Surveillance has since increased, and the MOHW is urging the public to follow strict vaccination guidelines. Children should receive two MMR doses at 12 and 18 months. Unvaccinated individuals over 18 months are advised to get two doses a month apart. One booster is recommended for those previously partially vaccinated, and anyone unsure of their status should receive one dose.
Following exposure, unvaccinated persons must quarantine for up to 21 days. Vaccinated individuals do not require isolation. The MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women or the immunocompromised.
Public reaction has pointed out the timing of the alert. One social media user commented: “A month ago and the release comes out only now? You have any idea how many bus loads of children have been to trips to Cayo and stopped in Spanish Lookout since April 12?”
A grieving family is demanding answers following the death of 32-year-old Selvin Sealy Jr, who died in police custody on Monday morning in San Pedro Town. Though the police initially reported the deceased as a 23-year-old, relatives have clarified that Sealy was, in fact, 32.
Police say Sealy was acting erratically near Villa Abrazos in San Pedro at around 6:30 in the morning, reportedly climbing a tree after claiming to be chased by a dog. The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, told reporters on Monday that officers instructed Sealy to come down, and after a dispute, used force to subdue him.
Sealy was taken to the local station, where officers noticed he was unresponsive. He was rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he was pronounced dead.
Meanwhile, a family member speaking out on social media described Selvin as a loved and cherished figure, raised by his extended family from the age of five. “Selvin was no saint, though he had his struggles like any of us, but to me, he was a wonderful nephew,” the relative said.
The family stated that Sealy will be remembered as a kind-hearted and deeply loved person but have demanded answers, stating, “I pray that the truth comes to light and that justice is served.”
Authorities and family members are searching for 24-year-old Moises Leron Garbutt, a student from Roaring Creek Village who has been reported missing. According to a public alert issued by Crime Stoppers Belize, Garbutt was last seen on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, and has not been heard from since.
Garbutt is described as being of Creole descent, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a dark complexion. He was last seen in his home community, but no additional details have been released regarding the circumstances of his disappearance.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or leads that could assist in locating the missing man.
Anyone with information on Garbutt’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Belize at 922, use the P3 Tips app, or report to the nearest police station. Tips can be made anonymously.
Belizean 2015 graduate of EARTH University’s Agricultural Sciences programme and an alumnus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Shamir Carrillo, says the institution’s values continue to shape his work in sustainable farming and food security.
Carrillo has worked across several key agricultural sectors in Belize, including the sugarcane industry, and other roles that allowed him to manage major operations in crop production and farm logistics.
“It was really enlightening to see that having several years of both theory and practice at EARTH made me feel knowledgeable about many technical aspects and practices of the farm, from land preparation and harvest to preparing for the export market,” Carrillo said.
Now the Station Manager at Central Farm Station under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Carrillo leads research focused at improving rural prosperity and advancing food security in Belize.
“EARTH it has been one step ahead of most institutions. As agents of change, we have always valued sustainable agriculture, those are the main objectives the professors put into our minds. The whole idea of conserving the environment and finding solutions and not just signaling the problems, those were key concepts in our courses,” Carrillo added.
All eyes were on the House of Representatives today as Prime Minister John Briceño rolled out the proposed 2025 National Budget—totaling a hefty $1.78 billion in spending, with projected revenues and grants coming in at $1.74 billion. The PM explained the delay in presenting the budget, which usually happens in March before the new financial year begins on April first. This year, however, the March twelfth General Elections pushed everything back. He pointed out that this isn’t the first time an election year has caused a delay, citing a similar situation in 2012 under the previous U.D.P. administration. Briceño also highlighted what he called a strong economic performance, boasting an eight-point-two percent GDP growth in 2024. But not everyone was impressed. Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar-Panton questioned the government’s priorities, expressing concern over how much of the budget is being funneled into infrastructure rather than areas she believes need more urgent attention. News Five’s Marion Ali has more on the presentation and what this budget could mean for Belizeans.
Marion Ali, Reporting
The numbers are in—Prime Minister John Briceño has officially unveiled a $1.78 billion spending plan for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The budget, presented today in the National Assembly, outlines the government’s financial roadmap for the year ahead, covering everything from infrastructure and education to healthcare and social programs. With big investments on the table, all eyes will be on how the government plans to balance spending with revenue—and what this means for everyday Belizeans.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We propose one point seven, two billion in total spending, of which one point two, five billion are recurrent in nature and five hundred and twenty-eight million dollars represent capital investments. In this budget cycle, eighty million previously classified as subsidies and transfers is being reclassified as what they truly are, which is personal emoluments. This is an important adjustment since this subsidies and transfers category imply an annual adjustable outlay, as opposed to personal emoluments that carry different obligations. Therefore, for this fiscal year, six hundred and ninety-eight million, let me repeat – for this fiscal year, six hundred and ninety-eight million is therefore allotted to salaries and pensions, representing fifty-six percent of total recurrent spending.”
While the government has laid out a bold budget for the upcoming financial year, it’s banking on $1.74 billion in revenue to fund it. That leaves a gap that will need to be filled—raising questions about how the shortfall will be managed. As the budget debate unfolds, all eyes will be on how the government plans to bridge the difference without putting too much pressure on taxpayers or borrowing beyond its means.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“On the revenue side of the ledger, one point seven, four billion dollars is projected for revenue and grants, which is an increase of $94 million compared to the last period, or some six percent growth, to be achieved by continued economic growth and collection efficiencies. Of the ninety-four million dollars, the largest increase – fifty-three million dollars is to come from a significant increase in bilateral and multilateral grants with thirty-four million derived from recurrent revenue growth and three million in additional capital revenues.”
The graph shows how the expenditure rose steadily, going from one point three six billion dollars in 2022 to what the forecast is in 2027/28 at one point five, nine eight billion dollars. Interestingly, the projection for that year is four hundred million dollars less than it is for 2026/27. On the flip side of the coin, the revenues and grants from 2022 went from one point three, two, zero billion dollars, to a projected one point seven, eight, three billion in 2027. Again, the venues for 2026/27 is higher.
Belize’s economy is picking up serious steam. With GDP growth hitting a solid 8.2% in 2024, Prime Minister John Briceño is calling it a clear sign that the country is moving in the right direction. “This is strong economic momentum,” the PM said, highlighting the figure as proof that Belize’s recovery and development strategies are paying off. The impressive growth rate puts Belize among the region’s top economic performers for the year—fueling optimism for what’s ahead.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“In 2024, Belize recorded spectacular real GDP growth of eight point two percent, primarily driven by advancements in the services and secondary sectors.
Among the highlights are significant investments allocated for infrastructure development.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“This year, we will be appropriating a record three hundred and thirty-six point seven million dollars to our Capital Two budget. That is the portion of the overall capital program that is funded from general revenue as opposed to donor financing. This emphasis continues to be on the upgrading and maintenance of our road infrastructure, such as the Progresso to San Stephen road and others, and to provide the necessary counterpart resources for capital projects funded by our development partners.”
Belize poured a hefty $438 million into infrastructure development in 2024—but not everyone is impressed with how the money was spent. Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar-Panton has raised concerns, criticizing the government’s approach to managing such a massive investment. While the spending signals a major push to improve roads, bridges, and public facilities, Taegar-Panton argues that the execution lacked transparency and strategic focus. As the government touts progress, the opposition is demanding answers—and accountability.
Tracy Taegar-Panton
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“There seems to be quite a lot of money being invested in infrastructure and my cursory look at the budget estimates suggests that where it matters for the Belizean people – in education, in health, in housing, there are going to be some serious adjustments in terms of the government’s investment. There’s no contingency planning for what happens, for example, with the global trade wars that are imminent and the impact that will have on our economy. There is no indication of how we are going to deal in a holistic way. The energy crisis that we’re already feeling the implications of – those kinds of things, so those things matter to the Belizean people.”
As the national budget heads to the floor of the House, the big question remains: will the $1.78 billion spending plan deliver real results—or just more political back-and-forth? The full budget debate is set to kick off on May twenty-sixth and will run for three days. Expect fiery exchanges, bold promises, and sharp critiques as both sides of the aisle weigh in on how the billions should be spent. We’ll be following every moment to bring you the highlights, the heat, and the headlines. Marion Ali for News Five.
Despite concerns about rising debt, Belize’s public debt hasn’t budged much over the past four years. At the end of 2020, it stood just above four billion dollars—and by the close of 2024, it was still in that same ballpark. But Prime Minister John Briceño says there’s more to the story. He credits the country’s growing economy for keeping the debt in check, noting that Belize’s annual economic output surged by 67% during that period. As for how the country is managing its debt, the PM revealed that interest payments alone totaled one hundred and nineteen million dollars last year. He broke down the numbers during his budget presentation, painting a picture of a government trying to balance borrowing with growth.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“The external stock of public debt was one point four, five three billion U.S. dollars. Previous governments of both parties have generated burst of economic growth, and in both instances, these have been fueled by material increases in the public debt. Our debt policy is and will continue to be more enlightened. On the public debt, the conversion of promise to performance shines brightly. Government attained a primary surplus of one point four, eight percent of G.D.P., an overall deficit of minus zero point two, six percent.”
Big changes could be coming to the way public buildings are designed and built in Belize. The Government is pushing forward with the Belize Building Amendment Bill, introduced by Minister of Infrastructure Development & Housing Julius Espat, which aims to modernize construction standards across the country. The bill outlines new rules for the renovation, construction, and even demolition of buildings. According to Minister Espat, it’s the result of five years of hard work—reviewing and adapting international building codes to suit Belize’s unique environment and needs. Once passed, the law will require builders to follow the updated Belize Building Codes under the Belize Building Act. The goal? Safer, more resilient structures that can better withstand the country’s natural conditions while protecting public health and the environment. Minister Espat emphasized that this is about more than just regulations—it’s about building a stronger, safer Belize from the ground up.
Julius Espat
Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development
“The Belize Building Code will become a part of the Belize Building Act. It will be the only code of reference to guide building construction in Belize, more specifically it applies to all buildings except family dwellings not more than three stories above grade. So, we are dealing with public buildings at this point time. Your restaurant will now have to fall within the code. It is a public building because people visit your establishment. These buildings, national assembly, banks, office of professionals. It does not apply to residence. That is a separate code that we will go and try to adopt later on which is fall under the residential code. People are scared for change, but we live in a global environment and have to raise the standard for construction in this country. We purposely did not dwell into the residential aspect because we wanted to make sure that people were not given this idea that his will make construction cost expensive for them. It will not, it will just ensure that the professionals designing the buildings are following a standard that everybody will use.”
Belize’s push for stronger building standards took center stage at today’s House Meeting, but not all structures are covered—yet. Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat clarified that the newly tabled building codes will apply only to public buildings for now. Standards for residential homes are still in the works and will be rolled out later. Espat underscored the importance of these codes by referencing a recent tragedy—the death of three tourists at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort. He noted that in incidents like these, having clear building standards can help guide investigations and potentially prevent future loss of life. The message is clear: stronger codes mean safer spaces. And while the focus is currently on public infrastructure, the groundwork is being laid for broader reforms across the construction sector.
Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development
“A couple months ago we had a problem in San Pedro where some visitors died because there was a, still to be determined, but it seems there was a problem with carbon monoxide. The building code or act had nothing to lead professionals to that direction. Mostly the engineers or mechanical engineers will have to rely on international building codes to put it in the process. This now will fall under our building codes which will have jurisdiction over those things. We just passed the disability act, last year. That changes the whole aspect of how we design buildings. Now you will have to make sure people will have access to these building, if it is more than three stories you will have to put in an elevator by law if it is at the ground floor you will have to put in ramps at certain angles to make sure it works.”
Minister Espat also noted that for the building codes to be effective, the Briceño administration will have to make significant investments in the Central Building Authority’s enforcement strategy.
A bold new piece of legislation is making its way through the National Assembly, and it could reshape how Belize protects its children and elderly citizens. Minister of Human Development and Family Affairs, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, introduced the Families Bill today, describing it as a transformative step toward stronger family support systems. The bill outlines key rights and procedures around guardianship, custody, and child maintenance—and for the first time, it formally recognizes a child’s right to receive counseling. One of the most groundbreaking changes? The bill would allow single men to adopt female children, a move that challenges long-standing legal norms and opens the door to more inclusive family structures.
Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Family Support
“It also allows for the recognition of the relationship between the child and a parent for the purpose of determining succession of property. It removes prohibition on a single man adopting a child as a female, because this prohibition goes against the principle of nondiscrimination. It provides protection for children with disabilities so they can be assessed early, offered appropriate treatment and given equal opportunities in respect of education. It allows for care and supervision orders for vulnerable and abused children to be placed in the care of the Department of Human Development or the Community Rehabilitation Department where they are to be given protective and rehabilitated services.”
An upgraded stretch of the George Price Highway from Belmopan to La Democracia Village is in the works—and while that may sound like good news for commuters, it’s raising some serious questions about cost. The Government of Belize is banking on a thirteen-million-dollar loan from the Kuwait Fund to cover nearly half—forty-seven percent—of the project. But that still leaves a fifteen-million U.S. dollar gap, which the government will need to fill to complete the eighteen-mile upgrade. Mesop Area Rep Lee Mark Chang isn’t convinced it’s worth the price tag. He argues the road is already in decent condition and that the funds could be better spent elsewhere. As the government pushes forward with its infrastructure plans, the debate continues: is this a smart investment in Belize’s future—or a costly move that misses the mark?
Lee Mark Chang
Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative, Mesopotamia
“There are many roads and streets and town that needs upgrade, roads that need TLC in the villages. There are much more important issues to deal with than roads, roads, road, health care, dialysis, food pantry, or grocery bags, home improvements, maybe the outstanding salary raise for teachers or any other social nets programs. I remember a famous quote, we can’t eat the street boss, we can’t eat it. Twenty-nine kilometers of road is equal to eighteen miles. The road from La Democracia to Belmopan already has a lot of infrastructure work, so how will it cost so much money, three million dollars a mile to refurbish a road that already has infrastructure and a lot of stuff. I am no engineer, but it should not cost three million dollars a mile.”
