Belmopan, 15 February, 2026 – The Government of Belize, in partnership with the CARICOM Competition Commission (the Commission) and the Commonwealth Secretariat, successfully concluded a dynamic three day capacity building workshop last week focused on strengthening national expertise in competition law and policy. The training took place from 10 to 13 February 2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture and Immigration, in Belmopan.

As the regional competition regulator, the Commission is mandated to support CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) member states in developing national competition laws and establishing national competition authorities in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (2001). The Commonwealth, in line with its strategy to strengthen member countries’ trade competitiveness and advance development through strategic partnerships, partnered with the Commission to advance this mandate to CSME member states.

This workshop marked a significant step in Belize’s efforts to meet its Treaty obligations by equipping key government officials with the knowledge and tools needed to establish a National Competition Regulator and promote a competitive, fair and resilient marketplace.

Over the three days, participants explored core economic and legal principles of competition law; institutional and legislative frameworks for effective enforcement; CARICOM and OECS Model Competition Bills; practical approaches to implementing competition policy in Belize, informed by lessons from comparable markets; cooperation agreements and relationships with sector regulators; consumer protection law; and gender perspectives in competition policy.

The programme also delved into the foundational pillars of competition law, with a special focus on women’s economic empowerment and the role of inclusive markets in driving sustainable development.

Participants benefited from the expertise of regional leaders in competition enforcement, including Mr David Miller, Executive Director of the Jamaica Fair Trading Commission; Mr Bevan Narinesingh, Trinidad and Tobago Fair Trade Commission; and Dr Troy Waterman, Barbados Fair Trade Commission. Their insights offered practical guidance on establishing and operationalising national competition institutions

In his keynote address, the Belize Minister for Foreign Trade, Hon. Minister Leal stated that Belize is working towards its first modern competition framework which will ensure that development benefits many and not few. He said ‘’We are building the institutional Architecture for the economy Belize is becoming- competition policy is part of that architecture. A modern competition framework keeps markets open to new entrants and new ideas. Let me be clear – this is not about limiting business. It is about creating an environment where businesses can grow, compete and invest with clarity and confidence’’

Highlighting the Commonwealth’s commitment to partnership-driven development, Ms Azuka Ogundeji, Adviser, Trade Competitiveness, noted: “Our continued partnership with the CCC, and now UNCTAD, shows how collaboration strengthens support to member countries. Inclusive and competitive markets are crucial for resilient economies, especially for MSMEs and women entrepreneurs. MSME’s are the drivers of economies and in the Caribbean where over 50% of MSME’s are owned by women in a market that is vulnerable to external shocks it is imperative to ensure fair markets. An inclusive National Competition law is a critical requirement for successful market performance”.

For more information on the workshop, contact the CARICOM Competition Commission at competition@ccc.sr or Mr. Berisford Codd, Senior Trade Economist, Directorate General for Foreign Trade, Belize berisford.codd@mft.gov.bz