Belize

This past week Belize marked its 42nd Independence Day with the Flag Raising Ceremony, followed by vibrant carnivals, showcasing national pride and the dedication of Belizean youth

The "BE MORE" campaign has been introduced: focused on community engagement, it specifically encourages all Belizeans to actively participate in various areas, including education, healthcare, housing and the environment

The country has become the first Central American WTO member to formally accept the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, marking a significant step toward curbing harmful fisheries practices and preserving marine ecosystems

A US$77 million deal has been closed with the Saudi Fund for Development to finance a 60-megawatt solar project, reducing emissions by 60.000 tons annually, promoting Belize's economic growth and enhancing its efforts to mitigate climate change

This past July 31, Belize commemorated the 189th anniversary of the abolition of slavery and the 185th anniversary of the termination of the apprenticeship system; this Emancipation Day is marked as a public and bank holiday for the third consecutive year

The Belize Coast Guard is participating in special forces training as part of the UNITAS LIX, a multinational maritime exercise hosted by the Colombian navy, brining together 20 countries to enhance tactical proficiency in joint maritime operations

New measures have been announced to address a recent increase in violent crime, which includes the spending of US$1 million in new police and security activities

The country has been declared malaria-free by the WHO, due to achieving a significant reduction in malaria cases, from 10.000 in 1994 to zero in the past 4 years

The central bank will now have the authority to regulate and supervise cryptocurrency firms, aligning with the state’s efforts to create a regulatory framework for the growing crypto market

The country has submitted its memorial to the International Court of Justice in the ongoing land dispute with Honduras over the Sapodilla Caye; the memorial defends the state’s sovereignty and requests the court to declare its rightful control

Saudi Arabia has agreed to provide the country with a US$45 million loan for healthcare infrastructure, specifically to support the construction of a tertiary hospital in the Belmopan Area Project

The country has received US$20M from the Inter-American Development Bank to transform education, bridge gaps, and establish STEAM labs in high schools, considered a crucial investment for the country's future workforce and resilience