Friday, August 28, 2026.
Belize
Belize is one of those countries that is difficult to fully appreciate until you have spent some time there. I’ve had the opportunity to travel there many times over the years, both professionally and personally, and my work has taken me into just about every corner of the country. I’ve provided security services for Eddie Bauer there on several occasions, conducted investigations throughout the country, from the Cayo area to Placencia and north toward Corozal, and our company has also conducted polygraph examinations in Belize for American Airlines. As a result, Belize is a place I’ve come to know quite well.
What has always struck me about Belize is just how different it feels from the rest of Central America. English is the official language, a legacy of its history as British Honduras, and British influence remains visible in its institutions, legal traditions, and culture. At the same time, Belize is unmistakably Caribbean and Central American, with a remarkable mixture of Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna and other cultures that gives such a small country an unusually rich identity.
Geography has also shaped Belize in profound ways. Much of the country is extremely low-lying, particularly along the Caribbean coast, making communities especially vulnerable to hurricanes, storm surge and flooding. Anyone who has spent time there understands just how devastating a major storm can be. Yet Belize has repeatedly rebuilt and carried on, and that resilience says a great deal about the people who live there.
And the people are perhaps what I remember most. In my experience, Belizeans are genuinely friendly, welcoming and remarkably easy to talk to. There is a relaxed quality to the country that can sometimes disguise the fact that Belize has a fascinating political and historical story of its own, from its British colonial past and independence in 1981 to the longstanding territorial dispute with neighboring Guatemala. Its politics and history often receive far less international attention than those of the larger countries around it.
Belize may be small, but it should not be overlooked. It is a beautiful, unusual and historically fascinating country that has managed to retain a character entirely its own. Having worked from one end of Belize to the other, it remains one of those places that I always enjoy returning to, and a country whose history, people and unique place in our region are well worth exploring in this week’s newsletter.
Brett Mikkelson
Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama
Taiwan Expands Its Cooperation with Belize
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (right) exchanges gifts with Henry Usher, Belize’s Minister of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, on August 21 in Taipei. (MOFA)
The visit, from August 19 to 23, by a delegation led by Henry Usher, Belize’s Minister of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, was warmly welcomed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the Ministry, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung met with the delegation on August 21 in Taipei.
In his remarks, Lin highlighted that since Taiwan and Belize established diplomatic relations 37 years ago, the two sides have collaborated on numerous projects. He added that the government has partnered with the University of Belize to launch the Taiwan Caribbean Academy, aimed at developing talent in the allied nation’s hospitality, healthcare, nutrition, smart agriculture, fisheries, and tourism sectors.
The Foreign Minister stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages domestic companies to invest in and purchase products from the Central American ally in order to strengthen bilateral cooperation. In response, Usher expressed his gratitude for Taiwan’s long-term assistance in the development of agriculture, education, and infrastructure, as well as in improving the quality of life in Belize.
During a meeting with the delegation that same day, Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi stated that the two countries have made significant progress in personnel training, public health, and women’s empowerment over the past three decades, while Usher expressed his hope of further deepening exchanges with Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added.
During their stay, the delegates also visited the Executive Yuan’s Civil Service Development Institute, the National Academy of Civil Service, and the Ministry of Education in Taipei; the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction in New Taipei City; and the National Fire Agency’s Training Center in Nantou County, as well as Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotics Show 2026, held from August 19 to 22 in the capital, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.
As part of its integrated diplomacy policy, Taiwan is committed to promoting the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project to benefit the people of both sides, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded.
Joint Statement by the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of Guatemala
We, the Governments of Belize and the Republic of Guatemala, represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, Science and Technology and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, hereinafter referred to as “the Parties,” meeting on June 24, 2026, in Panama City, on the occasion of the Fifty-Sixth Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS),
Have agreed to issue the following Joint Statement:
Reaffirming our full respect for the purposes and principles of the Charters of the United Nations and the Organization of American States, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States; the prohibition of the threat or use of force; and the peaceful settlement of disputes;
Recalling the set of agreements signed between the Parties within the framework of the process, including the 2003 Agreement to Establish a Transition Process and Confidence-Building Measures; the 2005 Agreement on a Framework for Negotiations and Confidence-Building Measures; and the 2008 Special Agreement to submit Guatemala’s territorial, insular, and maritime claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for final adjudication, as well as its 2015 Protocol;
Reiterating our full respect for international law and our obligation to accept the decision of the ICJ as final and binding, and to comply with and implement it fully and in good faith;
Recognizing the important role and sustained contribution of the OAS in promoting peace, stability, and confidence between the Parties, including the essential support provided by the OAS General Secretariat (GS/OAS) through the Office in the Adjacency Zone;
Recognizing the valuable support provided by the international community and the Group of Friends of Belize and Guatemala, particularly the European Union and other donors, whose sustained cooperation for more than two decades has contributed significantly to preserving peace and strengthening confidence between the two countries;
Further recognizing that the adaptation and strengthening of the presence of the GS/OAS in the post-judgment phase should be defined by the Parties, taking into account the scope of the mandate of the Office in the Adjacency Zone;
Emphasizing that this Statement falls within the framework of previously undertaken commitments;
Declare the following:
The OAS is a valuable and trusted partner for the Parties. In this regard, we call upon the General Secretariat to continue exercising its mandate in accordance with the 2005 Agreement on a Framework for Negotiations and Confidence-Building Measures.
Furthermore, the Parties highlight the accumulated experience and the technical and institutional capacities developed by the OAS General Secretariat throughout this process, particularly through the Office in the Adjacency Zone and its work with the communities and institutions of both countries. In this context, we agree on the importance of continuing to receive the institutional support of the OAS General Secretariat during such stages as may be necessary following the ICJ Judgment, in consultation with the Parties and in accordance with the decisions we adopt.
We urge the OAS General Secretariat to:
- Continue supporting the full and effective implementation of the 2005 Agreement on a Framework for Negotiations and Confidence-Building Measures and the measures contained therein;
- Support the efforts of the Parties to advance the implementation of the Placencia Agreements as a basis for strengthening bilateral cooperation;
- Support the Parties in their efforts before the international community and partners to ensure the operational continuity of the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone until the issuance of the Judgment;
- Develop and strengthen national and bilateral capacities in agreed areas of cooperation for the full implementation of the Judgment, such as territorial demarcation, in accordance with the agreements reached by the Parties;
- Support the Parties, in accordance with the provisions established in the 2008 Special Agreement, in relation to the Binational Commission established under Article 5 thereof, in all matters agreed upon by the Parties;
- Support the Parties in conflict prevention and resolution and in the verification of incidents, in accordance with existing agreements and the mandate of the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone;
- Support the Parties in mobilizing resources and in all matters related to the implementation of the Judgment, in accordance with what the Parties agree upon and require from the Organization of American States.
In this regard, we request that the OAS General Secretariat, with the support of the Group of Friends and the international community, facilitate and accompany the Parties in fulfilling the obligations arising from the Judgment, within the framework of the existing agreements between Belize and Guatemala, as well as any future agreements they may conclude.
Belize Advances the Update of Its Protected Areas Plan with Support from IOM and the European Union
Belize has begun updating its national policy and plan that will help define how forests, marine reserves, and other conservation areas will be managed over the next decade.
This update aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation while also supporting the livelihoods of communities that depend on natural resources. Protected areas play a critical role in protecting water resources, promoting tourism and fisheries, conserving biodiversity, and sustaining local economies. Ensuring their effective management is essential to the country’s long-term environmental, social, and economic resilience.
The process will include consultations with government institutions, protected-area co-managers, local communities, Indigenous peoples, civil society organizations, private-sector representatives, and gender-responsive voices. The goal is to ensure that the updated framework reflects diverse perspectives, addresses current challenges and opportunities, and builds on Belize’s long tradition of collaborative protected-area management.
The update is being carried out alongside the development of Belize’s first Integrated Border Management Strategy. In western and southern Belize, protected areas, community livelihoods, human mobility, and border-governance challenges often overlap, making greater coordination on conservation essential for effective integrated border management.
This initiative is part of the broader EU-IOM Integrated Border Management Programme, which supports governance approaches in border regions where conservation, livelihoods, and human mobility intersect.
The policy and plan, formally known as the National Protected Areas Policy and System Plan (NPAPSP), are being updated by the National Biodiversity Office (NBIO), under the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, with technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and funding from the European Union (EU) through an EU-IOM Integrated Border Management (IBM) initiative.
NBIO Director Mr. Saul Cruz notes that “the update has long been needed, as the NPAPSP dates back to 2005. The new Policy and Plan are expected to reflect a ten-year strategy aligned with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2035 and other national strategies. It will reflect a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach and citizen participation, emphasizing the role of government, civil society organizations, communities, and Indigenous peoples in its implementation.”
Collaboration with the EU and IOM also provides a unique opportunity to support co-managers through training, equipment, and much-needed grants to improve intelligence-led law enforcement and the daily monitoring of protected areas.
To ensure national ownership, the entire process is overseen by a National Steering Committee chaired by Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The revised version of the NPAPSP is expected to be ready for national review and validation by the government, co-managers, and other key stakeholders toward the end of 2026.
Belize Strengthens Its Positioning as an Experiential and Multidestination Destination
Visit Belize is participating in the Professional Tourism Meeting (EPTU) with the aim of presenting Belize’s offering for the fall-winter season, positioning the destination as an experiential, accessible, and versatile option for Mexican travelers. (Belize presented the attractions of San Pedro and Caye Caulker.) During the August 26 edition of the tourism event, held at the Camino Real Polanco Hotel, Belize’s strategy focuses on strengthening its positioning in the Caribbean beyond its traditional sun-and-beach offering, promoting a comprehensive proposition that combines nature, culture, and authentic experiences.
Green Season and Diversification of the Tourism Offering
As part of EPTU, Belize is highlighting the Green Season as an opportunity for the travel trade, offering a different experience with ideal conditions for exploration. “It is a season that offers greener landscapes, more authentic experiences, and greater tranquility for travelers,” destination representatives noted. In addition, less traditional regions are being promoted to diversify the tourism offering.
Comprehensive Experiences and Multidestination Travel
During its participation in EPTU, Belize is promoting the concept of an experiential destination with an offering that includes adventure, Maya culture, gastronomy, wellness, and marine activities within a single trip. One of the key focuses is the possibility of combining products such as jungle and Caribbean experiences in four- to seven-night itineraries. The objective is to facilitate sales through comprehensive and flexible programs.
Belize Tourism Board Highlights Trending Destinations
Through its participation in EPTU, Visit Belize is highlighting regions with strong potential: Cayo – for its combination of adventure, nature, and Maya culture. Dangriga & Hopkins – for Garifuna culture, gastronomy, music, wellness, and a more authentic Caribbean experience. Placencia – for its combination of beaches, marine activities, gastronomy, and nature. San Pedro & Caye Caulker – especially for travelers seeking ocean experiences, snorkeling, diving, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Caribbean. These options respond to growing traveler demand for trips with a strong local identity.
Belize Promotes Multidestination Packages and Longer Stays
Looking ahead, Belize projects sustained growth in the Mexican market, with a strategy focused on trade training, demand generation, and sales conversion. For the fall-winter season, the destination will promote multidestination packages and longer stays. Through its participation in EPTU in Mexico City, Belize is moving closer to its goal of becoming one of the destinations most recommended by travel agencies.
World Bank Approves New Strategy for Belize to Support Growth, Jobs, the Energy Transition, and Skills Development
The World Bank Group’s Executive Board approved a new Country Partnership Framework with Belize. The strategy focuses on expanding economic opportunities and creating more and better jobs for Belizeans by promoting private sector-led growth, improving energy reliability, and building a more skilled workforce, while also strengthening the country’s resilience to natural disasters.
With a GDP of US$3 billion and a population of approximately 420,000, tourism in Belize contributes 45% of GDP, but the country is among the most exposed in the region to the impacts of climate change. The government’s ambitious reform agenda has reduced public debt from 103% to 62% of GDP, brought unemployment down to a historic low of 2.1%, and revived economic growth. The new strategy builds on this momentum, supporting the government’s #PlanBelize development strategy through targeted World Bank Group interventions.
The degradation of Belize’s barrier reef threatens livelihoods in tourism and agriculture and increases climate risks. Therefore, the Framework will support the government in addressing these constraints through investments in water, sanitation, and waste management in coastal areas, as well as climate-resilient agricultural practices, while helping lay the foundations for Belize to develop as a logistics hub connecting the Caribbean and Central America.
“We are committed to consolidating the fiscal stability and economic progress Belize has achieved over the past five years, and to steering our economy toward stronger and more inclusive growth,” said Belize’s Prime Minister, John Briceño. “This partnership with the World Bank Group will support us in that effort.”
Despite a nearly 50% increase in peak electricity demand, half of Belize’s electricity is imported under volatile spot-market conditions, and little new generation capacity has been added in more than a decade. In Belize’s workforce, shortages of skilled labor are evident, and the gender gap is particularly acute: as of mid-2025, only 46.9% of working-age women were part of the labor force, compared with 72.3% of men, partly due to childcare responsibilities. To support the energy transition, the strategy will strengthen energy policy and the regulatory framework, improve distribution-grid management, and help structure public-private partnerships to attract private investment. In terms of skills, the framework proposes investing in early childhood education and care in underserved regions, enabling women to work and study.
“The World Bank Group remains firmly committed to supporting Belize’s next phase of growth, helping create the conditions for private investment, accelerating the energy transition, and expanding the skills and opportunities that will enable Belizeans to participate in that growth,” said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean.
The Country Partnership Framework will adopt a “World Bank Group” approach, combining the resources of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) to help Belize achieve its development objectives. Belize benefits from highly concessional financing through the IDA’s Small States Exception.
