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New Labour Force Survey results indicate that the sharp contraction observed in 2024 may be easing, as the April and September 2025 labour-force figures move closer to the levels recorded before last year’s decline. In 2024, the labour force registered one of its steepest drops on record, falling to 166,206 in September after several years of stability around 190,000 to 195,000. The 2025 data, however, show a measurable shift upward. April 2025 recorded 183,368 persons in the

Belize’s unemployment rate dropped to 1.9 percent in September 2025; however, the exceptionally low figure signals deeper structural shifts within the labour market rather than a uniformly strong employment landscape. Preliminary data from the Labour Force Survey show that only 3,421 persons met the criteria for unemployment, a rate that falls below what many labour economists regard as “full employment,” typically between 3 and 5 percent. Such a level reduces measured jobles

Belize has earned a new international cultural honor as UNESCO has officially inscribed the “Krismos Bram and Sambai” tradition of Gales Point Manatee Village onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was made during UNESCO’s 20th session in New Delhi, India, and announced early Tuesday morning Belize time. A Belizean delegation from the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, the National Kriol Council, and cultural leader

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) and the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) have renwed their shared commitment to strengthening Belize’s education system following a meeting held on Thursday, December 4. The discussions concluded with the signing of a joint statement focused on improving teacher welfare, professional development, and working conditions for educators nationwide. According to the statement, the Ministry remains steadfast

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has taken a major step toward engaging young people in the labor movement with the creation of a new post, Director of Young Vanguard. The position was added after the union amended its constitution at its Annual General Meeting. Ashley Longford of the Christian Workers Union was elected as the first person to hold the new role. Her appointment marks the official start of the Young Vanguard, the NTUCB’s youth arm. The union

Hon. Tracy Panton, newly confirmed Leader of the Opposition and UDP Party Leader, outlined three urgent national priorities she plans to drive under her leadership: addressing the high cost of living, restoring transparency in governance, and strengthening citizen security. Panton said economic pressures remain the most widespread concern she encountered throughout her campaign for leadership. She noted that while the administration reports that the economy is performing well

Hon. Tracy Panton says comprehensive internal restructuring will be the UDP’s immediate focus, beginning with constitutional reform aimed at preventing future governance breakdowns within the party. Panton stated that the party’s first priority is strengthening its internal framework to avoid a repeat of the recent leadership turmoil. She emphasized that no single chairman or leader should again be able to override institutional safeguards or dismantle party mechanisms. The r

Belize Electricity Limited has asked the Public Utilities Commission to approve a 5.55-cent increase in the average electricity rate; however, the proposal aims to recover nearly three years of uncollected energy costs and prepare the grid for higher demand. The company’s application outlines an accumulated BZ$87.5 million in supply costs from July 2023 to October 2025 that were not recovered under existing tariffs. An additional BZ$20.9 million in projected energy costs betw

Belize’s parliamentary democracy has long depended on an Opposition that is capable, coherent, and willing to scrutinize those who govern. Over the past several years, that pillar weakened. The United Democratic Party’s internal fractures, prolonged leadership battles, and shifting allegiances created a vacuum at a time when the country faced mounting social and economic pressures. The effect was unmistakable: a diminished counterweight to executive authority and a weakened s

When people write about the history of this moment, the name Tracy Panton will be etched into Belize’s political zeitgeist as the first woman to ever lead a mass political party in the 77 years of the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) and the 52 years of the United Democratic Party (UDP). At the UDP National Leadership Convention on Sunday, November 30, at Bird’s Isle, before thousands of supporters, delegates, and caretakers, she got the nod from her party. She was uncontes

Belizeans may soon feel a pinch when preparing the national dish, rice and beans, as bean prices continue to climb. In recent weeks, a sack of beans that once sold for $190 has risen sharply to $230. Shoppers purchasing smaller quantities at market stalls are paying even more—up to $260 per sack. The increase means that one of the country’s most beloved comfort foods could now cost around $3.00 per pound at retail. Vendors say the price jump has been gradual but consistent, c

The Government and FOIA applicant Jeremy Enriquez have arrived at a mutually workable timeline for the release of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) records, following the Cabinet Secretary’s written confirmation that the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) will grant access and adopt the extended deadline proposed by the requester. The agreement marks a shift from last week’s procedural standoff, which centred on whether administrative constraints could delay the statutory r

The Inter-national Court of Justice (ICJ) has finished three days of hearings on Guatemala’s bid to intervene in the sovereignty case between Belize and Honduras over the Sapodilla Cayes, a move that could reshape the Court’s handling of two parallel territorial disputes in the region. The hearings were held at the Peace Palace in The Hague from November 24 to 26. Guatemala asked the Court for permission to participate as a non-party, arguing that its long-standing claim agai

The public rarely sees the Belizeans who carry the country’s most complex responsibilities. This past week’s hearings at the International Court of Justice offered a reminder that some of the nation’s most consequential work is done far from cameras, headlines, or political rallies. Figures such as Ambassador H.E. Assad Shoman and the small team supporting Belize’s ICJ cases operate in deliberate quiet—advancing national interests through research, preparation, legal coordina

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) says Belize’s drinking water remains safe, even as early results from the new Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7) show high levels of E. coli contamination in many household water samples across the country. The Ministry says its own long-term testing from many sites continues to show that the national water supply is safe for consumption. MICS7 is an international survey developed by UNICEF and carried out in more than 120 c

Hon. Marconi Leal, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, led Belize’s delegation and chaired the 61st Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), held on November 20–21, 2025, in Georgetown, Guyana. The meeting focused on advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and addressing several major trade and economic issues affecting the region. One key topic was the ongoing work toward full free movement of nationals among Barbados, Belize

The Government of Belize, in partnership with the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) and UNICEF, has launched the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS7), a key tool that helps the country understand how children and families are living. MICS7 is used in more than 120 countries, it provides detailed information on key issues such as health, education, child protection, water and sanitation, mental health, and gender equality. In Belize, the survey offers 126 indicators,

Bowen & Bowen has introduced KICK Energy, a locally made energy drink designed to power consumers through every moment of their day. Targeted at youth and young adults, KICK combines great taste, solid performance, and strong value in every can. “KICK Energy is made for people who are always on the move,” said Alexander Ellis, Beverage Brands Manager at Bowen & Bowen. “Our goal is to offer premium energy, locally made, that keeps up with the pace of everyday life.” Crafted to

Water prices in Belize are set to rise as early as next year. The Public Utilities Commission has released its Initial Decision on Belize Water Services Limited’s 2026 Full Tariff Review. The new rates and upgrades are planned to start on April 1, 2026, after months of studies and meetings. The PUC approved a 13.5 percent increase to the Mean Water Rate. This is lower than the 20 percent increase BWSL wanted. The change is expected to raise the average customer’s bill by abou

Only two audit years—2011 - 2012 and 2015/2016—appear on the Auditor General’s official website; the absence of all other annual reports has forced citizens to rely on the Freedom of Information Act to obtain basic public-finance records. Under Belize’s Westminster-style governance model, the Auditor General plays a central role in safeguarding public account-ability. The office is responsible for examining the Government’s annual financial statements, verifying whether publi