AGP Executive Report

Belize Compact Update: Belize has signed modified terms to preserve a US$125M Millennium Challenge Corporation grant, shifting US$20M from education to energy and paving the way for a new 69-kilovolt submarine cable to Ambergris Caye. Public Safety & Police Welfare: Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat visited the Seine Bight Police Sub-Formation after officers flagged space and working-condition needs, including room for the Gender-Based Violence unit. Justice for Youth: UNICEF and the National Commission for Families and Children held a validation session to finalize Child Justice Guidelines, aiming to standardize protections for minors in conflict with the law. Education Access: Leo Bradley Library launched a free school book giveaway, while CDB-backed projects broke ground for new schools in Black Water (Trial Farm Village) and Indian Church (Orange Walk). Culture & National Pride: Central Bank of Belize unveiled the National Symbols Coin Series, with new coins entering circulation in September 2026, and Belize@45’s theme “Look at Me, I Am Belize at 45” was revealed. Accountability Watch: NEAB urged PM Briceño to go further on corruption concerns tied to SmartStream payments and called for stronger anti-corruption laws and oversight.

Ministerial Accountability: Education Minister Ramon Cervantes denies any role in contracts tied to his cousin’s company after SmartStream-linked reports alleged J and J Imports supplied millions in BDF rations. Police Welfare & GBV Response: 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. Church & Anti-Corruption Pressure: Churches urged PM John Briceño to act more forcefully amid corruption concerns, as NEAB also called for stronger anti-corruption systems and whistleblower protection. Gender & Tech Safety: UNESCO launched a Caribbean report on AI’s role in technology-facilitated gender-based violence, highlighting the speed of online abuse. Energy & Independence Milestone: PM Philip Davis commissioned completed solar rooftop installations under resilience energy work, while Belize’s Independence theme for Belize@45—“Look at Me, I Am Belize at 45”—was unveiled. Education Support: Leo Bradley Library offers free school textbooks ahead of the new school year, and CDB-backed school projects broke ground in Black Water and Indian Church. Culture & Identity: Central Bank unveiled designs for the National Symbols coin series, with new coins entering circulation in September 2026. Justice for Youth: UNICEF and the National Commission for Families and Children validated new Child Justice Guidelines to strengthen how minors are handled in the justice system. STEM & Community: Belize showcased “Robotics as a Sport” at a Caribbean STEM summit, and Bullock Island ran a youth basketball camp with plans for an 8-week program in 2027.

Belize Culture & Community: The Leo Bradley Library is offering free school textbooks to help families prepare for the new school year, with primary, secondary and CSEC titles available. Education & Youth: Lakeland University students returned from a Belize rainforest study abroad trip focused on tropical ecology and hands-on research at BFREE. STEM & Future Skills: Belize showcased “Robotics as a Sport” at the Caribbean SEED Summit in Barbados, highlighting robotics teamwork and student pathways for regional innovation. National Identity: The Central Bank unveiled Belize’s new National Symbols coin series, with coins entering circulation in September 2026. Justice & Protection: UNICEF and the National Commission for Families and Children advanced Belize’s juvenile justice reforms by validating new Child Justice Guidelines with key stakeholders. Health & Safety: The Belize Defence Force launched an internal probe after a soldier reported being raped at Fairweather Camp, with the accused placed under open arrest. Development Funding: Belize launched the 11th cycle of the Social Investment Fund’s Basic Needs Trust Fund with major Caribbean Development Bank support. Crime & Courts: A Guatemalan man was remanded after a violent domestic dispute in Ladyville left his common-law wife in critical condition.

Education & Community Support: Leo Bradley Library is offering FREE school textbooks for primary, secondary and CSEC levels, easing the cost hit for families ahead of the new school year. STEM & Youth Development: Lakeland University students returned from a Belize rainforest research trip at BFREE, while Belize also showcased “Robotics as a Sport” at the Caribbean SEED Summit, reinforcing the push to build practical STEM skills. National Identity & Culture: Belize kicked off its Belize@45 Independence theme—“Look at Me, I Am Belize at 45”—with author Amber Mariano recognized at the House of Culture. Health & Public Service: The Central Bank unveiled designs for a new Belize Coin National Symbols series, entering circulation in September 2026. Justice & Child Protection: UNICEF and the National Commission for Families and Children advanced Child Justice Guidelines to standardize how youth in conflict with the law are treated. Safety & Accountability: BDF launched an internal probe after a soldier rape report at Fairweather Camp, with the accused placed on open arrest. Local Faith & Family Fun: San Pedro’s Roman Catholic Church held its first Kids Kite Flying Competition during the St. Peter and St. Paul novena.

Millennium Challenge Update: Belize has signed modified terms to preserve a US$125M MCC grant, shifting US$20M from education to energy and paving the way for a new 69-kilovolt submarine transmission cable to Ambergris Caye. Health & Leadership: Francis Fonseca returned to duty after triple bypass surgery, sharing how early symptoms led to the diagnosis and thanking the KHMH team and Belizeans for prayers. Cuban Medical Brigade: Fonseca says Cabinet is weighing options after US pressure over the Cuban medical brigade, including winding down the program or creating alternatives like residence pathways and contracts. Justice & Safety: The BDF launched an internal probe after a soldier rape report at Fairweather Camp, with the accused placed under open arrest while police investigate. Culture & Community: Belize kicked off its Belize@45 theme—“Look at Me, I Am Belize at 45”—and San Pedro held a Kids Kite Flying Competition during its St. Peter and St. Paul novena. STEM & Youth: Belize showcased “Robotics as a Sport” at the Caribbean SEED Summit, while juvenile justice stakeholders met with UNICEF to validate new child justice guidelines. Education Builds: Ground was broken for new Black Water primary and Indian Church school facilities, expanding access to early learning. Arts on Screen: Indie drama “Stationed at Home” is now available to rent or buy internationally across 40+ territories.

Caribbean resilience reflection: A new piece, “The Space to Choose,” spotlights how Caribbean communities keep going through storms, shortages, and cascading crises—an echo of Belize’s own resilience. San Pedro youth & faith culture: San Pedro Roman Catholic Church hosted its first Kids Kite Flying Competition during the St. Peter and St. Paul novena, bringing families together in a faith-filled day. Ambergris Caye pageantry: San Pedro crowned its Queen of the Bay 2026–2027 candidate, Zsapphirrah Coleman, as she prepares to represent the island at Belize’s long-running national pageant. Sports for young people: Bullock Island’s annual basketball camp welcomed youth from Independence, Seine Bight, and Placencia, and announced plans for an 8-week program in 2027. Child justice push: UNICEF and Belize’s National Commission for Families and Children held a validation session to finalize Child Justice Guidelines, aiming to standardize how children in conflict with the law are treated. Education infrastructure: Ground broken for new schools in Black Water (pre-primary and primary) and Indian Church (new building), both backed by the Caribbean Development Bank. Local safety & community shock: Police continue investigating a double homicide at Island Supermarket in San Pedro, with several persons detained and leads being pursued. Health & prevention: A men’s cancer awareness forum highlighted early screening and lifestyle steps to improve survival odds.

Juvenile Justice Reform: UNICEF and Belize’s National Commission for Families and Children held a validation session to finalize new Child Justice Guidelines, aiming to standardize how youth in conflict with the law are treated and to improve protections and outcomes. Education Boost: Ground broken for new schools in Black Water (Trial Farm Village) and Indian Church (Orange Walk), both with Caribbean Development Bank support, to expand early childhood and primary learning with safer facilities. Child Justice Stakeholders: Justice and social services partners met in Belize City to strengthen and align child justice guidelines across the system. Immigration Office Fraud Probe: Police are seeking Jason Flowers, a Belize City Immigration Office cashier, after he was placed on an Interpol watch list over alleged reversed payment receipts tied to a fraud investigation. Community & Culture: Mexico gifted Belize’s Leo Bradley Library a “25 for 25” book collection, promoting Latin American cultural and intellectual exchange. Fisheries & Livelihoods: WCS honored Fishers of the Year, including women and community leaders, for sustainable fisheries work and marine conservation. Women in Diplomacy: A feature spotlights Nigeria’s female diplomats breaking barriers and shaping global impact. Men’s Health: Belize Cancer Society hosted a men’s cancer awareness forum focused on early screening and prevention. Police Morale: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat flagged low morale in the Belize Police Department as a top priority to address with better support and resources. Citizenship Milestone: 111 men and women from 22 countries were sworn in as Belizean nationals in Belmopan. Local Safety: Police continue investigating a double homicide at Island Supermarket in San Pedro Town, with several persons detained. Road Safety Reminder: A 5-year-old boy was hit by a vehicle driven by his father in Maskall Village and is reported stable while police investigate.

Fisheries & community leadership: The Wildlife Conservation Society honored three Belize fishers—Carlos Ramirez, Paula Jacobs Williams, and Lorenzo Cassanova—at its annual Fisher of the Year awards, spotlighting sustainable fishing and women’s leadership in marine conservation. Books & cultural exchange: Mexico’s “25 for 25” book collection was gifted to Belize’s Leo Bradley Library, aiming to deepen intercultural dialogue through Latin American literature. Public health & men’s wellness: The Belize Cancer Society hosted a men’s cancer awareness forum, urging early screening and regular checkups for prostate and colorectal cancer. Youth recognition: Belize Police revived the “Du Di Rait Ting” program after a COVID-era pause, rewarding 33 students for perseverance and character. Education & training: Magazine Dental Academy opened in Belize City, while a new Santa Cruz preschool facility launched with support from the Belize Social Investment Fund, CDB, and the Ministry of Education. Tourism & local talent: BTB announced its upcoming Taste of Belize culinary and bartending competition to spotlight Belizean cuisine. Safety & justice: Police are investigating a double homicide at Island Supermarket in San Pedro Town, with several persons of interest detained. Health workforce planning: MoHW launched a five-year Human Resources for Health policy and strategic plan to retain and recruit healthcare workers. Local politics & governance: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat flagged low police morale as a top priority, promising a morale-boosting, resource-focused approach.

Toledo Health & Culture: Nine Tennessee Tech nursing students spent their Belize study abroad week in the Toledo District, doing home health visits, wound care, IV support, prenatal education, and even accompanying emergency responders—plus exercise work for women managing diabetes and hypertension. Ambergris Caye Violence: Police are investigating a double homicide at Island Supermarket in San Pedro Town, where security guard Daniel Jones and businessman David Harmouch were killed; several persons of interest are in custody as investigators pursue leads including Harmouch’s civil court matters. Child Safety Reminder: A 5-year-old boy was hit by a vehicle driven by his father in Maskall Village; he’s stable at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital while police investigate. Youth Recognition: Belize Police revived the “Du Di Rait Ting” program after a COVID-era pause, honoring 33 students from 18 schools for perseverance and character. Healthcare Workforce Plan: The Ministry of Health launched a 2026–2030 Human Resources for Health policy and strategic plan to recruit, train, deploy, and retain more health workers. Tourism Support for Local Entrepreneurs: The Belize Tourism Board’s SAIB program awarded 39 tourism entrepreneurs $1.177M in grants, with more cohorts and technical assistance planned. Education & Community: A new preschool opened in Santa Cruz Village, funded through the Belize Social Investment Fund, CDB, and the Ministry of Education, with inclusive facilities for early learners. Child Protection Awareness: The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign marked 100 days with a special ice cream sundae to push reporting and awareness around violence and abuse against children.

Healthcare Workforce: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness launched a new Human Resources for Health Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2030, aiming to strengthen governance, expand training, improve recruitment and deployment, and boost retention of doctors and nurses. Youth & Community Safety: The Police Department revived the “Du Di Rait Ting” program after a seven-year pause, recognizing 33 students from 18 schools for perseverance and character. Education & Early Learning: A new preschool opened in Santa Cruz Village, funded through the Belize Social Investment Fund, CDB, and the Ministry of Education, creating a more inclusive learning space for young children. Tourism & Local Business: The Belize Tourism Board’s SAIB program awarded $1.177M to 39 sustainable tourism entrepreneurs, with women-led and indigenous-led businesses among the first cohort. Child Protection Awareness: The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign hit 100 days, with the Ice Cream Shoppe launching a special sundae to promote reporting and prevention of violence and abuse against children. Public Notices: Police are investigating after a 5-year-old boy was hit by a vehicle driven by his father in Maskall Village; the child is stable. Immigration Reform: Belize held a stakeholder consultation with UNHCR to review proposed amendments to modernize the asylum system.

Citizenship & Governance: 111 men and women from 22 countries were sworn in as Belizean nationals in Belmopan, as Immigration Minister Kareem Musa highlighted cleared backlogs, digitized records, and faster processing. Public Safety: A 5-year-old boy was hit by a vehicle driven by his father in Maskall Village; police are investigating and the child remains in stable condition at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Police Morale: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat says a serious morale problem in the Belize Police Department is a top priority, calling for more resources and listening to all ranks. Faith & Community Support: Government is exploring a humanitarian partnership with the LDS Church, including possible help for healthcare needs in southern Belize and disaster preparedness. Education & Youth: A new preschool opened in Santa Cruz Village with support from the Belize Social Investment Fund, CDB, and the Ministry of Education, while the Belize Tourism Board prepares Taste of Belize to spotlight local chefs and bartenders. Healthcare Workforce: The Ministry of Health launched a five-year plan to transform the healthcare workforce (2026–2030) and improve recruitment, training, and retention. Child Protection Awareness: The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign marks 100 days of raising awareness on violence and abuse against children, backed by partners including the Ice Cream Shoppe.

Safe Water Gap: A new global map shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for billions, with big country-to-country differences—useful context for Belize’s own water and public health conversations. Child Safety & Road Awareness: In Maskall Village, a 5-year-old boy was hit by a vehicle driven by his father; police are investigating and the child is reported stable at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Parenting & Work Readiness: “Doctor Love” tackles a common dilemma: how to support a 21-year-old who wants better pay while still encouraging work, education, or real contribution. Healthcare Workforce Plan: The Ministry of Health launched a 2026–2030 policy and strategic plan to recruit, train, deploy, and retain more health workers. Refugee Law Updates: Belize held a UNHCR-supported stakeholder consultation on proposed amendments to modernize the asylum system. Police Morale Focus: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat flagged low morale in the Belize Police Department as a top priority. Education & Community Growth: A new preschool opened in Santa Cruz Village, backed by the Belize Social Investment Fund, CDB, and the Ministry of Education. Culture & Food: BTB is gearing up for “Taste of Belize,” spotlighting local chefs and bartenders. Citizenship Milestone: 111 people from 22 countries were sworn in as Belizean nationals in Belmopan. BDF Recruitment Goes Digital: The BDF moved its intake application fully online for Intake 70.

Child Safety & Health: A 5-year-old boy was hit by a vehicle driven by his father in Maskall Village on June 26 and is in stable condition at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital as police investigate. Parenting & Youth Support: “Doctor Love” tackles a common dilemma—how to support a 21-year-old who’s gaming and waiting for better pay without enabling dependence. Child Protection Awareness: The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign marks 100 days in Belize with a special ice cream sundae to push reporting and prevention of violence and abuse against children. Education & Community Growth: A new preschool opens in Santa Cruz Village with support from the Belize Social Investment Fund, CDB, and the Ministry of Education, adding accessible, child-friendly learning spaces. Culture & Food: The Belize Tourism Board is gearing up for Taste of Belize, a culinary and bartending competition spotlighting local talent and Belizean cuisine. Healthcare Workforce: The Ministry of Health launches a five-year HR plan (2026–2030) to strengthen recruitment, training, deployment, and retention of health workers. Immigration & Rights: Belize moves to modernize refugee law through national consultations with UNHCR and stakeholders. Public Service & Security: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat flags low police morale as a top priority, while the Leadership Intervention Unit’s work program is under review. National Pride & Citizenship: 111 men and women from 22 countries are sworn in as Belizean nationals in Belmopan.

Citizenship & Belmopan Governance: 111 men and women from 22 countries were sworn in as Belizean nationals during a ceremony in Belmopan, as the Immigration Ministry highlighted cleared backlogs, digitized records, and faster nationality processing. Public Safety & Police Morale: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat says low morale in the Belize Police Department is a top priority, calling for more resources and listening to all ranks. Community & Faith in Mourning: St. John’s Anglican Cathedral in Belize City was filled for the final tribute to UDP deputy secretary general Evalee Skeen-Engleton, reflecting her long-running community service. Humanitarian Partnerships: Government is exploring a humanitarian partnership with the LDS Church, including discussions on healthcare needs in southern Belize and disaster preparedness. Education & Local Development: A new preschool opened in Santa Cruz Village with support from the Belize Social Investment Fund, CDB, and the Ministry of Education, while Ocean Academy’s San Pedro school reconstruction plans were scrapped after disagreements with the ministry. Culture & Food: The Belize Food Heritage Project wrapped a district-level workshop in Belize City with hands-on cooking and heritage safeguarding training. Youth & Sports Culture: Belize’s Shyne Barrow performed at Juneteenth celebrations in Atlantic City, marking 25 years in recording. Health Workforce Planning: The Ministry of Health launched a five-year HRH policy and 2026–2030 strategic plan to recruit, train, deploy, and retain more healthcare workers. Security Program Review: The Leadership Intervention Unit’s work program remains under review, with police saying only the work component was paused while other violence intervention efforts continue.

Citizenship & Identity: 111 men and women from 22 countries were sworn in as Belizean nationals in Belmopan, as Immigration Minister Kareem Musa highlighted cleared backlogs, digitized records, and faster nationality processing. Public Safety & Community: Interim Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat flagged low morale in the Belize Police Department as a top priority, saying officers need more support and resources. Church & Community Life: St. John’s Anglican Cathedral in Belize City was filled for the final tribute to UDP deputy secretary general Evalee Skeen-Engleton, with leaders and community members attending. Faith-Based Partnerships: Government is exploring humanitarian collaboration with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including discussions on healthcare needs in southern Belize and disaster preparedness. Education & Early Childhood: A new preschool opened in Santa Cruz Village, Orange Walk, backed by the Belize Social Investment Fund, CDB, and the Ministry of Education, with inclusive facilities for young learners. Culture & Food: The Belize Food Heritage Project wrapped up its district-level workshop in Belize City, using hands-on cooking and documentation to safeguard local foodways. Tourism & Talent: BTB launched plans for “Taste of Belize,” a competition to crown Belize’s top chefs and bartenders and promote Belizean cuisine. Healthcare Workforce: The Ministry of Health unveiled a five-year HR plan (2026–2030) to strengthen recruitment, training, deployment, and retention of health workers. Migration Law Reform: Belize is holding national consultations with UNHCR to modernize refugee and asylum legislation, aiming for a fairer, more efficient system. Youth Recognition: Police revived the “Du Di Rait Ting” youth recognition program, rewarding students for positive behavior and citizenship.

Funeral & Community: St. John’s Anglican Cathedral in Belize City was filled for the final tribute to UDP deputy organizer Evalee Skeen-Engleton, with Deputy PM Cordel Hyde and Home Affairs interim minister Julius Espat among mourners. Faith & Humanitarian Work: Government explores a humanitarian partnership with the LDS Church, including talks on healthcare needs in southern Belize and disaster preparedness with NEMO. Education & Early Childhood: A new preschool opens in Santa Cruz Village, Orange Walk, funded through the Belize Social Investment Fund, CDB and the Ministry of Education. Tourism & Food Culture: BTB launches its search for Belize’s top chefs and bartenders for Taste of Belize, spotlighting local cuisine and hospitality talent. Child Protection Awareness: The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign marks 100 days with a Blue Teddy Bear Sundae to push reporting and prevention of violence and abuse against children. Healthcare Workforce Planning: The Ministry of Health unveils a five-year HRH policy and 2026–2030 strategic plan to recruit, train, deploy and retain more health workers. Immigration Reform Consultations: Belize holds a second stakeholder consultation with UNHCR to review proposed amendments to modernize the asylum system. Defence Force Recruitment: BDF moves Intake 70 applications fully online ahead of July 11 recruitment day. Labour Market Snapshot: Belize’s unemployment rate dips to 1.9% (April 2026), while nearly half the working-age population remains outside the workforce. Youth Recognition: Police revive the “Du Di Rait Ting” youth awards program to celebrate positive behavior and citizenship. Cultural Heritage Training: Belize Food Heritage Project wraps up a district-level workshop with hands-on cooking and documentation training. Regional Food Policy Push: Healthy Caribbean Coalition launches a campaign to remove ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools, including Belize. International Spotlight: Belize’s Shyne performs at a major Juneteenth concert in Atlantic City, celebrating 25 years in music.