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Belize has gone 135 days without an Ombudsman, stalling a Freedom of Information appeal case and prompting Opposition Leader Tracy Panton to warn that the prolonged vacancy is weakening government accountability and public oversight. In comments provided to *The Reporter*, Panton said the continued absence of an Ombudsman is “deeply troubling and unacceptable,” arguing that the office serves as one of Belize’s key independent mechanisms for investigating abuse of power, malad

Education is not free, as families continue struggling with school-related costs despite government claims of expanded assistance, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton stated this week in a press release. Panton said her Albert Division office has recently been inundated with requests from families whose children were allegedly told they may not be allowed to graduate or receive grades unless outstanding school fees are paid. According to the Opposition Leader, many of those same f

Global food prices rose for a third straight month in April as higher costs for vegetable oils, meat and cereals outweighed declines in sugar and dairy prices, according to the latest Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Price Index. The FAO Food Price Index averaged 130.7 points in April 2026, up 1.6 percent from March and 2 percent higher than a year earlier. However, the index remains 18.4 percent below the record high reached in March 2022 during the height of the

As Belize prepares for the start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season on June 1, Minister of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, Henry Charles Usher, visited the headquarters of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in Belmopan to review the country’s level of preparedness. During the visit, Minister Usher met with National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez and members of NEMO’s technical team. The meeting focused on the country’s readiness pla

A local economist is warning that the United States’ proposed import surcharge at the World Trade Organization (WTO) could deepen trade disruptions for smaller economies like Belize, while underscoring the need for CARICOM countries to respond with a unified voice. Dr. Phillip Castillo said he sees little logic in the US claim that the surcharge is necessary because of balance-of-payments difficulties, particularly given the dominant global role of the US dollar. In comments

Church leaders and some residents are calling for the removal of a billboard at a prominent location in Belmopan, with critics arguing that the alcohol advertisement sexualizes women and promotes harmful social behavior in a city—and country—already grappling with substance abuse and violence. The controversy centers on a billboard featuring Trinidadian artist Nailah Blackman holding an alcoholic beverage. The advertisement, positioned near Belmopan’s main traffic light, has

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has received new ICT equipment to help strengthen maternal and child health services across Belize. The handover included ten all-in-one desktop computers and one video projector under the project, “Strengthening the EMTCT Strategy with Maternal and Child Health Services.” The project is funded by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund through the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation and is being carried out by the Pan Ameri

The Govern-ment of Belize has activated a plan to support farmers before a possible drought hits later this year. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries, working with the National Meteorol-ogical Service and the World Food Programme (WFP), is rolling out an Anticipatory Action system. This comes after forecasts showed a high chance of below-average rainfall in the coming months. Farmers in Orange Walk, Corozal, and Cayo—areas most at risk—will re

Oral contraceptives will remain available to existing users who already had prescriptions; however, labor groups warn that the policy could restrict access and strain Belize’s already burdened healthcare system. The Pharmacists Association of Belize (PAB), in a three-page press release on Wednesday, April 15, announced that it has agreed with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) on a twelve-month phased implementation to enforce prescription requirements across general

“Over-the-counter oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) should be made available without a prescription for individuals using OCPs.” — World Health Organization, WHO Consolidated Guideline on Self-Care Interventions for Health: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (2019). The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a definitive position on contraceptive access, recommending that oral contraceptive pills be made available without a prescription as part of a broader strategy t

Police have once again been called to the Port Loyola area in Belize City after the discovery of a body along the coastline, raising fresh concerns among residents. Authorities say the body is believed to be that of 17-year-old Alwin Marin Jr. It was found in an area southwest of the port, the same general location where police had been investigating the discovery of another body just last week. In that earlier case, a 19-year-old was found dead, prompting an active murder in

Public transportation in Belize could face serious disruption next week as bus operators warn they may shut down services due to rising fuel prices. The Belize Bus Association (BBA) says its members can no longer continue operating under what they describe as “unmanageable” fuel costs. In a strongly worded statement, the association warned that unless the situation is urgently addressed, bus services across the country could stop as early as Monday, April 20, 2026. According

Belize’s Opposition is urging immediate government intervention as fuel prices climb sharply; however, no relief measures have been announced despite global oil shocks pushing costs higher and intensifying pressure on households and businesses. Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton, in two statements issued this week, criticized the government for failing to respond as fuel prices rose during the Easter period, a peak travel season. Premium gasoline increased by 86 cents per

Belize increased total expenditure by nearly $270 million between 2023/24 and 2026/27; however, combined funding for three key legislative oversight offices rose by just $330,399, pushing their budget share up only 0.010 percentage points. The approved 2026/27 budget allocates a combined $1,190,825 to the Office of the Ombudsman, the Office of the Contractor General, and the Integrity Commission, up from $860,426 in 2023/24. Over the same period, total expenditure increased f

Global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz showed little recovery after the announced ceasefire; however, shipping traffic remains far below normal levels, reinforcing expectations of continued pressure on fuel prices in import-dependent economies like Belize. Data from the first 24 hours following the ceasefire indicates that only one oil products tanker and five dry bulk carriers passed through the strait. Under normal conditions, approximately 140 vessels transit the co

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has received its first-ever referral from a national court, marking an important legal development for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). On April 7, 2026, the CCJ held a case management conference after the High Court of Belize submitted a legal question for interpretation. The referral arises from the case G. Anwar Barrow and others v. Financial Services Commission and the Attorney General of Belize, which was sent to the regional court

Business Senator Kevin Herrera says the global conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Israel is already hitting Belize, with rising fuel prices now feeding directly into inflation. Herrera told The Reporter that diesel prices have already increased, signalling the rapid transmission of international energy price shocks into the domestic economy. He added that about 45 percent of that price reflects government revenue. The Business Senator indicated that the effects a

A widening Middle East war is pushing up global energy and food prices while tightening financial conditions; analysis from the International Monetary Fund indicates the shock could slow growth and intensify cost-of-living pressures worldwide. The IMF reports that the conflict has triggered one of the largest disruptions to global energy markets in history, with oil and gas flows through critical routes severely affected. Roughly a quarter of global oil and a fifth of liquefi

The Cycling Federation of Belize has announced the route for its Annual Parade of Cyclists, an event held ahead of the 96th Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic. According to the federation, the parade will begin at Digi Park in Belize City and travel through several major streets, including Albert Street, Regent Street, and Central American Boulevard, before looping back to finish at Digi Park on Newtown Barracks. The parade is part of the activities leading up to the

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is informing the public that the National Health Insurance (NHI) program is now available at several additional government health facilities. These facilities include Cleopatra White Polyclinic II in Belize City, Belmopan Polyclinic at the Western Regional Hospital, San Ignacio Community Hospital, Duck Run Clinic, and the San Antonio Health Centre. Members of the public are encouraged to register for NHI services at any of these facilities