Electricity Relief: Cabinet approved doubling the residential electricity GST exemption from $100 to $200 (effective Sept. 1, 2026), cutting GST for households with bills at or under $200 and benefiting 91,000+ customers. Power Security: Government also backed an Emergency Declaration to let BEL procure extra generation ahead of a 2027 shortfall, plus an expanded Social Rate (60 kWh to 80 kWh) to extend preferential tariffs to about 17,000 homes. Skilled Trades Upgrade: Cabinet approved regulations for a digital Electrical Workers Register, class-based licensing, apprenticeships, ongoing competency checks, and a public online verification system. U.S. Ambassador Arrives: André Bauer officially took up post in Belize, saying the focus will be safety, security, drugs, and youth opportunities—while also noting he’s not setting Belize’s foreign policy. MCC Youth Push: Bauer highlighted the US$125M MCC compact as a path to more education and training for young Belizeans and lower electricity costs. Asylum Transfers Questioned: Bauer said he needs more briefing on how much the U.S.-Belize asylum transfer arrangement has been used so far. Court Ruling: Belize’s Court of Appeal struck down 2020 gang-related States of Emergency as unconstitutional, awarding detainees $22,000 each. Local Seafood Crackdown: Fisheries officers seized 290 lbs tilapia, 335 lbs jumbo shrimp, and 14 octopus on the Hattieville-Boom Road; two men were charged. Arts & Culture: Belize launched its first National Music Archive to preserve musical heritage, and 67 Belizeans received honors for arts and culture contributions.