AGP Executive Report

Education Update: The Ministry of Education says More Tomorrow Primary School in Cayo is not closing, and says it’s meeting parents and the community to solve staffing challenges. STEM & Career Pathways: Belize is moving to connect high school robotics with University of Belize engineering and coding courses, with partners including the Belize Robotics Federation and VEX Robotics. Policing & Language Access: Twenty police officers completed a Mandarin Language and Culture course at the National Police Training Academy, aimed at better communication with Mandarin-speaking residents and visitors. Independence Build-Up: Flag-raising ceremonies kicked off September celebrations nationwide, while the National Celebrations Commission released a packed calendar for Belize’s 45th Independence under “Look at Me. I Am Belize @45.” Community & Culture: Belize launched the country’s first Belize Music Archive to preserve and digitise more than a century of Belizean music. Public Safety: Police are investigating robbery, online fraud, burglaries and gunfire across Belize City and beyond. Remembering Milagro Garel: Belize mourns World Pediatrics country director Milagro Garel, whose children’s medical missions helped thousands access care.

Disability & Work: The UN launched its “HireAbility” campaign across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, urging employers to break barriers and sign on to fair hiring for people with disabilities. Belize Culture & Memory: Belize opened the country’s first Belize Music Archive, with a new lab at the Belize Archives and Records Service to restore, digitise and preserve over a century of recorded music. Back to School & Inclusion: Autism Unlimited shared practical tips for helping autistic children transition smoothly into the 2026–2027 school year. National Pride: Belize City kicked off September celebrations with its annual flag-raising ceremony, and municipalities marked National Flag Day with more ceremonies. Community Support: The Belize Coast Guard’s back-to-school drive delivered free haircuts and braiding to 300+ children nationwide. Education Partnerships: UNHCR and UNICEF trained Belize social workers on child protection, while Belize and Taiwan expanded cooperation in education and disaster preparedness. Crime & Church: Police are investigating multiple incidents, including an American jailed after damaging Divine Mercy Church property. Health Loss: Belize mourns Milagro Garel, World Pediatrics country director, who died after a brain aneurysm.

Back-to-School & Autism Support: Thousands of Belizean students returned for the 2026–2027 school year, with Autism Unlimited sharing practical tips to ease autistic learners back into routines, sensory needs, and classroom changes. National Pride & Culture Calendar: Belize City kicked off September celebrations with National Flag Day flag-raising ceremonies, while the Belize City Council launched the month’s activities with youth leaders and community recognition. Community Care & Youth Services: The Belize Coast Guard continued its back-to-school drive, delivering free haircuts and braiding to more than 300 children, and Crime Stoppers Belize joined a bag drive to support families with school supplies. Education Milestones: The Ministry of Education marked Dr. Cecilia Ramirez-Smith’s 35 years of service, and UNHCR/UNICEF trained Belize social workers to strengthen child protection. Culture & Heritage Recognition: Benque House of Culture announced its 25 Trees for 25 Years initiative for its 25th anniversary, and NICH honored cultural advocate Lita Hunter Krohn with an Outstanding Cultural Leadership Award. Public Safety & Justice: Police warned that hard drug use is fueling Cayo turf violence, while an American veteran was remanded after vandalizing Divine Mercy Church. Loss to the Community: Belize mourned Milagro Garel, longtime children’s healthcare advocate and World Pediatrics Country Director.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. ended its January 2026 pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Belize, after a federal court ruling; the pause is no longer in effect as of Aug. 21, with interviews and processing continuing under standard rules. Child Protection & Health: UNHCR and UNICEF trained Belize social workers on Best Interest Procedures to strengthen child protection for vulnerable and forcibly displaced children, while Belize certified its first cohort of lactation counsellors to support breastfeeding at regional health facilities. Culture & Heritage: University of Belize joined the 15th Regional Maya Encounter on Language and Culture, presenting on Yucatec Maya identity, and NICH honored cultural leader Lita Hunter Krohn with an Outstanding Cultural Leadership Award. Community & Education: Dress codes are being reinforced for parents and adults entering schools, and the Belize Coast Guard delivered free back-to-school haircuts to 300+ children. Local Governance: Belize City Council swore in 54 enforcement officers as Special Constables to help with traffic, markets, liquor checks, and council regulations. Religion & Safety: An American ex-soldier pleaded guilty after allegedly damaging a Divine Mercy Church crucifix and statue and threatening a priest. Women’s Safety: A woman was beaten and locked in a bathroom after a jealousy dispute in Orange Walk.

Indigenous Culture & Education: The University of Belize’s Intercultural Indigenous Language Institute represented Belize at the 15th Regional Maya Encounter on Language and Culture in Mexico, with a presentation on Yucatec Maya identity and language in Belize. Community Culture: Benque House of Culture marks 25 years with “25 Trees for 25 Years,” linking heritage to sustainability on Sept. 7. Cultural Leadership: Historian and cultural advocate Lita Hunter Krohn received NICH’s Outstanding Cultural Leadership Award for decades of preserving Belize’s history. Youth & Learning Support: UNHCR and UNICEF trained Belize social workers to strengthen child protection, while Belize Coast Guard and Crime Stoppers delivered back-to-school support like free haircuts and bag drives. Health & Family Support: Belize certified its first cohort of lactation counsellors, and the Ministry of Health ran an epidemic intelligence planning workshop with partners. Pageantry with Purpose: Miss World Belize Faith Edgar placed Top 6 in the Americas & Caribbean for Beauty With a Purpose for her “Smiles for Belize” dental outreach. Environment & Heritage Tourism: Eco-Museum Belize won a Silver Award at the ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards for its “museum without walls” model. Immigration Policy Watch: A U.S. court struck down an immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries, including Belize. School Life: Schools are enforcing dress codes for parents and visitors, discouraging crop tops, tank tops, very short or ripped clothing.

Back-to-School Support: More than 300 children across Belize received free back-to-school haircuts and hair braiding through the Belize Coast Guard drive, with more stops scheduled. Community Policing & Supplies: Crime Stoppers Belize, the Police Department and partners handed out school bags and supplies at Yabra Green, easing costs for families while strengthening ties between police and communities. Education Pathways: Galen University signed MoUs with Corazon Creek Technical High School (and a separate partnership with Transparent BPO) to create clearer routes from high school to tertiary study and jobs. Public Health & Mothers: Belize certified its first cohort of lactation counsellors, trained with UNICEF/PAHO/WHO support, to help mothers with breastfeeding challenges. International Cooperation: Belize and Taiwan expanded education, disaster preparedness and workforce training ties, including a planned Taiwan Caribbean Co-Prosperity Academy in Belize. Culture & Heritage: Eco-Museum Belize won a Silver Award at the ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards for its “museum without walls” approach. Local Governance: Belize City Council swore in 54 enforcement officers as Special Constables to boost enforcement of council regulations and traffic-related duties. Immigration/Justice: A Trinidadian man walked free after 92 days in jail when an unpaid Golden Bay Hotel bill was paid and the charge was dismissed.

Community & Youth Support: The Belize Coast Guard’s back-to-school drive delivered free haircuts and hair braiding to 300+ children across multiple districts, with more stops ahead. Education Partnerships: Galen University and Corazon Creek Technical High School (with Transparent BPO support) signed MoUs to create clearer pathways from school to college and jobs. Public Service & Skills: Belize and Taiwan are expanding cooperation in education, workforce training, disaster preparedness, and a new Taiwan Caribbean Co-Prosperity Academy plan in Belize. Health & Family Care: Belize certified its first cohort of lactation counsellors to support breastfeeding at regional health facilities, with UNICEF/PAHO/WHO involved. Local Governance & Safety: Belize City Council swore in 54 enforcement officers as Special Constables to strengthen order and enforcement in council areas. Culture & Heritage: NICH launched the “Belize @45 Magical History Tour” with historian Assad Shoman to spark youth-led reflection on independence. Sustainability Tourism: Eco-Museum Belize won a Silver Award at the 2026 ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards for its “museum without walls” model.

Belize City Community Safety: 54 Belize City Council Enforcement Officers were sworn in as Special Constables, giving them powers to help enforce traffic rules, handle summonses, and support council regulations. Back-to-School Support: The Belize Coast Guard’s drive has already delivered free haircuts and hair braiding to 300+ children across multiple districts, with more stops ahead. School Supplies for Families: Crime Stoppers Belize and the Police Department teamed up for a Belize City bag drive, handing out school bags and supplies to hundreds of families. Education Partnerships: Galen University signed an MoU with Corazon Creek Technical High School to create clearer pathways to college and careers, with Transparent BPO supporting the link. Public Health & Breastfeeding: Belize certified its first cohort of lactation counsellors to support mothers at regional health facilities, backed by UNICEF, PAHO/WHO and other partners. International Cooperation: Belize and Taiwan expanded ties in education, workforce training and disaster preparedness, including a planned Taiwan Caribbean Co-Prosperity Academy in Belize. Culture & Heritage: NICH launched the “Belize @45 Magical History Tour” with historian Assad Shoman, bringing history discussions to communities and youth. Tourism Sustainability Win: Eco-Museum Belize earned a Silver Award at the 2026 ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards for its “museum without walls” approach.

Back-to-School Support: The Belize Coast Guard delivered free haircuts and hair braiding to 300+ children across southern and northern communities, with more stops planned. Community Policing: Crime Stoppers Belize and police joined a Belize City back-to-school bag drive, handing out supplies while building ties with families. City Governance & Safety: 54 Belize City Council Enforcement Officers were sworn in as Special Constables, expanding their role in traffic, market enforcement, and council regulations. Education Partnerships: Galen University signed with Corazon Creek Technical High School to create clearer pathways to college and jobs, with Transparent BPO helping link students to work. Public Health Capacity: The Ministry of Health and PAHO/WHO ran a National Epidemic Intelligence Planning Workshop to strengthen early warning and response. Breastfeeding Support: Belize certified its first cohort of lactation counsellors to help mothers with common breastfeeding challenges, supported by UNICEF and PAHO/WHO. Culture & Heritage: NICH launched the “Belize @45 Magical History Tour” with historian Assad Shoman, bringing history discussions to libraries and House of Culture venues. International Cooperation: Belize and Taiwan expanded ties in education, disaster preparedness, and workforce training, including a $3M push for women and young entrepreneurs.

Belize City Community Safety: 54 Belize City Council Enforcement Officers were sworn in as Special Constables at the House of Culture, giving them powers to support traffic management, market enforcement, liquor license checks, and council regulation work. Education & Youth Support: Crime Stoppers Belize, the Police Department, and community groups ran a Back-to-School Bag Drive at Yabra Green, handing out hundreds of filled school bags to families. Health Preparedness: The Ministry of Health and PAHO/WHO held a National Epidemic Intelligence Planning Workshop with multisector partners to strengthen early warning and response to public health threats. Learning Pathways: Galen University signed an MoU with Corazon Creek Technical High School in Toledo, with Transparent BPO helping connect students to clearer routes into higher education and careers. Belize–Taiwan Cooperation: Belize and Taiwan expanded ties in public service development, disaster preparedness, and education, including plans for a Taiwan Caribbean Co-Prosperity Academy in Belize. Breastfeeding Support: Belize certified its first cohort of lactation counsellors, trained with UNICEF and PAHO/WHO, to help mothers with common breastfeeding challenges at regional health facilities. Culture & Heritage: NICH launched “Belize @45 Magical History Tour” with historian Assad Shoman, bringing history discussions to communities and youth. Tourism Sustainability: Eco-Museum Belize won a Silver Award at the 2026 ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards for its “museum without walls” approach. Public Health Advocacy: Belize Cancer Society teamed up with Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to push stronger tobacco control, especially to protect young people. Immigration & Courts: A Trinidadian man walked free after 92 days when a Golden Bay Hotel bill of $11,470.24 was paid in full and the charge was dismissed.

Belize@45 Culture & Education: NICH is rolling out “Belize @45 Magical History Tour” with historian Assad Shoman, bringing community forums and school engagements to spark fresh discussion on independence—starting in Corozal and moving through key House of Culture stops. Sustainable Tourism: Eco-Museum Belize won a Silver Award at the 2026 ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards for its “museum without walls” approach that keeps heritage rooted in local storytellers. Health & Family Support: Belize certified its first cohort of lactation counsellors to help mothers with real breastfeeding challenges, with UNICEF/PAHO/WHO support. Public Health & Youth: The Belize Cancer Society teamed up with Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to push stronger tobacco control, with a big focus on preventing youth use. Regional Cooperation: Belize and Honduras are deepening ties after PM Briceño’s visit, with talks on health training, specialist support, and internships. Women & Youth Entrepreneurship: Belize and Taiwan signed a US$3M deal to train and support Belizean women and young entrepreneurs, including tourism and indigenous handicraft. Immigration & Courts: A US judge struck down a Trump immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries, including Belize, while separate reports say the US also paused new visa appointments globally. Community Life: The Belize Coast Guard launched free back-to-school haircuts across southern Belize to help children start the school year confident. Belize City Growth: Fort George Hotel & Spa announced its new Signature Sea View Tower, adding 66 rooms and new dining and meeting spaces.

Responsible Tourism & Culture: Eco-Museum Belize won a Silver Award at the 2026 ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards for its “museum without walls” approach that keeps heritage rooted in local storytellers. Public Health: Belize Cancer Society teamed up with Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to push stronger tobacco control, with a big focus on youth and schools. Breastfeeding Support: Belize certified its first cohort of lactation counsellors, trained with UNICEF/PAHO/WHO support, to help mothers with common breastfeeding challenges at regional facilities. Regional Cooperation: Prime Minister John Briceño’s visit to Honduras aims to deepen ties on health, security, trade, climate and connectivity, including medical education and internship links. Immigration & Courts: A Honduran construction worker was jailed after failing to pay a $1,000 immigration fine; separately, a Belize City woman got $800 bail after allegedly threatening to burn her sister’s home with children inside. Education & Learning: CXC launched the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), building on a modular math pilot that delivered an 88% pass rate. Women & Youth Entrepreneurship: Belize and Taiwan signed a US$3M deal to train and support women and young entrepreneurs, including tourism and indigenous handicraft areas. Belize City Lifestyle: Fort George Hotel & Spa announced its new Signature Sea View Tower, adding 66 rooms and new dining, wellness and meeting spaces. Child Protection: UNHCR and UNICEF trained Belize social workers on the Best Interest Procedure for high-risk child cases.

Belize–Taiwan Partnership for Women & Youth: The Government of Belize and Taiwan signed a US$3 million agreement to train and support Belizean women and young entrepreneurs, with a focus on business guidance, new markets, and job creation. Education & Cultural Exchange: Seventy-five Belizean scholarship recipients are heading to Taiwan for undergraduate, graduate, and PhD studies, following orientation and alumni sessions. Local Heritage in Focus: Archaeologists at Xunantunich say they uncovered a Maya school for young boys, including student housing and drawing practice inside El Castillo. Child Protection Training: UNHCR and UNICEF trained Belize social workers on the Best Interest Procedure to better handle high-risk cases involving abuse, neglect, displacement, and family separation. Community Support: The Belize Coast Guard launched a free back-to-school haircut drive across southern Belize to help children start the school year confident. Belize City Hospitality Boost: Fort George Hotel & Spa announced its Signature Sea View Tower, adding 66 rooms and new dining, wellness, and meeting spaces opening this fall. Food & Daily Life: A home-cooking guide highlights how families can build more nutritious meals using familiar ingredients, variety, and involving children in prep.

US Visa Shock: The Trump administration has paused all immigrant visa appointments worldwide, citing a global training initiative at US embassies and consulates, with applicants reportedly getting cancellation emails. Court Pushback: Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a US judge’s ruling striking down the indefinite visa suspension for nationals of 75 countries, including Belize, restoring case-by-case processing. Belize–Taiwan Women & Youth Boost: Belize and Taiwan signed a US$3 million deal to train women and young entrepreneurs, with support for tourism, indigenous handicrafts, and building industries. Education & Culture: Archaeologists at Xunantunich say they uncovered a Maya school for young boys, including student housing and practice drawings. Child Protection: UNHCR and UNICEF trained Belize social workers on the Best Interest Procedure for high-risk cases involving abuse, neglect, displacement, and family separation. Community Life: Belize Coast Guard launched a back-to-school free haircut drive across southern communities. Local Governance & Work: Unions submitted demands to Prime Minister Briceño over BTL-Speednet fallout, calling for accountability and transparency. Arts & Literature: Margaret Reynolds received the Zee Edgell Award for Literary Arts, spotlighting Belize’s writers and poetry community.

Belize–Taiwan Partnership: Belize signed a US$3 million deal with Taiwan to boost women and young entrepreneurs through training and business support, with 75 Belizean scholarship recipients already heading to Taiwan for undergraduate, graduate, and PhD studies. Culture & Arts: Margaret Reynolds received the Zee Edgell Award for Literary Arts, while Belize’s literary community celebrates her push to keep local writing and poetry thriving. Community Care: The Belize Coast Guard launched free back-to-school haircuts across southern Belize to help kids start the school year confident. Child Protection: UNHCR and UNICEF trained Belize social workers on handling high-risk child protection cases using a best-interest approach. Immigration & Rights: Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a US court ruling striking down Trump’s indefinite immigrant visa suspension affecting Belize and other countries. Local Life & Justice: A Belize City woman was granted $800 bail after allegedly threatening to burn her sister’s home with children inside. Sports: Reef Sports wrapped up its summer youth football tournament with finals for U8 and U12. Diplomacy & Resilience: Belize joined a Kyiv summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen on resilience during crisis.

Belize–Taiwan Partnership: Belize signed a US$3 million agreement with Taiwan to boost women and young entrepreneurs through training and business support, with the goal of creating jobs and helping local MSMEs grow. Education & Scholarships: Seventy-five Belizean students are heading to Taiwan for undergraduate, graduate and PhD studies under MOFA Taiwan and ICDF scholarships. Arts & Culture: Poet, author and publisher Margaret Reynolds received the Zee Edgell Award for Literary Arts, spotlighting Belize’s local writers. Youth & Community Care: The Belize Coast Guard launched free back-to-school haircuts across southern Belize, helping children start the school year with confidence. Child Protection: UNHCR and UNICEF trained Belize social workers on high-risk child protection cases using a best-interest approach. Resilience Diplomacy: Belize joined the Kyiv Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen on resilience, represented virtually by Rossana Briceño. Immigration Rights: Caribbean advocates welcomed a US court ruling striking down Trump’s immigrant visa ban affecting Belize and other countries. Local Sports: Reef Sports wrapped up its summer youth football tournament with finals for U8 and U12. Belize Lifestyle Spotlight: Miss World Belize Faith Edgar delivered a speech in Vietnam highlighting her Smiles for Belize dental-care project.