AGP Executive Report

Spain Visa Update: Spain has added nine CARICOM countries to its visa-free list for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), including Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines—while Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, Belize and Haiti remain excluded. Cruise Safety: Princess Cruises says a Regal Princess crew member died after going overboard near Cancún; the ship continued its itinerary and is expected to arrive in Belize after the incident. Sargassum Response: Belize City is ramping up cleanup as sargassum hits the mainland too, using a rented harvester plus heavy equipment to move large volumes to the dump site. Wildlife Protection: Authorities are pursuing tourists who chased and petted a jaguar cub in Mountain Pine Ridge; Belize Zoo warns human interference can endanger the cub, and penalties may apply. Tourism Spotlight: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Hopkins earned a Travel + Leisure 2026 World’s Best Award Top 10 Resort in Central America. Belize-US Migration: Belize received its first migrant under the Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S., with immigration and security checks completed on arrival. Local Tourism Careers: The Belize Tourism Board is taking secondary students aboard the Carnival Liberty for a behind-the-scenes look at cruise ship roles. Business Support: BELTRAIDE’s BEEP program granted $110,000 in seed capital to 22 MSMEs, including tourism-linked businesses. Travel Review: A new review highlights an all-inclusive stay at Jade Jungle Resort in Belize.

Visa Update for Caribbean Travelers: Spain has named nine CARICOM countries for visa-free entry, but Belize is not on the list—meaning Belizeans still need a Schengen visa for short stays (up to 90 days). Small Business Boost: BELTRAIDE’s BEEP program granted $110,000 total in seed capital to 22 MSMEs (including tourism operators), aiming to help new Belizean businesses launch after training. Cruise Safety Watch: A Regal Princess crew member died after going overboard near Cancún; the ship is still expected to arrive in Belize, with an investigation pending. Wildlife Rules for Visitors: Tourists filmed petting a jaguar cub in Mountain Pine Ridge—experts warn it can reduce the cub’s survival chances, and Belize’s Wildlife Protection Act prohibits molestation. Sargassum Strain on Tourism: Belize City Council is ramping up cleanup as heavy sargassum affects waterfront businesses and public health concerns. Belize on the Map: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Hopkins was named a Top 10 Central America resort by Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards. What to Do in Belize: A new guide highlights 25 activities, from Barrier Reef snorkeling to jungle and Mayan history excursions.

Cruise Safety Watch: Princess Cruises says a Regal Princess crew member died after going overboard near Cancún on July 13; the ship diverted and later continued its route, with Belize City listed as the next stop on July 14. Wildlife Rules for Visitors: A video of tourists touching a jaguar cub in Mountain Pine Ridge has sparked outrage; Belize’s Wildlife Protection Act prohibits molesting protected jaguars, and the Minister says the case is being forwarded to the Wildlife Officer. Sargassum at the Shore: Belize City Council stepped up cleanup as heavy sargassum buildup along Marine Parade and nearby canals worsened odors, disrupted businesses, and raised public health and marine ecosystem concerns. Belize Tourism Spotlight: Hopkins’ Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort was named a Top 10 resort in Central America in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards. Belize Travel Ideas: A roundup lists 25 activities for visitors—from reef snorkeling to jungle and Mayan history excursions.

Cruise Safety in the Spotlight: A Regal Princess crew member went overboard near Cancun, triggering a search with the U.S. Coast Guard; the ship diverted and the Belize stop was disrupted as the worker was later found dead. Belize City Crime: Doris Grant was shot while crossing the Belchina Bridge early Monday; police are investigating, and her name has appeared in prior local fraud-related reporting. Tourism Recognition: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Hopkins was named a Top 10 resort in Central America in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, putting Belize eco-luxury back in the spotlight. Sargassum Pressure on Tourism: Belize City Council is ramping up cleanup as heavy sargassum mats wash ashore along the seawall and canals, raising odor, business, and public health concerns. Regional Travel Policy: CARICOM leaders discussed the U.S. Third-Country Nationals arrangement and plan an audit of member states’ policies before taking a unified position. Belize-Linked Human Stories: A Belize family in the U.S. is getting Mayo Clinic care with support for lodging and travel, highlighting how medical travel can shape tourism-adjacent journeys.

Belize City Tourism Watch: Sargassum is showing up in Belize City in a bigger, more noticeable way than residents are used to, with waterfront businesses reporting worsening piles and strong odors as the seaweed breaks down—raising fresh concerns for visitors, marine life, and cleanup efforts. Coastal Environment & Infrastructure: A proposed Caye Caulker seawall and dredging project is set for review after environmental concerns, keeping pressure on how Belize protects shorelines while supporting tourism access. Local Governance & Visitor Economy: UDP mayoral candidate Joseph Elijio lays out his vision for San Pedro, including criticism of the Town Council’s 2026 prospectus and spending priorities—an issue that can directly affect services travelers rely on. Diaspora Travel Services: Belize’s Immigration IT team is powering a Mobile Passport Hub in Miramar, Florida, aiming to make passport and nationality services easier for the Belizean diaspora. Community Travel & Volunteering: Ipswich High students returned from a Belize service trip building a bathroom and septic system for a San Pedro-area family through the Global Brigade Academy’s Squads Abroad program. Regional Policy: CARICOM leaders discussed the US Third-Country Nationals arrangement and plan an audit of member states’ policies before taking a definitive position.

Diaspora Services in Florida: Belize’s Immigration IT team is powering a Mobile Passport Hub in Miramar, with live connections back to Belize for photo, fingerprints, and signatures—aimed at making passport and nationality services easier for Belizeans abroad. Coastal Tourism Warning: Sargassum is worsening along the Belize City seawall and even drifting into canals, raising odor and business concerns as the seaweed breaks down. Local Environment Watch: Caye Caulker’s proposed seawall and dredging plan is headed for review after the Village Council flagged risks to mangroves that protect against erosion and storms. Natural Resources Planning: The Forest Department has started reviewing its operations for a new 2026–2030 Action Plan, supported by Germany/GIZ, to strengthen sustainable forest management and conservation. Community Recovery: A freak storm hit San Antonio Village in Toledo, damaging trees and debris on roads as NEMO and local support begin cleanup. Travel Deals & Cruise News: Air Canada’s July “Black Friday” sale offers up to 40% off select packages, while Holland America announced its 2027–28 Caribbean season with more longer itineraries. Regional Governance: CARICOM leaders in St. Lucia discussed the US Third-Country Nationals arrangement and plan an audit of member policies before taking a final position.

Community Tourism & Volunteering: Ipswich High students spent June 19–26 in Belize with Global Brigade Academy’s Squads Abroad, helping build a bathroom and septic system for a 90-year-old resident and his disabled son—mixing concrete, laying blocks, and learning on the job with local construction crews. Coastal Tourism Pressure: Sargassum is worsening along Belize City’s seawall and even drifting into nearby canals, raising odor and business concerns as the seaweed breaks down; similar impacts have long hit Ambergris Caye and other coastal areas. Environment & Development Watch: Caye Caulker’s Village Council says a proposed seawall and dredging plan could harm mangroves, and the project will be reviewed with the Department of the Environment. Local Governance (San Pedro): UDP mayoral candidate Joseph Elijio outlined his San Pedro priorities, citing his past Town Council service and questioning aspects of the 2026 prospectus. Belize Diaspora Services: Belize’s Immigration IT team is powering a Mobile Passport Hub in Miramar, Florida, to support passport and nationality services for Belizeans abroad. Nature Management: The Forest Department has started reviewing its operations for a new 2026–2030 action plan, aiming to strengthen sustainable forest management and biodiversity protection.

Sports & Tourism Buzz: T&T’s U-23 beach volleyball duo Jerome Morrison and Jahreef Miguel will contest the 13th–14th playoff at the NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball Tour, finishing the seventh leg at Tabyana Beach in West Bay, Roatán. Regional Travel Policy: CARICOM leaders wrapped up their 51st Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia, with Belize’s Attorney General Anthony G. Sylvestre in attendance, and CARICOM says it will audit member states’ US Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) policies before taking a definitive position. Belize Diaspora Services: Belize’s Immigration IT team is powering a Mobile Passport Hub in Miramar, Florida, using a secure live connection back to Belize for passport and nationality services. Coastal Warning for Visitors: Sargassum is building along Belize City’s seawall and even drifting into nearby canals, raising odor and tourism concerns as the seasonal seaweed spreads beyond usual hotspots. Local Governance & Growth: UDP mayoral candidate Joseph Elijio outlined his San Pedro priorities, citing his past Town Council service and calling for better municipal spending focus. Nature & Resilience: The Forest Department has started reviewing its 2026–2030 Action Plan to strengthen sustainable forest management and biodiversity protection.

Cruise Port Court Fight: A $62M Belize dollar fraud case continues over the Stake Bank cruise port project, with Atlantic Bank alleging businessman Michael Feinstein improperly titled land tied to the cruise docking expansion. Coastal Tourism Pressure: Sargassum is worsening along Belize City’s seawall and even drifting into connected canals, raising odor and business concerns as the seasonal seaweed spreads beyond usual island hotspots. Environment Watch: Caye Caulker’s proposed seawall and dredging plan is set for review after village leaders warned it could damage mangroves that protect against erosion and storms. Regional Policy & Travel: CARICOM leaders say they’ll audit member states’ U.S. Third-Country Nationals policies before taking a final position, as deportation arrangements stir anxiety across the bloc. Local Politics (San Pedro): UDP mayoral candidate Joseph Elijio lays out his San Pedro priorities and questions Town Council spending and governance. Belize Development: Belize signs a revised MCC Compact, shifting $20M from education to energy investment to support growth. Air & Cruise Deals: Air Canada launches a July “Black Friday” sale with up to 40% off select packages, while Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America announce major Caribbean promotions and 2027–28 itineraries. Nature Management: The Forest Department begins reviewing its 2026–2030 action plan to strengthen sustainable forest management and conservation capacity. Travel Safety/Access: A UK ETA requirement is rolling out for visa-free visitors from 85 countries, adding a new digital step before boarding.

LGBTQ+ Cruise Denials: A Virgin Voyages charter carrying 1,900 mostly LGBTQ+ passengers was barred from Alexandria, Egypt, after similar refusals in Turkey—another reminder that some ports still reject these itineraries and force reroutes. Belize Coast Watch: Heavy sargassum has built up along the Belize City seawall and is also affecting San Pedro, raising odor and tourism concerns as cleanup continues. Local Elections & Tourism Economy: UDP mayoral candidate Joseph Elijio outlined his San Pedro vision, citing his hotel, airline and municipal experience while criticizing Town Council spending priorities. Infrastructure With Environmental Checks: Caye Caulker’s proposed seawall and dredging plan is set for review after village leaders warned it could damage mangroves that protect against storms. Natural Resources Planning: Belize’s Forest Department has started updating its 2026–2030 action plan to strengthen sustainable management and biodiversity protection. Disaster Response: A freak storm hit Toledo’s San Antonio Village, damaging trees and homes as residents clear debris with NEMO support.

CARICOM & US TCNs: CARICOM leaders, led by Philip J. Pierre, say they’ll audit how member states handle the US Third-Country Nationals arrangement after Jamaica signed an MOU to accept 25 deportees every two weeks—an issue that has sparked protests and uncertainty. Cruise deals: Norwegian Cruise Line launches its first-ever semi-annual sale with 50% off cruises and free pre-paid gratuities on select sailings (booking July 10–16; Latitudes earlier July 8–9). Belize City sargassum: Heavy sargassum has reached Belize City in a way residents say is unusual, with waterfront businesses reporting worsening piles and strong odors as the seaweed spreads into canals. Ambergris Caye power upgrade: Belize Electricity Limited says MCC funding is key to a major Ambergris Caye investment, citing rising San Pedro demand and the risk of overloaded supply cables. Caye Caulker coastal review: A proposed seawall and dredging project will be reviewed after village concerns about mangrove damage and impacts on storm surge protection. Toledo storm damage: A freak storm hit San Antonio Village in Toledo with strong winds and heavy rain, leaving debris and tree damage as NEMO and partners respond. Stake Bank courtroom: A $62M Belize dollar fraud case continues over the Stake Bank cruise port project, with Atlantic Bank alleging improper personal titling tied to dredging and reclamation. Belize compact update: Belize signed a revised MCC Compact in Belmopan, shifting $20M from education to energy to support a faster-growing economy.

CARICOM & US Immigration: CARICOM leaders say they’ll audit how each member state handles the U.S. Third-Country Nationals (TCNs) arrangement after Jamaica signed an MOU to accept deportees, as a U.S. court ruling is appealed—an issue that’s already sparked protests. Coastal Tourism Stress: Sargassum is piling up again, with heavy concerns along the Belize City seawall and even drifting into canals, hurting the look, smell, and day-to-day tourism and marine life. Belize Environment Planning: The Forest Department has started reviewing its 2026–2030 Action Plan to modernize forest management, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience—key for tourism and conservation. Cruise Port Court Fight: A $62M Belize dollar fraud case continues over the Stake Bank cruise port project, with Atlantic Bank alleging improper personal titling tied to dredging and reclamation. Ambergris Caye Power Upgrade: Belize Electricity Limited says MCC funding is crucial for San Pedro’s growing electricity demand as tourism and development strain existing capacity. Caye Caulker Development Review: A proposed seawall and dredging project will be reviewed after village concerns about protecting mangroves that buffer storms and erosion. MCC Compact Update: Belize signed a revised MCC Compact shifting $20M from education to energy investment, aiming to support growth and competitiveness. Travel Deals & Planning: Norwegian Cruise Line launched a semi-annual sale with 50% off select cruises; Holland America unveiled its 2027–28 Caribbean season with more longer itineraries and upgrades.

Sargassum Alert: Seaweed is worsening for Belize’s tourism coast, with reports of heavy sargassum washing ashore on Ambergris Caye and now reaching Belize City canals, raising odor and marine-life concerns for waterfront businesses. Cruise Deals: Norwegian Cruise Line launched its first-ever semi-annual sale, offering 50% off cruises plus free prepaid gratuities on select sailings—good news for travelers eyeing Caribbean itineraries that can include Belize. Belize Infrastructure: Belize signed a revised MCC Compact that shifts US$20 million from education to energy, and BEL says a US$40M MCC grant will help strengthen power on San Pedro as tourism growth strains the island’s electricity supply. Caye Caulker Watch: A proposed seawall and dredging project in Caye Caulker is set for review after village leaders raised concerns about damaging mangroves that protect against storms and support tourism. Local Governance: San Pedro’s mayoral race is heating up with multiple candidates announcing bids ahead of next year’s municipal elections, with environmental and spending priorities in the spotlight. Storm Damage: A freak storm hit Toledo’s San Antonio Village, damaging trees and homes as residents clear debris with NEMO and other support.

Sargassum Alert: Seaweed is now washing ashore in Belize City, with waterfront businesses saying the buildup is worsening and drifting into canals—raising fresh concerns for tourism, marine life, and cleanup. Coastal Resilience: Caye Caulker’s proposed seawall and dredging plan is headed for review after village leaders warned it could damage mangroves that protect against erosion and storm surges. Energy for Tourism Growth: Belize Electricity Limited says MCC funding will help strengthen power on San Pedro Ambergris Caye as demand from tourism and development outpaces current capacity. Storm Damage in Toledo: A freak storm hit San Antonio Village with strong winds and heavy rain, leaving residents clearing debris and assessing home damage with NEMO and other support. New Air Links: BermudAir plans new routes that include non-stop service between Bermuda and Belize (plus Belize-Guatemala City connections), expanding options for visitors. Cruise Interest: Holland America announced its 2027–2028 Caribbean season with more longer itineraries and frequent calls at Half Moon Cay. Belize Compact Update: Belize signed a revised MCC Compact shifting $20M from education to energy investment to support growth and competitiveness. Local Elections Watch: San Pedro’s mayoral race is heating up with multiple candidates filing, including UDP’s Joseph “Joe” Elijio and an independent bid under a new movement.

Coastal Alert: Sargassum has reached Belize City in noticeable amounts, drifting into sea-connected canals and raising fresh concerns for tourism, beach access, and the environment. Caye Caulker Watch: A proposed seawall and dredging project will be reviewed after the Caye Caulker Village Council flagged risks to mangroves that protect against erosion and storms. Energy & Tourism Growth: Belize Electricity Limited says MCC funding will help strengthen San Pedro’s power supply as tourism and development push demand beyond current projections. Cruise Demand: Holland America Line unveiled its 2027–2028 Caribbean season with more longer itineraries, extra port time, and upgrades tied to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Air Access: BermudAir plans new routes that include non-stop service between Bermuda and Belize (plus Belize–Guatemala), expanding options for visitors. Local Politics (San Pedro): The mayoral race is heating up with candidates announced for the 2027 municipal elections, including UDP’s Joseph “Joe” Elijio and an independent bid from Celestino “Tino” Tzul.

Sargassum Alert for Visitors: Seaweed is reaching Belize City in noticeable amounts for the first time on this scale, drifting into canals and waterways and raising fresh concerns for beach access, tourism, and the coastal environment. Coastal Development Watch: Caye Caulker’s proposed seawall and dredging plan is headed for review after village leaders warned it could damage mangroves that protect against erosion and storms. Powering Tourism Growth: Belize Electricity Limited says MCC funding will help strengthen San Pedro’s electricity supply as tourism and development push demand beyond earlier projections. Air Access for Travelers: BermudAir says it will add new routes that include non-stop service connecting Bermuda with Belize and onward links to Guatemala City, opening fresh travel options for the region. Cruise Interest in the Caribbean: Holland America Line unveiled its 2027–2028 Caribbean season with more longer itineraries and frequent calls at Half Moon Cay. Belize City Safety Update: A man was charged with attempted murder after a drive-by shooting in Orange Walk Town left another man injured.