Government of Belize Press Office

11/08/2026

JOINT STATEMENT BY HEADS OF JUDICIARY OF STATES THAT
SUBSCRIBE TO THE ORIGINAL AND/OR APPELLATE JURISDICTIONS OF
THE CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE ON RECENT REPORTS CONCERNING THE CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE

The Heads of Judiciary of Barbados, The Bahamas, Belize, Guyana, The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago which subscribe to the original and or appellate jurisdictions of the Caribbean Court of Justice have taken note of recent public reports concerning internal correspondence and matters relating to the administration and functioning of the Caribbean Court of Justice.

The Caribbean Court of Justice occupies a position of profound importance as a regional institution and within the regional judicial architecture. For those States which have acceded to its appellate jurisdiction, it is the final court of appeal and for most states of the Caribbean Community it is the court of original jurisdiction vested with the power to adjudicate on matters involving the Revised Treaty of Chaguramas. Its authority, like that of all courts, rests upon public confidence in the independence, impartiality, integrity and competence of its judges.

We do not consider it appropriate to comment upon the merits of statements or allegations attributed to individual judges, nor upon matters arising within the internal deliberative or administrative processes of the Court. However, we express grave concern about the breach of confidentiality which resulted in the disclosure of what appear to be internal communications.

We remain confident in the Caribbean Court of Justice as a vital regional judicial institution and in the commitment of its judges to the principles which underpin the administration of justice throughout the Caribbean.

The Heads of Judiciary reaffirm their commitment to the independence of all regional judiciaries, the institutional integrity of the Caribbean Court of Justice, and the enduring importance of maintaining public trust and confidence in the courts of the region.

END.

11/08/2026

After a steady recovery in shrimp production sparked by a government-implemented task force assembled in 2020 to regrow the industry, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries, Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, toured the Aqua Vista Shrimp Hatchery and the Aqua Mar Belize Ltd shrimp farm yesterday for a hands-on experience. Following the devastating effects caused by Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) disease in 2015, the combination of genetics, technology, and sustainable production methods has fueled the shrimp industry's new growth, positioning it to revitalize the Belizean aquaculture sector.

Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries

11/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Forest Department Urges Responsible Behaviour Around Crocodiles

Belmopan, August 11, 2026

The Belize Forest Department (BFD), in collaboration with ACES Wildlife Rescue and the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC), is reminding residents, visitors, and businesses to exercise caution and refrain from feeding, approaching, or interacting with crocodiles in their natural habitat. The advisory follows recent reports and social media posts involving human-crocodile interactions, including a recent incident in Caye Caulker Village. While no physical contact or injury was observed in that particular incident, it underscores the importance of responsible behaviour in areas where crocodiles are present.

Crocodiles are native to Belize and naturally inhabit mangroves, lagoons, wetlands, rivers and coastal areas. As human activity and development increasingly overlap with natural crocodile habitat, encounters between people and wildlife may occur. Public awareness and responsible behaviour are therefore important to protecting both people and crocodiles. Of particular concern are reports of crocodiles being intentionally fed or encouraged to approach people. The Forest Department strongly reminds the public that crocodiles should never be fed, approached, touched, provoked or encouraged to interact with people.

Feeding crocodiles, whether directly or indirectly, can alter their natural behaviour, cause them to associate people with food and increase the potential for negative human-crocodile interactions. Residents, visitors, and businesses are encouraged to support responsible wildlife viewing practices that maintain a safe distance and do not involve feeding, attracting, or attempting to interact with crocodiles in their environment or habitat.

The public is advised to:
• Never feed, approach, touch or provoke a crocodile;
• Never attempt to capture, handle or relocate a crocodile;
• Avoid swimming at night or in mangrove areas and other locations where crocodiles are known to occur;
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the water’s edge where crocodiles are present;
• Keep waterways and surrounding areas free of food waste, fish remains and rubbish that may attract wildlife; and
• Report concerning crocodile activity rather than attempting to intervene.

Persons who encounter a crocodile that may pose a concern should keep a safe distance, avoid interacting with the animal and contact the appropriate authorities or trained wildlife personnel for assistance.

Reports may be made to:
Belize Forest Department Hotline: (+501) 610-1524
Crocodile Research Coalition: (+501) 660-3936
ACES Wildlife Rescue : (+501) 623-7920

The Forest Department encourages the public to make use of these reporting channels so that situations can be properly assessed, and the appropriate response determined. The Belize Forest Department, ACES Wildlife Rescue and CRC have also agreed to undertake additional measures to strengthen public awareness and support the existing emergency response and reporting system. These measures will include increased public education on crocodile safety and responsible coexistence, engagement with communities and stakeholders, and the installation of appropriate crocodile safety and warning signage at strategic locations. Community meetings will also be held with residents and stakeholders in Caye Caulker Village to discuss crocodile behaviour, safety and community concerns.

The Forest Department and its partners remain committed to promoting public safety while protecting Belize's native wildlife. The public is encouraged to exercise caution, act responsibly and report any concerns to the appropriate authorities.

For more information, please contact:
Mrs. Yanira Pop
Acting Chief Forest Officer
Contact number: (501) 822-1524
Hotline number: (501) 610-1524
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Belize Forest Department
Instagram:

Belize Forest Department

11/08/2026

Flood Forecast | August 11, 2026

Belize National Hydrological Service

11/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Acquisition Stakeholders Make Presentations to Cabinet

Belmopan, August 11, 2026.

As part of the process to determine its position on the proposed acquisition of Smart/Speednet Communications Ltd. by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), Cabinet invited stakeholders to make presentations on the proposed acquisition.

At today’s meeting with the Belize Social Security Board, the Public Utilities Commission and BTL will present to Cabinet. On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) will be invited to make presentations to the Cabinet.

After hearing from all the various parties, Cabinet will, at its meeting of Tuesday, August 18, deliberate and inform on its position on the matter.

Ends

11/08/2026

Belize’s Magistrate’s Court has launched its first official website, making the justice system more accessible and easier to navigate for the public. As the section of the judiciary with the most public traffic, their new site will help Belizeans easily get the assistance they need.

Senior Courts of Belize
UNDP Belize
European Union in Belize

11/08/2026

Today, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries, Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, toured the Aqua Vista Shrimp Hatchery and the Aqua Mar Belize Ltd shrimp farm to witness the turnaround of Belize’s shrimp industry. After being decimated by Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) disease in 2015, local production has tripled since 2020, and its economic value has increased to nearly BZ$25 million. Moving forward, the industry is poised for continuous growth through the strategic adoption of faster-growing genetics, innovative technology, and increased farmed pond acreage using advanced production systems that can successfully revive premium Belizean shrimp exports to key regional and international markets, including Mexico, the Caribbean, and Taiwan.

Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries

11/08/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

The general public is hereby informed that the Baking Pot Ferry will be closed to the public on Monday, August 10, 2026, until further notice, to undertake major repairs and to maintain public safety.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing regrets any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of the Baking Pot Ferry.

ENDS

Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing

10/08/2026

The Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC) has introduced drone technology as part of its ongoing support to the rice farmers of Toledo and South Stann Creek. These farmers, who are partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Big Falls Rice Mill, are at the heart of a rice production revival in the south. To keep this momentum strong, BMDC is now assisting them with the deployment of drones to aid in the preparation of their rice fields.

Belize Marketing & Development Corporation
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries

10/08/2026