Senate Orders Investigation into Belize’s Decade-Long Energy Crisis

Turning to the nation’s energy crisis, the Senate has unanimously approved a landmark motion establishing a Special Select Committee to investigate ten years of chronic electricity shortages, rolling blackouts, and heavy reliance on Mexico’s CFE. Business Senator Kevin Herrera introduced the motion, calling for an independent examination of how Belize reached this point. But Government Senator Linsford Castillo says the investigation must also recognize the current administration’s efforts to address the crisis.

 

Kevin Herrera, Business Senator

 “Our country is currently paralyzed at certain times of the year by an energy crisis. Belizeans have endured chronic generation shortfalls, rolling blackouts, and severe load shedding. Small businesses are losing inventory, families are affected by blackouts, and the public is asking one resounding question: Why? Why in 2026 is our national energy grid so fragile? We must conduct a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation into the operational failures, policies, and contracts over the past 10 years that led us into this dark juncture.”

 

Linsford Castillo, Government Senator

“We support accountability. We support transparency. We support a serious examination of the circumstances that have contributed to electricity shortages and power supply failures. But our support must not be mistaken for acceptance of a narrative that this government has been sitting idly by while Belize’s energy challenges develop.”

 

A seven-member Special Select Committee, comprising government, opposition and social partner representatives, will investigate past power deals, PUC oversight and BEL’s reliance on costly emergency diesel. It can summon current and former officials, inspect contracts and hold live public hearings. Proceedings must conclude by March 2027, followed by a final report to the Senate.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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