There’s a pause in the pressure at Belize’s flagship hospital. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Workers Union has officially called off its industrial action, at least for now. This comes after hospital management escalated the situation last week by declaring a trade dispute and calling in the Ministry of Labor. As we’ve been reporting, K.H.M.H. C.E.O. Chandra Cansino reached out to Minister Florencio Marin Junior, invoking the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act. But union president Andrew Baird says that move was premature and claims proper procedures weren’t followed. Still, the union says it’s committed to following the formal steps now that a trade dispute has been declared.
On the Phone: Andrew Baird, President, KHMH Workers Union
“We are just waiting to hear from the Minister of Labor, Honorable Marin, to set up a date for us to meet along with authority and government officials to continue to dialogue along that medium. In regards to the dispute lodged by the CEO of Karl Heusner, we have ceased our industrial action given that the law provides that during this period we cannot do any industrial action. So we give the opportunity for dialogue and hopefully through that we can come up with a resolution rather than have to have a tribunal set up by the labor department.”
Paul Lopez
“Do you think this was warranted?”
On the Phone: Andrew Baird
“I think due process was not followed and we were not given an opportunity to counter propose based on four percent ex gratia payment submitted to us. In fair due process one would allow the other party to be able to come to the table and make a counter proposal. That was not afforded to us.”
We’re continuing to follow developments in the K.H.M.H. labor dispute, and now, the Ministry of Labor is officially in the loop. On Friday, we spoke with Minister Florencio Marin, who confirmed that he’s received the letter from hospital management requesting intervention. So, what happens next? According to the minister, the first step is to keep the conversation going between both sides. If that doesn’t work, they’ll move into mediation. And if all else fails, the matter could end up before a labor tribunal.
Florencio Marin
Florencio Marin, Minister of Labor
“We have the same options. Again, I will need to sit with the ministry team. Perhaps we can tell them to continue the dialogue, that is the first option. They can continue dialogue and hopefully they can come to a resolution. If not, myself as the minster, with the backup of the ministry, we conduct the mediation. If that does not work, from their we go to a tribunal.”
Paul Lopez
“How closely are you observing the actions that the staff at the KHMH has been taking, most recently a sickout.”
Florencio Marin
“We are monitoring it and all that. But, I do not want to comment, because we may be in the mediation. So I don’t want to prejudice that. But, we are monitoring both sides.”
Reporter
“But how do you look at the notice or advise from the Labor Department that there were processes to be followed and now you the accusations from the management of the KHMH saying they violated the law because the did engage in industrial action.”
Florencio Marin
“Again, that is something when we formally get involved, when we look at it, then I will be able to comment. I don’t want to be prejudice to give an opinion. We will give an a response soon.”
It’s a clear sign that the situation is being taken seriously and that the road to resolution may still have a few more turns.
There’s a ripple of excitement in the conservation world, and Belize is right at the center of it. We are making serious strides toward protecting our planet’s oceans. Back in 2019, the country joined a bold global mission to safeguard thirty percent of the world’s marine spaces by 2030. Well, fast forward to today, and Belize is not just on track, we’re ahead of schedule. But while the numbers look promising, there’s a bigger question bubbling beneath the surface: how protected are these waters, really? That’s where the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future comes in. Since 2022, this private conservation trust has been quietly empowering local stakeholders by funding everything from scientific research to sustainable fishing practices, to ensure these marine areas are more than just lines on a map. News Five’s Britney Gordon took a deep dive into the story, visiting some of the protected zones supported by the Belize Fund to find out what it really takes to keep Belize’s blue spaces thriving. Here’s what she discovered.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Imagine diving into Belize’s crystal-clear waters, expecting a vibrant underwater world, only to find silence, emptiness, and lifeless coral. It’s a haunting image, and one that raises a serious question: are Belize’s protected marine areas truly being protected? While the country has made impressive strides toward the United Nations’ goal of safeguarding thirty percent of ocean space, hitting the target is just one part of the journey. The real challenge? Making sure those areas are sustainably managed and thriving for generations to come. That’s where the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future comes in. Since its launch, BFSF has been channeling resources from the Blue Bond to support conservation efforts across the country. Executive Director Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts explains how this initiative is helping turn policy into real, lasting protection beneath the waves.
Leandra Cho-Ricketts
Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director, Belize Fund
“That’s a big focus of the fund. Trying to make sure we find the right partners to connect with to support initiatives and projects that can create meaningful and impactful changes and lasting changes on the ground. So all our grantees, they’re selecting true calls, and those calls look at particular areas of priorities and in, and today the areas we’re looking at are directly relating to protection for biodiversity and focus on marine protected area management.”
Climate change has taken a serious toll on our oceans, and Belize’s coral reefs are no exception; many have been slowly dying, struggling to survive rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns. But there’s hope beneath the surface. Thanks to support from the Belize Fund, a local non-profit called Fragments of Hope is leading the charge to restore what’s been lost. From replanting corals to studying the effects of bleaching in places like Gladden Spit and Silk Caye, they’re working hard to bring our reefs back to life, one fragment at a time.
Natasha Gibson
Natasha Gibson, Fragments of Hope
“Laughing Bird Caye, it was one of the best sites ever when I started to work because it had been hit tremendously by a storm and we had lost about ninety something percent of coral coverage around here. And that at that point when I started the coverage was billing up back, meaning we were out doing a lot of work here, a lot of out planting, everything was thriving and looking great. Again, once again, the climate change and everything has been changing. We have had devastating losses, especially last year. We have lost tremendous amount of corals around Laughing Bird Caye.”
In a country like Belize, where tourism is a major economic driver, a rich and diverse marine ecosystem isn’t just beautiful, it’s essential. But with climate change shifting the balance underwater, what’s happening to the species that draw visitors from around the world? That’s exactly what MarAlliance is working to uncover. With support from the Belize Fund, they’re tracking how marine life is responding to these changes, helping tour operators better understand and predict where key species might be found. Program Coordinator Kirah Foreman shares how this research is shaping the future of marine tourism.
Kirah Foreman-Castillo
Kirah Foreman-Castillo, Program Coordinator, MarAlliance
“We’re looking at what we call megafauna. So everyone knows is those big iconic species like your sharks, your turtles, your rays. One of the things that Southern Belize is known for is whale sharks. And within the past, within recent years, we are just not seeing those numbers. A matter of fact, we’re not seeing any at all. I think this year there were somebody who saw one whale shark, which is almost nothing. So our Belize Fund project is to that project. We’re trying to figure out what’s going on with our whale shark. Where have they gone? Will they come back? And what’s going on with the other species of sharks? Raise turtles, the rest of the megafauna within the area.”
A new high-tech surveillance camera has been installed at Laughing Bird Caye National Park, named after the Laughing Gulls that live there. The camera can rotate 360 degrees and see up to nine miles, day or night. It’s become a key tool for the Forest Department and the Southern Environmental Association, helping them monitor this fully protected no-take zone more effectively.
Elizabeth Mushchamp
Elizabeth Mushchamp, Executive Director, Southern Environmental Association
“Even before the cameras went up at our first fisher forum, we had made them aware that we would be putting up the cameras. And then once they were put up, we made them aware again. So every opportunity we have, we let them know about the cameras, that the cameras are there. What we have shared with them for Fishers is that I think it also gives them a sense of security that if something goes wrong, that they feel that someone is watching it. So yes, it could be a contributing factor as to why we haven’t had any incursions in the areas from our local people.”
The Belize Fund splits its financing into two main streams: one for government projects and another for non-government organizations. Program Manager Josue Oliva says the goal is to make funding simple and accessible. They’ve also launched community grants to help grassroots and emerging groups get the support they need to make a difference.
Josue Oliva
Josue Oliva, Program Manager, Belize Fund
“It is a competitive process. As much as we would want to fund everyone, you know that, as Dr. Ricketts mentioned, there is just sinking funds, so it has to be competitive. And how do we do it competitively? We ensure that the projects that we get are aligned to one, at least one of our four thematic areas, right? Protection for biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience, or blue business innovation.”
Although the work of the Belize Fund is vital, it will not be around forever. That is why the trust is doing its best to prove how well-managed financing can protect biodiversity, support livelihoods, and strengthen national resilience in the face of climate change.
Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts
“The Blue bonds money is not infinite. It is a fixed amount. So we have sinking funds, which means the money comes in, we spend it months, it’s done, it’s gone. We have a total of 80 million US coming in until 2041. We’re three years into that period. So it was a twenty year period. We’ve gone for three years now doing operations and we’ve invested roughly twenty-five to twenty-six million Belize already of that eighty million US.”
Being a conservationist isn’t easy, it takes grit, passion, and a whole lot of patience. But when organizations are given the right tools and support, something powerful happens, they push through the challenges and keep fighting for what they believe in.
Elizabeth Mushchamp
“I have a very committed team, a very dynamic and committed team. And for the last couple years I have found my team to be very committed. Whatever challenges, I like to say we don’t have challenges, we just have situations that we deal with. Because when you put the word challenge, it seems like something so difficult to overcome. I think each area, whether it’s financing, sustainable financing, enforcement, for each one of them comes with their own level of challenges.”
As Belize steps up its efforts to protect our precious marine resources, there’s one organization making sure every dollar counts—the Belize Fund. While stakeholders are out in the field doing hard work, the fund is behind the scenes, ensuring that every investment goes toward projects that will leave a real, lasting impact. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Belize is taking center stage this week in a powerful regional push to celebrate and protect one of the world’s most iconic civilizations, the Maya. Alongside Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and southern Mexico, Belize is part of the Mundo Maya tourism initiative, a bold collaboration that’s about more than just travel, it’s about preserving culture, empowering communities, and promoting sustainable tourism across borders. The initiative is spotlighting everything from ancient temples to vibrant traditions, rich gastronomy, and the deep spiritual ties to nature and time that define the Maya world. And right now, Belize is leading the charge by hosting key talks to shape the future of this ambitious project. As CEO of the Ministry of Tourism Nicole Usher-Solano puts it, this is about creating a unified experience for visitors, while tackling shared challenges and building a stronger, more connected region.
Nicole Usher-Solano
Nicole Usher-Solano, C.E.O., Ministry of Tourism
“When you think the Maya world, you think about the vast, beautiful temples that can be found in all of our countries. But beyond that, each of our countries have so much to offer for tourism and for visitors. So to be able to share that, for those persons who are looking for the Maya experience, this is what it’s all about, to create a tourism offering for all of our guests as one region. So we look forward to that. We, of course, look at the vibrant traditions, we talked about gastronomy, the deep spiritual connections of nature and time. These are all what our guests are looking for and today will give us the opportunity to really highlight that, focus on that and see how we can do better in order to ensure that our visitors coming from all around the world can experience our countries as one region. So, over the next few days, we will be talking about several topics. The current global context is important when you look at what is happening in the world and the challenges that we face, all of our destinations are facing similar challenges. How do we work together in order to address those economic and geopolitical uncertainties, the vulnerabilities that we experience to external shocks. These are all realities, they are global realities, but all regions are coming together to try to attract and present themselves, so we must also do the same.”
Belize’s public servants have spoken—but what are they really saying? In a recent vote, more than seventy-five percent of members of the Public Service Union agreed to accept the Government’s latest salary and increment proposal. On the surface, it looks like a clear win for compromise and progress. But with nearly one in four members voting “No”, the results also raise deeper questions: Is this truly a step forward for all public officers? Or is it just the best option in a tough situation? The PSU’s leadership has pledged to move ahead with the agreement, while also keeping a close eye on how, and if, the government delivers on its promises. At the same time, they’re preparing for the possibility of industrial action should things go off track. This vote may be over, but the real work is just beginning. As the Union turns its attention to pension reform, cost-saving measures, and good governance, the question remains: Will this deal bring lasting change, or just temporary relief?
Dean Flowers
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“We would have opened the polls to our general membership on Friday. We had a general membership meeting on Friday as well to explain where we were in the negotiations with government. We went through the last proposal sent to us or given to us by the government a day prior and we opened up ourselves to questions and clarifications where those were needed, as it relates to this last offer and we told our general membership that the reason why the matter needed their approval was given the fact that today would have been the expiration of the twenty-one days notice. Whichever way the PSU would have gone would have signaled the direction that the APSSM would have gone since, like I said, those members who are active and since not all of them are active and not all of them are members of the APSSM at all levels, similar to the wider Public Service Union, even though at the Public Service Union level we would ensure that only our registered members can participate in that process. But I certainly did not anticipate a difference in the outcome of the vote between the APSSM and the PSU, given the relationship that exists between those two entities. As it relates to the BNTU, it’s a matter of their constitution. Their constitution has a provision in their as we were informed that it requires a fifty plus one participation in the process, while on the other hand our process is more a democratic process whereby majority present and voting dictates the direction of the union, hence the reason why we continue to insist and implore on our members to remain engaged to ensure that their voices are registered and that they have their say.”
There was a familiar face at the negotiating table on Thursday—Labor Minister Florencio Marin Jr. sat in on the latest meeting between the Joint Unions Negotiating Team and government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde. While Marin was there strictly as an observer, his presence didn’t go unnoticed. After all, he wears two hats: one as a government minister, and the other with the labor tribunal. And that dual role hasn’t escaped the attention of PSU President Dean Flowers. Here’s what he had to say.
It’s more than just numbers on a balance sheet; it’s the daily bread of hundreds of hardworking farmers. The sugarcane industry is staring down over fifty million dollars in losses, but for the men and women in the fields, the crisis is deeply personal. A silent threat, fusarium, a soil-borne fungus, is spreading fast, slashing yields and leaving farmers unable to repay loans or prepare for the next crop season. Tonight, we take a closer look at how this growing problem is threatening not just an industry, but livelihoods. Paul Lopez has the story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The sugar industry in northern Belize is in serious trouble—and now, it’s official. On Friday, Prime Minister John Briceño sounded the alarm, calling the situation an existential crisis. The culprit? Fusarium, a fast-spreading, soil-borne fungus that’s devastating cane fields and slashing yields.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“With a production of eight hundred and eighty thousand tons of cane producing seventy-eight thousand tons of sugar the industry is projected to earn one hundred and ten million dollars, mostly in foreign exchange, representing a significant reduction to fifty-three million from one hundred and fifty-six point five million dollars generated in 2024.”
A decrease in production and yield per ton of sugar means less money in the pockets of farmers. They are the backbone of the industry and now their livelihood is at stake. Chairman of the Corozal Sugar Producers Association, Vladamir Puck says the full extent of the impact has yet to be assessed.
Vladamir Puck
Vladamir Puck, Chairman, CSCPA
“Right now we have some numbers, but I am more that sure that it is more than we expected.”
Paul Lopez
“It is the numbers that we heard the PM and the minister reference of Friday.”
Vladamir Puck
“Those are the numbers we are working with, but as a farmer looking at the fields at the ground level where we are, we know it is a little bit worst.”
It’s a troubling sight for anyone driving along the Phillip Goldson Highway, rows of sugarcane turning yellow, a silent signal that something is very wrong. That yellowing isn’t just a color change, it’s a warning. A fast-spreading, soil-borne fungus has taken hold, and it’s threatening to wipe out entire fields. The Chairman of the Belize Sugarcane Farmers Association, Alfredo Ortega, is sounding the alarm, warning that if urgent action isn’t taken, the industry could be headed for dark and difficult days.
Alfredo Ortega
Alfredo Ortega, Chairman, BSCFA
“If nothing is being done as we speak right now, then you will see a vast majority of farmers going out of production. That is why as leaders we are looking and seeing how we can get assistance so that reduce the amount. As we speak there are many cane field being totally damaged by this pest, especially the fusarium.”
Paul Lopez
“Could the sugar industry end up the same as the citrus industry down south?”
Alfredo Ortega
“It can happen, I think for many years we have taken the sugar industry for granted, and we only say time is going by. But now we are experiencing these issues, climate change, the pest, low yields, it is a real combination and we have to takethe bull by the horn and get the assistance we are seeking now.”
For that assistance, the farmers are turning to the government. Four sugarcane farmers associations met today at the SIRDI Headquarters to formulate a proposal to the Briceño administration. Their immediate concern is that the low yields per ton means less money in the farmer’s pocket. As a result, farmers will have a hard time leveraging their projected production with the commercial banks.
Vladamir Puck
“The cane farmers goes to their banks, as soon as they end their deliveries, during the crop. They request their document form the association and go to their banks to be refinanced. Right now farmers, the one that delivered fifty percent, we would like to know how the banks would treat them.”
Paul Lopez
“Because if they go the bank with those documents then they cant get the amount of money they would get before.”
Vladimir Puck
“That is right, and if they do so how will they service their fields and feed theirfamilies.”
Alfredo Ortega
“The yields on our field was low, so farmers will be able to clear off the debt they had before. So it will be very difficult for farmers to go back to the bank and refinance what they need to do the necessary husbandry at the field, but they need more to fight the pest that is there.”
The associations are seeking assistance from the Government of Belize to urge commercial banks to offer some relief to farmers in the short term. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
With the sugar industry in crisis, many Belizeans are wondering if grocery store shelves will soon be empty. But according to Agriculture Minister Jose Mai, the real threat isn’t a lack of supply, it’s illegal exports. As Mexico faces its own sugar shortage, contrabandists are eyeing Belize’s cheaper, high-quality sugar. And that, says Minister Mai, could drain the local market. His proposed solution? Raise the local price to keep sugar at home.
Jose Abelardo Mai
Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture
“I think there is a drop in the production of sugar, I think it is seventy eightthousand tons from a hundred and ten thousand tons. That is a twenty-five thousand tons drop in production. But our local consumption is twelve thousand tons. So we have for local consumption. What I am uncertain of is how is Mexico coping with their local demand. Local have three markets, the world market and the U.S. market. But their price is three times higher than Belize. So if the price is three times there and our price is seventy-five cents, the contraband becomes rampant, uncontrollable. That is why oi am saying we need to increase our price to maintain our sugar here. And damned we will not import sugar from the U.S. this year. This is not something we encourage. It is not good for the country. We have a local consumption. It is not good for the people and we export the excess.”
Paul Lopez
“You are saying we will need to increase the local price of sugar, when will that happen?”
Jose Mai
“Well we have been looking at it for sometime. We are getting some push back. But I think it is fair the farmers get a fair price for sugar. We are working on a paper, I submitted one to Cabinet but we did not get approval for it. But we think it is necessary for farmers to get an increase on their sugar. It is important that it is justified and it is equitable.”
So, will it work or just make things harder for consumers already feeling the pinch?
Belize’s economy is showing some serious staying power. Despite big hits to agriculture and manufacturing, the country still managed to grow by two percent in the first quarter of 2025. That’s right, while sugarcane and citrus took a dive, tourism and services stepped up in a big way. Cruise ships are docking, hotels are buzzing, and financial services are booming. But here’s the twist: while more Belizeans are working than ever before, many are still feeling the pinch at the grocery store, and not everyone’s sharing in the recovery. So, is this a comeback story… or a tale of two economies? Let’s break it down.
Belize’s Economy Grows 2% in Q1 2025 Despite Agricultural Setbacks
Belize’s economy showed resilience in the first quarter of 2025, posting a 2.0% growth despite significant contractions in agriculture and manufacturing. According to the Statistical Institute of Belize, the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached $1.486 billion, up from $1.457 billion in the same period last year. The tertiary sector led the charge, expanding by 7.4% to $977.6 million, fueled by a 12.2% surge in accommodation and food services and a 12.6% boost in financial and insurance services. Tourism played a key role, with cruise arrivals rising 5.2% and overnight visitors up 1.9%. However, the primary sector shrank by 10.8%, hit hard by a 29.7% drop in sugarcane production due to fusarium disease, and steep declines in citrus and banana outputs. The secondary sector also fell 8.7%, driven by a 20.4% slump in manufacturing, including a 36.9% drop in sugar production and a two-third plunge in citrus concentrate output. Despite these challenges, marine exports surged 38.5%, and electricity generation rose 9%, signaling pockets of strength in the economy. Belize’s Q1 performance highlights a shifting economic landscape, with services outpacing traditional agriculture and manufacturing.
Prices Are Up—But Are We Really Feeling the Pinch?
In May 2025, Belize’s inflation rate ticked up by 1.0%, with everyday essentials like food, rent, and cooking gas leading the charge. While that may sound modest, the rising cost of basics: like bread, fruit juices, and even deodorant has many Belizeans wondering: Is life quietly getting more expensive? At the same time, fuel prices have dropped, and some tech gadgets are cheaper. But does that really help the average household struggling to keep up with grocery bills and rent hikes? With San Pedro seeing the steepest price increases and Independence Village actually experiencing a drop in prices, the question becomes: Who’s really benefiting—and who’s being left behind—in this shifting economy?
Is Belize’s Job Market Booming—or Just Shifting?
The unemployment rate has dropped to a record low of 2.1%, and nearly 13,700 new jobs were added over the past year. On the surface, that sounds like great news. But dig a little deeper, and the picture becomes more complex. While more people are working, women and young people are still being left behind. Men are far more likely to be in the workforce, and youth unemployment remains stubbornly high. Meanwhile, informal jobs—often unstable and without benefits—make up more than a third of all employment. So, is this economic progress truly inclusive? Or are some groups still being left out of the recovery?
Prime Minister John Briceño is applauding his negotiation team after a key meeting with the joint unions in Belize City on Thursday. The government is offering a four-and-a-half percent salary adjustment this October, followed by another four percent boost in October 2026. On top of that, two salary increments are set to return, one in April 2026 and another in April 2027. PM Briceño is calling it an “affordable proposal,” but will it be enough to satisfy union demands? That’s the big question moving forward.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Also, we continue to work with our unions to come to a fair and just resolution om the matter of their salary adjustment. I am assured that yesterday’s meeting of the joint union negotiating team was cordial and productive. I have to take time to thank the DPM and his team, the chairman, Minister Requena, Minister Florencio, Minister Fonesca and Coye are both out of the country. But they had a good meeting, cordial, tense at times because both sides are working hard to make their points. I believe that at the end they have come with something that can be supported by both the government and the unions. Our government has once again offered a counterproposal to the unions that is affordable, one that would get for our teachers and public officers am eight point five percent salary adjustment and increments in a reasonable time period. We have never doubted we will reach an amicable solution with the unions because we have and will always continue to act in good faith. Just as we have no doubt that together we will manage the external and internal shocks we face. This PUP government has not and will not throw up our hands when it comes to facing the difficult tasks that come with governance. We will nether grieve or weep. We will work, because that is what the people expect from us and that is why they are standing with us.”
