AGP Executive Report

Belize River Valley Health Alert: The Department of the Environment is investigating a fish kill and warns residents not to eat fish or other aquatic resources from affected areas, and not to drink untreated river water or use it for cooking/food prep; preliminary checks found very low dissolved oxygen plus higher conductivity, chlorophyll-a and turbidity, with samples sent for lab analysis. Local Safety & Care: A 39-year-old sanitation worker, Andrew Alexander Smith, died after allegedly falling into traffic and being struck by a school bus on Lord’s Bank Road; the bus driver was detained and urine samples taken as part of routine investigations. Healthcare Workforce Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says Belize is still trying to preserve elements of the Cuban Medical Brigade, exploring work permits or permanent residence options while talks continue with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Community Health Training: Corozal beekeepers received a two-day hive management and colony health workshop, including pest control training to improve honey production.

HIV & Stigma: Belize-born trans woman Erika Castellanos says reaching age 50 is a “success story,” after an HIV diagnosis in 1995 that left doctors giving her months to live—she credits modern treatment and community care with turning survival into a long life. Public Health Alert: Belize’s Department of the Environment is investigating a fish kill in the Belize River Valley and warns residents not to eat fish or other aquatic life from affected areas, or drink untreated river water. Local Health & Safety: A 39-year-old sanitation worker, Andrew Alexander Smith, died after being hit by a school bus on Lord’s Bank Road; the driver was detained and urine samples taken. Healthcare Workforce & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says Belize is still exploring ways to retain parts of the Cuban Medical Brigade, including possible work permits or permanent residence, amid U.S. pressure to end the program. Community Wellness: Corozal beekeepers received training to improve hive health and honey production, supporting local livelihoods and food systems.

Public Health & Safety: Belize’s Department of the Environment is investigating a fish kill in the Belize River Valley and has urged residents not to eat fish or other aquatic resources from affected areas, and not to drink untreated river water for cooking or food prep while sampling continues. Healthcare Workforce & Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca says Belize is still exploring ways to retain parts of the Cuban Medical Brigade, including possible work permits or permanent residence, after U.S. pressure to end the program. Road Safety: A 39-year-old sanitation worker, Andrew Alexander Smith, died after allegedly falling into traffic and being struck by a school bus on Lord’s Bank Road; the driver was detained and urine samples taken. Legislation & Workplace Protection: After years of consultation, the Occupational Safety and Health Bill returned to Belize’s Senate with multiple amendments, following a contentious Senate walkout tied to a separate telecom acquisition dispute. Community Health & Agriculture: Corozal beekeepers received hands-on training to improve hive health and honey production, including managing pests like varroa mite and small hive beetle. Sports & Youth Wellness: Belize Athletics Association launched a week-long summer camp for ages 4–14 to build confidence and basic track-and-field skills.

Public Health Advisory: Belize’s Department of the Environment is investigating a fish kill in the Belize River Valley and is urging residents not to eat fish or other aquatic resources from affected areas, and not to drink untreated river water for cooking or food prep while lab testing continues. Healthcare Workforce & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says Belize is still exploring options to retain elements of the Cuban Medical Brigade, including possible work permits or permanent residence, after U.S. pressure to end the program. Workplace Safety & Policy: The Occupational Safety and Health Bill returned to Belize’s Senate after years of consultation, with senators debating how the process was handled. Road Safety Tragedy: A 39-year-old sanitation worker, Andrew Alexander Smith, died after allegedly falling into traffic and being struck by a school bus; the driver was detained and urine samples taken. Community Health & Prevention: Belize City and TASA are moving to strengthen marine conservation and climate resilience, including mangroves that help protect coastal health and reduce storm impacts. Sports & Youth Wellness: The Belize Athletics Association launched a week-long summer camp for ages 4–14 to build healthy activity and basic track-and-field skills.

Public Health Alert: Belize’s Department of the Environment is investigating a fish kill in the Belize River Valley and is urging residents not to eat fish or other aquatic resources from affected areas, and not to drink untreated river water for cooking or food prep while testing continues. Water Safety Update: Preliminary field checks found extremely low dissolved oxygen plus higher conductivity, chlorophyll-a and turbidity in the hardest-hit stretch, with samples now sent for lab analysis. Healthcare Workforce Watch: Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says Belize is still trying to preserve elements of the Cuban Medical Brigade, including possible work permits or permanent residence options, after U.S. pressure to end the program by year-end. Injury & Care Access: A sanitation worker died after being hit by a school bus on Lord’s Bank Road; the driver was detained and urine samples taken as part of routine checks. Community Health & Prevention: Corozal beekeepers received hands-on training to improve hive management and colony health, targeting pests like varroa mite and small hive beetle.

Water Safety Alert: Belize’s Department of the Environment is investigating a fish kill in the Belize River Valley and says preliminary field tests found extremely low dissolved oxygen plus chemical and water-condition changes; residents are told not to eat fish or other aquatic resources from affected areas, not to drink untreated river water, and not to use it for cooking or food prep while lab results are pending. Marine Conservation & Climate Resilience: Belize City Council is moving to strengthen its partnership with the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA), including radar monitoring and conservation enforcement, with mangroves highlighted as natural protection against storm surges and hurricanes. Healthcare Workforce Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says Belize is still negotiating options to retain parts of the Cuban Medical Brigade, exploring work permits or permanent residence status as the U.S. pushes to end the program. Public Health & Community: Corozal beekeepers received hands-on training to improve hive health and honey production, including managing pests like varroa mite and small hive beetle. Safety & Access: Belize Coast Guard and partners continue search-and-rescue efforts after fisherman Samuel Chi went missing at sea, while Albert Vaccaro was found alive and treated. Health Policy Watch: The Occupational Safety and Health Bill returned to the Senate after years of consultation, with senators debating transparency and consultation as the bill moves forward.

Public Health & Safety: The Department of the Environment is investigating a fish kill in the Belize River Valley and is urging residents to avoid eating fish or other aquatic resources from affected areas, and to not drink untreated river water for cooking or food prep while water quality sampling continues. Border Biosecurity: Belize is sending a canine detection team for six-week specialized training in Mexico to strengthen port, airport, and border screening for pests and diseases that can threaten agriculture and food safety. Healthcare Workforce Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says Belize is still negotiating options to retain parts of the Cuban Medical Brigade, including possible work permits or permanent residence, as the U.S. pushes for the program to end by year’s close. Community Health Skills: Corozal beekeepers received hands-on training to improve hive management and colony health, including managing threats like varroa mite and small hive beetle. Malaria Travel Alert: UK health guidance lists Belize among malaria-risk destinations, reminding travelers to take precautions. Local Crime & Medical Impact: Police report a robbery on Mahogany Street where a salesman shot two suspected robbers; both sought treatment at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Heart Health & Travel: Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca says medical advice after a recent heart procedure kept him from joining Prime Minister Briceño in Washington, with clearance to travel still pending. Public Health & Environment: The Department of Environment is investigating a fish kill in the Belize River Valley and has urged residents not to eat fish or drink untreated river water while water quality checks and sampling continue. Healthcare Workforce Diplomacy: Fonseca says Belize is still negotiating ways to retain elements of the Cuban medical brigade, including possible work permits or permanent residence options, as U.S. pressure continues. Safety & Injury Risk: Police are probing a machete attack in San Jose Succotz that left a 66-year-old woman with grievous harm, and a separate Belize City case involving live ammunition found in a vehicle. Community Health Support: Corozal beekeepers received hands-on training to improve hive health and honey production, including managing pests like varroa mite and small hive beetle. Maternal Health Concern: Police are investigating the death of a pregnant woman in Belize City; authorities say no foul play is suspected and a post-mortem is pending. Workplace Protection Law: The Occupational Safety and Health Bill returned to the Senate after years of consultation, with senators debating how the process was handled.

Water Safety Alert: Belize’s Department of the Environment is investigating a fish kill in the Belize River Valley after reports of dead fish along the river, and is urging residents to avoid eating fish or other aquatic life from affected areas and to not drink untreated river water for cooking or food prep while monitoring and sampling continues. Public Health Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says Belize is still negotiating options to retain parts of the Cuban Medical Brigade despite U.S. pressure to end the program, exploring work permits or permanent residence for Cuban doctors and nurses. Maternal Health Concern: Police are investigating the death of a pregnant 22-year-old woman in Belize City; authorities say no foul play is suspected at this stage and a post-mortem is pending. Infectious Disease Prevention: Belize is sending a canine detection team for specialized training in Mexico to strengthen border biosecurity by detecting food and agricultural products that could carry pests and diseases. Community Health & Access: Three Taiwanese medical students are completing a clinical placement at the Western Regional Hospital, gaining hands-on experience in Belize’s public health system. Workplace Health Policy: The Occupational Safety and Health Bill has returned to Belize’s Senate after years of consultation and amendments.

Foreign Health Staffing: Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says talks are ongoing to keep elements of the Cuban medical brigade in place, including exploring work permits or permanent residence as the U.S. pushes for an end by year’s end. Public Health Policy: The Tobacco Control Bill, 2025, advanced with broad support, aiming to curb tobacco and nicotine addiction and protect non-smokers, including tighter rules around e-cigarettes and flavored products. Maternal Health Concern: Police are investigating the death of a pregnant woman in Belize City; she had a history of epileptic seizures and was in her third trimester, with a post-mortem pending. Workplace Safety Law: After years of consultation, the Occupational Safety and Health Bill returned to the Senate in Belmopan with multiple amendments. Community Health & Care Access: The Belize Hotel Association launched a Group Life and Medical Plan with Sagicor to extend medical and life coverage to hospitality workers. Health Workforce Training: Taiwanese medical students are gaining clinical experience at the Western Regional Hospital through a placement supported by Belize–Taiwan medical cooperation. Malaria Travel Alert: UK-backed travel guidance lists Belize among malaria-risk destinations, urging precautions for travelers. Emergency Response: A multi-agency search ended with fisherman Samuel Chi found dead at sea, while another fisherman was rescued and treated at a medical facility.

Public Health & Safety: UK travel health officials updated malaria risk maps, listing Belize among 13 countries where travellers should take extra precautions against mosquito-borne illness. Emergency Response: The Belize Coast Guard ended the search for missing fisherman Samuel Chi after his body was found west of Hicks Caye; his companion Albert Vaccaro was rescued alive and treated at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Violence & Health Impacts: Police detained a suspect after 18-year-old Ewart Hernandez was shot dead in Belize City; investigators are also probing the death of a pregnant woman found in an apartment, with a post-mortem pending. Workplace & Community Health: The Occupational Safety and Health Bill returned to the Senate after years of consultation, with lawmakers highlighting the need for stronger protections. Maternal & Child Care Access: A Belize family is urgently raising funds for a three-year-old’s life-changing surgery in Mexico. Health System Capacity: Taiwanese medical students began clinical placement at Western Regional Hospital, gaining hands-on experience in Belize’s public health system. Tobacco Prevention: Belize’s Tobacco Control Bill advanced with broad support, aiming to curb youth access and second-hand smoke exposure. Food Security & Nutrition: CARDI is running tomato variety trials in St. Vincent to identify resilient, high-yield crops for farmers, including plans to support Belize. Disease Prevention at Borders: Belize joined regional canine training in Mexico to boost detection of food and agricultural pests and diseases at ports and crossings. Health Equity & Climate: UNICEF and the Caribbean climate centre signed a five-year MoU to protect children’s rights and services as climate impacts worsen.

Malaria Travel Warning: UK health officials updated a malaria risk list that includes Belize, urging travellers to take precautions after rising imported malaria cases in the UK. Coast Guard Search Update: Fisherman Samuel Chi has been found dead after a multi-agency search at sea off Hicks Caye; his companion Albert Vaccaro was rescued earlier and treated at hospital. Workplace Safety Law: Belize’s Occupational Safety and Health Bill returns to the Senate after years of consultation and multiple amendments. Road Injury: A Coast Guard officer was injured in a crash near Big Falls Bridge and was transferred for medical care. Public Health & Youth: Belize Athletics Association launched its first week-long Summer Camp for ages 4–14 to build healthy habits and spot young talent. Health Policy for Tobacco: The Tobacco Control Bill advanced with broad support, aiming to protect children and curb nicotine and second-hand smoke exposure. Hospitality Workers Covered: The Belize Hotel Association and Sagicor launched a group life and medical plan to extend coverage to hospitality employees. Maternal Health Case: Police are investigating the death of a pregnant woman found in Belize City, with a post-mortem pending. Border Biosecurity: Belize joins regional canine training in Mexico to strengthen detection of food and agricultural pests at ports and borders. Clinical Training: Taiwanese medical students gained hands-on experience at Western Regional Hospital as part of ongoing medical cooperation.

Public Health Preparedness: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has started a national evaluation of its Field Epidemiology Training Program for frontline workers, with a seven-day exercise supported by the U.S. CDC Foundation and regional partners to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response. Maternal Health & Safety: Police are investigating the death of 22-year-old pregnant Belize City resident Kimane Rosita Ashanti Garbutt, with a post-mortem pending; officers say no foul play is suspected at this time. Violence & Community Impact: Police detained a suspect and are hunting another after 18-year-old Ewart Hernandez was shot dead near Vernon Street; investigators say he was taken to KHMH but died from his injuries. Border Biosecurity: Belizean canine detection teams are training in Mexico to spot food and agricultural pests and diseases at ports and border crossings. Workforce Benefits for Health: The Belize Hotel Association and Sagicor launched a group life and medical plan to help hospitality workers access coverage at association rates. Child Climate Protection: UNICEF and the Caribbean Climate Change Centre signed a five-year pact to protect children’s rights and health as climate risks rise. Healthcare Access Abroad: Taiwanese medical students are gaining clinical experience at Western Regional Hospital. Health Equity Spotlight: A regional health equity message highlighted maternal and youth-focused preventive care efforts linked to Belize. Urgent Surgery Fundraiser: An Orange Walk family is seeking donations for a three-year-old’s urgent hearing and speech-related surgery in Chetumal, Mexico.

Public Health Capacity: Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has started a national evaluation of its FETP Frontline field epidemiology training, with CDC Foundation and regional partners, to test how well frontline health workers can collect data, investigate outbreaks, and strengthen disease surveillance. Drug Safety: Belize became a full member of WHO’s Programme for International Drug Monitoring, boosting its ability to track medicine safety and report adverse effects through global systems. Child-Focused Climate Resilience: UNICEF and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre signed a five-year MoU to put children’s rights at the center of climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and resilient social services. Tobacco Control: Belize’s Tobacco Control Bill (2025) advanced to second reading with broad support, aiming to curb youth access and protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke and e-cigarette risks. Health Coverage for Workers: The Belize Hotel Association and Sagicor launched a Group Life and Medical Plan for hospitality employees, expanding access to health and life insurance at association rates. Local Care Fundraiser: An Orange Walk family is urgently seeking donations for a three-year-old’s life-changing surgery in Chetumal, Mexico, after hearing and speech loss. Safe Third Country Updates: Belize confirmed first transfers under the Belize–US Safe Third Country Agreement and expects another group arrival, with security and medical checks before processing. Community Health Education: Taiwanese medical students are gaining clinical experience in Belize through a placement at the Western Regional Hospital.

WHO Drug Safety: Belize became a full member of the WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring, strengthening medicine safety monitoring through improved pharmacovigilance and global reporting links. Public Health Readiness: The Ministry of Health and Wellness, with CDC Foundation and partners, is evaluating how prepared Belize’s frontline health workers are for disease outbreaks, using a field training and assessment for the FETP Frontline program. Tobacco Control: Belize’s Tobacco Control Bill (2025) advanced with broad support in the House, aiming to curb tobacco and nicotine addiction, protect non-smokers, and regulate e-cigarettes and flavoured products. Hospitality Workers’ Coverage: The Belize Hotel Association and Sagicor launched a Group Life and Medical Plan to give hospitality employees access to health and life insurance at association rates. Care for a Child: An Orange Walk family is urgently seeking donations for their three-year-old daughter’s hearing and speech-related surgery in Chetumal, Mexico. Community Health Workforce: Western Regional Hospital hosted Taiwanese medical students for clinical placement, building public health cooperation and hands-on experience. Refugee Handling Training: Belize’s Refugees Department held multi-agency sensitization to improve how frontline officers refer and manage asylum cases under the Refugees Act. Road Safety Tragedy: Two separate reports describe fatal motorcycle crashes in Belize City, including one near KHMH, underscoring the need for safer riding. Retirement Spotlight: Forbes’ 2026 retirement list highlights Belize among top Latin American destinations for Americans, citing healthcare, cost of living, and accessibility.

WHO Drug Safety: Belize became a full member of the WHO’s Programme for International Drug Monitoring, strengthening medicine safety tracking and post-marketing surveillance. Public Health Readiness: The Ministry of Health and Wellness is evaluating how prepared frontline health workers are for disease outbreaks, with a CDC-supported training and field testing of tools under FETP Frontline. Refugee Handling: As more Central American refugees enter Belize, the Refugees Department held a multi-agency sensitization session to clarify referral protocols under the Refugees Act. Hospitality Workers’ Coverage: The Belize Hotel Association and Sagicor launched a Group Life and Medical Plan to give hospitality employees access to health and life insurance at association rates. Child-Focused Climate Action: UNICEF and the Caribbean Climate Change Centre signed a five-year MoU to put children’s rights and health needs at the center of climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Safe Third Country: Belize confirmed the first transfers under the U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, with eight individuals transferred in July 2026 after required reviews. Local Health Access (Care): Taiwanese medical students began clinical placements at Western Regional Hospital, gaining hands-on experience alongside Belizean staff. Road Safety Tragedy: A security guard died in a motorcycle crash near KHMH, prompting renewed calls for safer driving.