to a 35-year pattern of ports refusing such cruises. Belize Procurement Pressure: The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry tells the Government to tighten public procurement controls now, including smarter monitoring of the Smart Stream system. Regional Leadership: Belize took over the Dominican Republic’s CIS pro tempore presidency, keeping focus on social protection, food security, and climate-ready care systems. Child Justice Training: A two-day judicial workshop targets trafficking cases with child-centered justice, restorative justice, and diversion. Indigenous Plant Nursery: Indigenous Arts Belize women in Toledo expanded a traditional plant nursery, growing species tied to food and ancestral knowledge. Culture Through Books: Belize boosted its Central American children’s literature presence, promoting Kriol language publishing and new regional partnerships. Garifuna Drum School: Warasa Garifuna Drum School launches free summer drumming classes in Punta Gorda to preserve cultural heritage. Summer Bond Camp STEM: Belize City’s Summer Bond Camp adds robotics and a rocket-science session with Dr. Policarpio Soberanis.

Loss & Damage Finance: The UN’s Loss and Damage fund is delaying its first project approvals, with demand far outstripping the money available, pushing decisions to December. Regional Leadership & Social Policy: Belize took over the Dominican Republic’s Pro Tempore CIS presidency, with a renewed focus on care systems, food security, and climate preparedness. Child-Centered Justice: Belize launched a two-day judicial training on trafficking in persons, restorative justice, and diversion to help judges make more child-sensitive decisions. Diaspora Services: Belize’s Immigration Ministry is running a Mobile Passport Hub in Miramar, Florida, offering passport and nationality services with walk-ins accepted. Indigenous Plant Preservation: Indigenous Arts Belize women expanded a nursery in Toledo to grow traditional plants like cocoa, soursop, and achiote, keeping ancestral knowledge alive. Children’s Literature: Belize strengthened its regional role in children’s books after a Central American conference, including Kriol language publishing. Garifuna Culture: Warasa Garifuna Drum School in Punta Gorda is offering free summer drumming and drum-making classes for youth. Youth Learning & Tech: Summer Bond Camp is adding robotics and sports, with sessions led by Belize Robotics Federation and a rocket-science visit from Dr. Policarpio Soberanis. Sports Planning: The Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association calls for long-term investment and more professional support for athlete development. Court Update: A cyberbullying case involving Nichole McDonald is headed to the High Court for a preliminary inquiry set for August 14.

Belize in the spotlight: A major CARICOM-backed relief effort is sending an 88-container emergency fleet from Guyana to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, with Belize among the participating governments. Community service: Latter-day Saints across Belize and the region are expanding help through wheelchair donations in Belize and other hospital, blood drive, shelter, and animal-support work. Youth & environment: Full Circle Belize is running a three-day Biodiversity Summer Programme in Belmopan, training ages 13–30 on conservation, climate impacts, waste management, and environmental rules. Culture preservation: The Warasa Garifuna Drum School in Punta Gorda is offering free summer drum classes for youth, including drumming and drum-making. Learning & innovation: Summer Bond Camp in Belize City is adding robotics (LEGO SPIKE Prime) alongside sports, plus rocket-science sessions with Belizean Dr. Policarpio Soberanis. Justice updates: The Belize Bar Association says court backlog has been greatly reduced after reforms and case-management training. Courts & crime: A cyberbullying case involving Nichole McDonald is headed to the High Court with a preliminary inquiry set for August 14. Sports future: Belize’s Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association president calls for long-term investment and more professional support for athletes.

Child Sexual Abuse Case: A date has been set for a preliminary enquiry in Derry for priest Edward Gallagher, charged with attempted sexual communication with a child and related offences, with the case committal now fixed for July 16. Belize Education & Youth: The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, with partners including Global Partnership for Education and UNICEF, is building Belize’s Education Compact roadmap to guide future investment and improve learning outcomes. STEM for Kids: Summer Bond Camp in Belize City is back with robotics “as a sport,” plus basketball, football, and table tennis, supported by local partners and the Belize Robotics Federation. Culture & Community Learning: Belize’s 20th Archaeological Symposium in Cayo shared new regional research and featured a public replica exhibit of the Te K’ab Chaak tomb from Caracol. Justice System Update: The Belize Bar Association says court backlog has been greatly reduced after reforms, training, and stronger case management. Local Governance & Safety: A police mobile brake failure in Belmopan reportedly led to the death of Kevaughn Gabriel during an arrest operation, while officers were injured. Water & Resilience: Pomona’s water system expansion is bringing service to Rodsville, using renewable energy and backup power to help manage dry-season constraints. Immigration & Identity: Belize welcomed 111 new citizens from 22 countries, highlighting the country’s multicultural identity. Heritage & Healing: A Las Vegas workshop series is helping preserve the Latino egg limpia tradition, with a Belize-born curandero teaching the practice to reconnect diaspora communities with roots.

Education & Youth: MOECST, with Global Partnership for Education and UNICEF, hosted a Belize Partnership Compact Development Workshop to map a roadmap for the education sector—aiming for quality, inclusive, equitable learning nationwide. STEM & Community: Summer Bond Camp opened in Belize City with 75+ kids, adding robotics “as a sport” via the Belize Robotics Federation alongside basketball, football, and table tennis. Energy & National Development: Belize signed a revised MCC Compact, shifting $20M from education to energy, while Prime Minister John Briceño framed it as building a stronger, more competitive economy. Citizenship & Identity: Belize welcomed 111 new citizens from 22 countries, highlighting the country’s multicultural fabric. Culture & Heritage: National September Celebrations theme “Look at me. I am Belize at 45” was unveiled, tying today’s identity to Creole, Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo, and Central American histories. Justice Update: Belize Bar Association says court backlog has been greatly reduced after reforms and stronger case management. Local Crime: A man accused of burglarizing Divine Mercy Church and stealing $2,000 was remanded to prison after being denied bail. Culture Abroad (Belize link): A Belize-born curandero in Las Vegas is teaching egg limpia workshops to preserve Latino healing traditions.

Belize Culture & Heritage: The National September Celebrations theme was unveiled as “Look at me. I am Belize at 45,” with Minister Francis Fonseca highlighting the country’s Creole, Garifuna, Maya and Mestizo roots and awarding Amber Janelle Mariano $2,000 for pre-law studies. Conservation & Community Craft: PACT marked 30 years by spotlighting three female conservation leaders through Belize-made products, with proceeds supporting ongoing protection work. Belize Immigration & Identity: Belize welcomed 111 new citizens from 22 countries at a nationality ceremony, reflecting the nation’s multicultural fabric. Education & Skills: Grace High School students took part in a Global Brigades business consulting project, learning hands-on service and entrepreneurship. Justice System: The Belize Bar Association says court backlog has been greatly reduced after reforms, training, and stronger case management. Energy & Development: Belize signed a revised MCC compact, shifting $20M from education to energy to support competitiveness and a skilled workforce. Public Safety & Gender: Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat visited Seine Bight Police to address officers’ concerns, including space for the Gender-Based Violence unit. Culture in the Diaspora: A Belize-born curandero in Las Vegas is teaching egg limpia workshops to preserve Latino healing traditions.

Belize & Energy Transition: Belize signed a revised $125M Millennium Challenge Corporation compact, shifting $20M from education to energy to support a faster-growing economy and cheaper power. Citizenship & Community: Belize welcomed 111 new citizens from 22 countries, highlighting the country’s multicultural identity and the role immigrants play in national development. Justice System Update: The Belize Bar Association says the court backlog has been greatly reduced after years of reforms, training, and stronger case management. Culture & Heritage: The National September Celebrations theme was unveiled as “Look at me. I am Belize at 45,” with a young author winning the prize and the minister tying the theme to Creole, Garifuna, Maya, and Central American histories. Local Governance & Safety: Minister Julius Espat visited the Seine Bight police sub-formation to hear officers’ concerns, including space needs for gender-based violence response units. Conservation With a Creative Twist: PACT marked 30 years by spotlighting three female conservation leaders through artisan-made products, with proceeds supporting conservation work. Belize in the Wider World: A report describes the U.S. pushing biometric border screening south, including a biometric partnership in Belize.

Belize at 45 Celebrations: The National September Celebrations Committee unveiled this year’s theme, “Look at me. I am Belize at 45,” with Amber Janelle Mariano winning the $2,000 prize; Minister Francis Fonseca tied the spotlight to Belize’s Creole, Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo and Central American roots. Culture & Conservation: PACT marked 30 years by partnering with local artisans to create products inspired by three female conservation leaders, with proceeds supporting conservation work. Belize Immigration Milestone: Belize welcomed 111 new citizens from 22 countries during a nationality ceremony, reinforcing the country’s multicultural identity. MCC Compact Update: Government signed a revised $125M MCC compact, shifting $20M from education to energy investment while keeping the broader education-energy focus. Justice System Update: Belize Bar Association president Jose Alpuche says court backlog has been greatly reduced after reforms, training and stronger case management. Community Safety & Justice: A teacher shared strategies for addressing violence-related deaths, urging prevention, trust-building and coordinated action beyond policing. Local Crime: A man was remanded after allegedly burglarizing Divine Mercy Church and stealing $2,000. Police Working Conditions: Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat visited Seine Bight Police Sub-Formation to hear officers’ concerns, including space needs for GBV response units. Learning Support: Leo Bradley Library launched a free school books giveaway for families ahead of the new school year.

CARICOM Legal Clash: Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar says CARICOM’s secretary-general reappointment was unlawful and asks the Caribbean Court of Justice to step in, arguing the process broke the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Belize Education & Culture: Grace High School students joined a Global Brigades business consulting project, turning classroom learning into real-world service for Belizean entrepreneurs. Belize Economy & Energy: Belize signed a revised $125M Millennium Challenge Corporation compact, shifting $20M from education to energy to match Belize’s growth needs. Belize Citizenship & Community: Belize welcomed 111 new citizens from 22 countries in a nationality ceremony celebrating the country’s multicultural identity. Local Governance & Safety: Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat visited Seine Bight police to hear officers’ concerns, including space needs for the Gender-Based Violence unit and Quick Response Team. Belize Culture Calendar: The National September Celebrations theme was unveiled: “Look at me. I am Belize at 45,” with Amber Mariano winning the $2,000 prize. Anti-Corruption Pressure: Churches and the National Evangelical Association of Belize urged stronger action on corruption concerns, calling for deeper investigations and real reforms. Health & Learning Access: Leo Bradley Library launched a free school books giveaway to help families ahead of the new school year. Belize Coin Pride: Central Bank unveiled designs for a new National Symbols coin series, set to enter circulation in September 2026.

Belize@45 Theme Unveiled: Belize’s 45th Independence countdown kicked off with the theme “Look at Me, I Am Belize at 45,” authored by Amber Mariano, setting the tone for September celebrations across the country. National Symbols in Coins: The Central Bank of Belize is rolling out a new National Symbols Coin Series, with coins entering circulation in September 2026 to spotlight Belize’s heritage and identity. MCC Grant Signed (Revised): Government signed modified terms to preserve the US$125M Millennium Challenge Corporation grant, shifting funding between education and energy and paving the way for a new submarine transmission cable to Ambergris Caye. STEM Boost: Belize showcased “Robotics as a Sport” at the Caribbean SEED Summit, reinforcing its push to grow practical STEM skills for students. Community Learning Support: Leo Bradley Library announced a free school books giveaway as families prepare for the new school year. Safety & Justice: BDF launched an internal probe after a soldier rape report at Fairweather Camp, while police remanded a Guatemalan man in a Ladyville domestic violence case. Local Culture Spotlight: San Pedro’s Roman Catholic Church held its first Kids Kite Flying Competition during its St. Peter and St. Paul novena, bringing families together.

Belize Independence 45 Theme: The National Celebrations Commission unveiled Belize@45—“Look at Me, I Am Belize at 45”—with author Amber Mariano recognized at the House of Culture, setting the tone for September’s cultural events. National Symbols & Currency: The Central Bank of Belize released designs for a new National Symbols Coin Series, with coins entering circulation in September 2026 and existing Queen Elizabeth II coins staying valid. Education & Community Support: Leo Bradley Library is offering free school books for the new school year, easing the cost burden on families. STEM & Youth Development: Belize showcased “Robotics as a Sport” at the Caribbean SEED Summit, highlighting robotics training as a pathway for student skills and teamwork. Disaster Resilience Funding: Belize received EU-backed support tied to the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction, strengthening preparedness and recovery systems. Local Faith & Family Fun: San Pedro’s Roman Catholic Church held a free Kids Kite Flying Competition during its St. Peter and St. Paul novena, bringing families together. Governance & Integrity: National Evangelical Association of Belize urged stronger anti-corruption action after investigations and suspensions tied to SmartStream payments and public funds concerns.

Belize@45 Independence Theme: The National Celebrations Commission unveiled this year’s Belize@45 theme, “Look at Me, I Am Belize at 45,” with author Amber Mariano recognized at the House of Culture, setting the tone for September events. National Currency & Culture: The Central Bank of Belize rolled out the new National Symbols Coin Series, with coins entering circulation in September 2026 and featuring Belize’s map and national symbols to boost pride in everyday cash. Education Support: The Leo Bradley Library launched a free school books giveaway for primary, secondary and CSEC students, easing the cost burden as the new school year approaches. STEM for Youth: Belize showcased “Robotics as a Sport” at the Caribbean SEED Summit 2026, highlighting how robotics is building teamwork and skills for nation-building. Police Welfare in Seine Bight: Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat visited the Seine Bight Police Sub-Formation to hear officers’ concerns, including space needs for the Gender-Based Violence unit and Quick Response Team. Child Justice Reform: UNICEF and the National Commission for Families and Children held a validation session to finalize new Child Justice Guidelines for youth in conflict with the law. Community Safety & Accountability: The BDF launched an internal probe after a soldier rape report at Fairweather Camp, with the accused placed under open arrest while police investigate separately. Energy & Resilience Funding: Belize signed modified terms to preserve the US$125M MCC grant, shifting $20M from education to energy and paving the way for a new submarine transmission cable to Ambergris Caye. Disaster Preparedness Push: EU funding was secured to support Sendai Framework implementation in Belize, strengthening disaster risk reduction and recovery planning. Local Crime Update: A Guatemalan national was remanded after a violent domestic dispute in Ladyville left his common-law wife in critical condition.