AGP Executive Report

Marine Biosecurity: Israel’s red lionfish hunt shows how regulators, conservation groups, and licensed fishermen can team up against invasive species threatening reef ecosystems. Coastal Protection: Belize’s Placencia Lagoon moratorium on mining and dredging is being defended by marine researchers, who say dredging clouds seagrass and disrupts manatee health, with calls for enforceable, community-reported compliance. Drone Governance: Belize’s drone operators are pushing back on proposed Civil Aviation rules, alleging rushed consultation, limited access to the directive, and unanswered questions—plus a Freedom of Information request still pending. Digital Resilience: Belize and regional partners are discussing “data embassy” models to protect government services and sovereign data during cyberattacks and disasters, alongside Belize’s own digital literacy push for BDF and police. Education Tech: Belize launched its first nationwide primary student assessment pilot (NSAS) to measure learning without affecting grades or rankings. Archaeology & Mapping: Lidar work in Belize’s Maya region expanded the known network to 26 ballcourts, revealing a denser public life than previously documented. Sargassum-to-Textiles: Two networks are partnering in Belize to turn harmful sargassum into sustainable textile materials, training locals through a “Bloom to Business” program. Animal Health Watch: The New World screwworm is confirmed in Texas after decades, raising regional livestock and wildlife surveillance concerns.

Education Tech & Data: Belize launched its first nationwide primary student assessment pilot under the NSAS, with 20,000+ students from 287 schools testing Language Arts and Math (not high-stakes; results guide support and curriculum tweaks). Digital Resilience & Governance: Belize hosted regional talks on cybersecurity and “data embassy” models to keep critical government services running during cyberattacks and disasters, with ICT officials discussing secure data storage and continuity planning. Drone Regulation: The Belize National UAS Industry Association says the Civil Aviation consultation on new drone rules was rushed and non-transparent, alleging limited review access and unanswered questions. Marine Conservation & Policy: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is framed as a recovery break for seagrass and manatees, with claims that dredging harms lagoon health and shows up in manatee blood samples. Public Safety Tech in Court: Police say the Dr. Naun Bonilla murder case used digital forensics, camera systems, and financial intelligence, charging two suspects under the joint enterprise doctrine. One Health Alert: New World screwworm has been confirmed in a Texas calf, raising regional livestock and wildlife monitoring urgency. Archaeology with Lidar: Lidar mapping helped identify 26 Maya ballcourts in Belize’s Three Rivers area, expanding what’s known about ancient public life.

Animal Health Watch: Texas confirmed a New World screwworm case in a 3-week-old calf near the US-Mexico border, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife as the fly spreads north from Central America; officials say active surveillance is underway and early signs can look like myiasis lesions. Digital Resilience in Belize: Belize’s Ministry of ICTs/E-Governance is pushing “data embassy” planning for secure government data during cyberattacks and disasters, with regional partners discussing policy, cybersecurity, and public-private support. Training & Platforms: The Belize Defense Force, Police, Coast Guard, Customs, and University of Belize ran a Digital Literacy Program for 50+ personnel, tied to Moodle-based in-house learning. Marine Tech to Textiles: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network partnered to turn sargassum into sustainable textile materials, building on Belize’s “Bloom to Business” community collection and processing. Archaeology + Mapping: A Belize lidar survey identified 26 Maya ballcourts in the Three Rivers region, expanding what’s known about ancient public life.

Healthy Food Policy Check-in: A PAHO-led webinar with CARPHA and CARICOM partners says progress on NCD prevention is lagging across the Caribbean, with Belize among countries that could hit 2025 targets only with faster action. Digital Resilience in Belize: Belize’s ICT ministry and regional partners are pushing “data embassy” plans to keep government services running and protect sovereign data during cyberattacks and disasters. Maya Tech in the Field: A Belize lidar survey mapped 26 Maya ballcourts, revealing a denser, more connected public life than previously recorded. Sargassum-to-Textiles Partnership: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network plan to turn Belize-region sargassum into sustainable textile materials via community training. Electric Mobility Update: UNDP reports on Belize’s electric bus pilot results from a Belmopan conference, supporting long-term cost and emissions benefits. Biosecurity Alert (US): The first US New World screwworm case in decades was confirmed in Texas, raising stakes for livestock and wildlife.

Biosecurity in Texas: The US confirmed its first New World screwworm case in decades after a calf in South Texas tested positive, triggering state and federal response efforts to stop the fly-borne parasite from spreading to livestock, wildlife, and pets. Digital resilience in Belize: Belize hosted a regional workshop on digital resilience and “data embassy” models, with Belize’s ICT leadership discussing how countries can securely store critical government data during cyberattacks and disasters. Belize tech for the coast: A Belize City partnership aims to turn harmful sargassum into sustainable textiles, training local “community scientists” to collect and process seaweed for fiber production. Maya mapping with lidar: A new lidar study identified 26 Maya ballcourts in Belize, expanding what’s known about how communities organized ceremonies and public life. E-mobility in Belmopan: UNDP shared findings from Belize’s electric bus pilot, reporting long-term financial and environmental benefits and next steps for scaling. Caribbean governance data: Turks and Caicos launched a Statistics Authority to strengthen evidence-based planning and national resilience. Health systems: Belize rolled out a 2026–2030 National Community Health Strategy to expand community health workers, prevention, and digital health support.

Biosecurity Watch: The US USDA confirmed the first screwworm case in 60 years in a Texas calf, raising alarms that the flesh-eating parasite may have spread from Central America to Mexico and could threaten livestock and even infect humans. Digital Resilience in Belize: Belize’s Ministry of E-Governance hosted a regional workshop on cybersecurity and “data embassy” models to keep critical government data secure and services running during disasters and cyberattacks. Archaeology + Tech: A Belize lidar survey mapped 26 Maya ballcourts in the Three Rivers area, showing how dense and interconnected Maya public life was. Clean Tech for Transport: UNDP Belize shared results from a two-year electric bus pilot, with stakeholders discussing long-term financial and environmental benefits. Marine Innovation: Belize City hosted a partnership to turn harmful sargassum into sustainable textiles, combining marine science training with fiber and textile business know-how. Health Systems: Belize launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to expand community health worker support, prevention, and digital health. Regional Governance Data: The Turks and Caicos launched a Statistics Authority to strengthen evidence-based planning and transparent national decision-making.

Digital Resilience & Data Sovereignty: Belize hosted a regional workshop and policy dialogue on protecting critical government infrastructure, with officials discussing the “data embassy” model for secure, sovereign-controlled storage during cyberattacks and disasters. Sargassum-to-Textiles Push: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network partnered to turn harmful sargassum into sustainable textile materials, including Belize’s “Bloom to Business” training local community collectors. Maya Heritage Tech: A Belize lidar survey mapped 26 Maya ballcourts in the Three Rivers region, expanding what’s known about Maya public life and political activity. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including Belize, with plans for renewable power and cold storage to strengthen resilience and low-carbon certification. E-Mobility in Belize: UNDP shared findings from Belize’s electric bus pilot in Belmopan, highlighting long-term financial and environmental benefits and next steps for transport modernization. Community Health Strategy: Belize launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to expand community health workers, prevention, digital health systems, and emergency preparedness.

Sustainable Textiles from Seaweed: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network are partnering to turn harmful sargassum into sustainable fiber and textile materials, building on Belize’s “Bloom to Business” community collection and training. Digital Resilience & Data Sovereignty: Belize’s Ministry of E-Governance is hosting a regional policy dialogue on protecting critical government data during cyber threats and disasters, including the “data embassy” model for encrypted backups under sovereign control. Maya Heritage Mapped by Lidar: A new lidar survey in northwestern Belize identified a network of Maya ballcourts, bringing the known total in the Three Rivers region to 26 and reshaping ideas about how communities organized public life. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions across Belize and other Caribbean fisheries, targeting renewable power, better cold-chain storage, and pathways to low-carbon certification. Belize EV Bus Pilot Pushback: The Belize Bus Association says it’s been left out of hands-on electric bus testing and is asking to be included in the next pilot phase. Belize Health Systems Upgrade: Belize launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, focusing on community health workers, prevention, digital health systems, and emergency preparedness. Regional Tech & Policy Spotlight: E. Jay Saunders will represent the Turks and Caicos at an ECLAC digital resilience and data embassy policy dialogue in Belize. Archaeology—Postclassic Rituals: New research reports Postclassic Maya pilgrims continued visiting sacred ruins in Belize, resetting monuments and leaving offerings long after major cities declined.

Lidar & Maya Heritage: Archaeologists using airborne lidar have mapped a hidden network of Maya ballcourts in northwestern Belize’s Three Rivers region, boosting the known total to 26 and revealing how tightly these ceremonial spaces tied together public life, politics, and ritual. EV Transport in Belize: UNDP’s electric bus pilot is moving ahead, but the Belize Bus Association says it’s been left out of hands-on testing and is asking to join the next phase so operators can evaluate charging, range, maintenance, and real operating costs. Community Health Tech & Access: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness launched a National Community Health Strategy (2026–2030), prioritizing community health workers, prevention, emergency readiness, and digital health systems to expand care beyond clinics. Digital Resilience Policy: TCI Innovation Minister E. Jay Saunders will represent the Turks and Caicos at a UN ECLAC dialogue in Belize focused on protecting government data and keeping public services running during cyberattacks and disasters. Sargassum-to-Textiles: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network are partnering with Belize’s Bloom to Business to train locals to collect and process harmful sargassum into sustainable fiber and textile materials. Regional Climate Risk: CRFM’s Dr. Marc Williams warns Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture will face added uncertainty as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins in an El Niño year, stressing preparedness to protect livelihoods and food security. Hospital Cost Overruns: San Pedro’s first public general hospital construction is reportedly costing more than the original Taiwan-funded budget, raising questions about who covers the gap as the project continues.

EV Transport in Belize: UNDP’s E-Mobility conference in Belmopan shared results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot (five buses tested), with officials saying lower long-term operating costs and environmental benefits are emerging—while the Belize Bus Association argues operators were left out and wants direct access to test the buses. Digital Resilience Policy: E. Jay Saunders will represent the Turks and Caicos at a UN/ECLAC digital resilience and data sovereignty dialogue in Belize on June 3, focusing on protecting critical government data during cyberattacks and disasters. Healthcare Strategy Rollout: Belize’s Ministry of Health launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to strengthen community health workers, prevention, digital health systems, and emergency preparedness. Sargassum-to-Textiles Partnership: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network are partnering with Belize’s Bloom to Business to train locals to collect and process harmful sargassum into sustainable fiber and textile materials. Maya Heritage Discovery: A new study reports Postclassic Maya pilgrims in Belize continued visiting sacred ruins after city collapse, resetting monuments and leaving offerings. Cost Pressure on San Pedro Hospital: Reports say San Pedro’s first public general hospital is running over budget beyond Taiwan’s initial $33M grant, raising questions about who covers the difference.

Digital Resilience in Belize: Turks and Caicos Innovation Minister E. Jay Saunders will represent the territory at an ECLAC high-level policy dialogue in Belize on June 3, focused on protecting critical government data and keeping public services running during cyberattacks and disasters. EV Transit Pilot Push: UNDP’s E-Mobility conference in Belmopan shared results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot, while the Belize Bus Association says it’s been left out of hands-on testing and wants a direct role in the next phase. Healthcare Tech + Community Care: Belize’s Ministry of Health launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, calling for expanded community health workers, prevention, emergency preparedness, and digital health systems. Local Infrastructure Watch: San Pedro’s first public general hospital is still moving forward, but rising construction costs and delays raise questions about who covers overruns beyond Taiwan’s initial grant. Regional Science & Culture: Belize is also mentioned in Pacific ocean protection and voyaging gatherings, highlighting cross-border collaboration on marine conservation.

E-Mobility in Belize: UNDP held an E-Mobility Data Insights conference in Belmopan, sharing results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot (five buses total) and pointing to long-term financial and environmental gains as the Ministry moves to transition to electric-power buses by end of 2027. Local Transport Tech Debate: The Belize Bus Association says it’s been left out of hands-on testing in the pilot and is asking to join the next phase so operators can evaluate charging, maintenance, route fit, and real operating costs. Healthcare Strategy Rollout: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness launched a National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to expand community health workers, prevention and outreach, digital health systems, and emergency preparedness—especially for vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups. Hospital Cost Pressure: San Pedro’s first public general hospital construction is still moving, but reports say costs are rising beyond the original Taiwan grant, raising questions about who covers the difference. Ocean & Climate Collaboration: Pacific leaders and ocean experts gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen voyaging ties and push marine conservation, including high seas protection. Regional Electrification Push: COP-31 president-designate Murat Kurum urged faster, wider electrification worldwide, arguing electricity generation must decarbonize while electrification expands across society.

E-Mobility in Belize: UNDP hosted an E-Mobility Data Insights conference in Belmopan, sharing results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot (five buses total) and pointing to long-term financial and environmental gains. Transport Tech Governance: The Belize Bus Association says it was left out of the pilot’s hands-on testing and is asking to join the next phase so operators can evaluate charging, range, maintenance, and real operating costs. Community Health Systems: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness launched its National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to expand and train community health workers, strengthen prevention and outreach, and roll out digital health and better emergency preparedness. Healthcare Infrastructure Costs: San Pedro’s first public general hospital is still moving forward, but reports say the Taiwan-funded project is rising above the original budget—raising the question of who pays the difference. Ocean & High Seas Conservation: Pacific voyaging and ocean leaders gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen cultural ties and coordinate marine conservation efforts, with Belize among participating countries. Healthy Food Policy Push: A regional webinar highlighted slow progress on healthy food policies across the Caribbean, noting Belize can still meet NCD targets with faster action.

Connectivity & Security: Iran’s threats to undersea cables in the Strait of Hormuz are a reminder that internet access can be a geopolitical target, not just a utility. Belize Health Policy: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has launched a National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to expand community health workers, prevention, digital health, and emergency preparedness. EV Transport: The Belize Bus Association says it’s been left out of the electric bus pilot’s testing phase and wants direct access for operators to evaluate charging, maintenance, routes, and costs. Healthcare Infrastructure Costs: San Pedro’s first public general hospital is facing rising costs and delays, with questions now focused on who pays the difference as construction budgets climb. Belize–Mexico Tech Collaboration: Belize and Mexico are partnering on livestock reproductive technology training, pushing practical biotech know-how across borders. Maya Heritage Research: New studies highlight how ancient Maya communities in Belize kept using sacred spaces long after major city collapses, including a Postclassic altar tied to ongoing ritual visits. Conservation & Skills: The Belize Zoo’s 2026 Sharon Matola Conservation Scholarship is back, supporting young Belizean women in natural sciences and environmental protection.

Belize Health Tech & Community Care: The Ministry of Health and Wellness, with UNICEF, has launched Belize’s National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to expand prevention and early intervention through stronger community health worker support, training, digital health systems, emergency preparedness, and better access for vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups. Clean Transport Push: The Belize Bus Association says it’s been left out of the EV bus pilot’s hands-on phase and is asking to be included in the next round so operators can test charging, range, maintenance, route fit, and real operating costs. Hospital Cost Overruns: San Pedro’s first public general hospital is still moving forward, but reports say the Taiwan-funded project may exceed the original 33 million-dollar grant by more than 15 million—raising the question of who covers the difference. Conservation & Rangers: Friends for Conservation and Development has relocated its ranger base near the Guacamallo bridge to better support ongoing research and protection work in Chiquibul National Park and Mountain Pine Ridge. Maya Heritage Research: New studies highlight how Maya communities in Belize continued using sacred ruins long after major city collapse, including a newly identified Postclassic altar tied to ritual activity.

Archaeology & Heritage: A new study on Belize’s Actuncan argues Maya communities didn’t just live near ruins—they actively reclaimed and politicized decaying civic spaces over nearly 2,000 years, including episodes like rapid burial of an early village under a new platform. Public Health Tech & Policy: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has launched a National Community Health Strategy 2026–2030, focusing on prevention, community health workers, digital health systems, emergency preparedness, and support for vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups. Clean Transport & Inclusion: The Belize Bus Association is pushing to join the next phase of Belize’s electric bus pilot, saying current operators linked to the National Bus Company structure have had the tech access while independent members haven’t. Health Infrastructure Costs: San Pedro’s first public general hospital is facing rising costs and delays, with reports suggesting the Taiwan-funded budget may be exceeded by more than $15M—raising the question of who pays the difference. AI & Media Economy: A Caribbean Media Summit highlighted how AI, social media, and falling ad revenue are reshaping legacy media business models. Digital Skills: IDB’s Talent-Up (with BELTRAIDE and the Ministry of Finance) launched AI, cloud, and data analytics scholarships for Belize’s digital workforce.