News

Ombudsman’s FOIA Directive Awaits Response

One week after the Office of the Ombudsman directed the Attorney General to comply with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and release details on government contracts with private attorneys, there has been no official update on the matter, according to civic activist Jeremy Enriquez. Enriquez told The Reporter on Wednesday, October 23, that the Ombudsman’s Office has not yet provided any indication of progress since issuing the directive on October 15. While he cannot conf

Oct 23

Faber Accuses Government of Rushing $330 Million Fortis Deal

United Democratic Party (UDP) Senator Hon. Patrick Faber has accused the Briceño administration of recklessly rushing through the $330 million acquisition of Fortis Belize Limited and its associated electricity assets, describing it as another instance of big money deals pushed through without scrutiny. Faber, speaking at the UDP’s press conference on Thursday, said members of the House were asked to approve the deal without access to critical evaluations on the Mollejon, Cha

Oct 23

Belize Secures BZ$10 Million from Adaptation Fund for Climate Resilience and Water Security

The Government of Belize has secured BZ$10 million in funding from the Adaptation Fund to support the project Securing Water Resources through Solar Energy and Innovative Adaptive Management (SEAM) , which will directly benefit the rural communities. The villages of Boom Creek, Dolores, and Otoxha in the Toledo District, and Copper Bank in the Corozal District will benefit from the program which plans to strengthen climate resilience and improve access to sustainable water s

Oct 21

MSME Tax Amnesty Extended Until End of 2025

The Government of Belize has announced that the MSME Tax Amnesty Programme has been extended until December 31, 2025. The announcement was made during a Special Sitting of the House of Representatives on October 17. The programme, coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister in partnership with BELTRAIDE, the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU), the Belize Tax Service (BTS), the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR), the Economic Development Coun

Oct 21

Belize Signs US “Safe Third Country” Deal for Migrants

Belize has signed an agreement with Washington to act as a “safe third country” for migrants seeking asylum in the United States. Prime Minister John Antonio Briceño explained that the deal — which still requires approval by the Belize Senate — will allow migrants deported from the US to apply for asylum in Belize instead of returning to their home countries. The BBC in London has reported that the US State Department described the agreement as “an important milestone in endi

Oct 21

Minister Garcia-Ramirez Named Global Ambassador for Inclusion

The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs announced that Hon. Thea Garcia-Ramirez has been nominated as Belize’s Global Ambassador to the Global Coalition for Inclusion . The nomination was formally conveyed by Mr. Marshall Nuñez, Vice Chair of Special Olympics Belize, during a courtesy visit to the Minister. The honor recognizes Minister Garcia-Ramirez’s longstanding advocacy for inclusion, equality, and the empowerment of persons with disabilities

Oct 20

Stepfather Sets Family on Fire

A horrific act of domestic violence in San Felipe Village has left a mother and her young son dead, after they were set on fire inside their home early this morning. Police report that around 3:00 a.m., 35-year-old Angelita Magana and her 6-year-old son, Tishan Godoy, were burnt alive while they slept. Angelita’s daughter, Shadia Magana, and Angelita’s common-law husband, Miguel Novelo, managed to survive but suffered severe burns and remain hospitalized. According to police,

Oct 20

Government to Buy Fortis Assets; Opposition Demands Transparency

The Government of Belize has announced plans to acquire Fortis Inc.’s electricity assets in Belize, including its 33.3% shareholding in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and the three hydropower plants on the Macal River—Mollejon, Chalillo, and Vaca. The transaction, according to a government release, will be tabled in the House of Representatives for parliamentary approval on Friday. The acquisition, expected to be completed by November 15, 2025, will be financed through a sp

Oct 17

Citizen Seeks Full Disclosure of Legal Fees in State of Emergency Cases

Civic activist Jeremy Enriquez has filed a formal request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) asking the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries to disclose how much public money has been spent on legal fees and damages stemming from the July 2020 State of Emergency (SOE) detentions. In his seven-page letter dated September 25, 2025, Enriquez told Minister Kareem Musa that the disclosure is essential for public accountability. He cited multiple High Court r

Oct 17

Belize Government Lotteries Launches “Fi We Boledo” Mobile App

Belize Government Lotteries Ltd. has launched its new mobile gaming platform, the “Fi We Boledo” App, making it easier than ever for Belizeans to play their favorite lottery games. Through the app, players can now purchase Boledo, Ordinary Lottery, and Jackpot Lottery tickets directly from their mobile devices. The platform is designed to offer convenience and offer istant payouts, while offering security. Plays will be allowed to choose their numbers, place wagers, and rece

Oct 15

Belize Participates in ILO Regional Meeting on Decent Work and Social Justice

Belize joined delegates from across the Americas at the 20th American Regional Meeting (AmRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), held from October 1 to 3, 2025, under the theme “Advancing Decent Work, Social Justice, and Inclusive Development.” The Belize delegation was led by Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government. He was accompanied by Mr. Valentino Shal, Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. R

Oct 15