Belize to host Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour 2026 ahead of storm season

Belize is preparing to take center stage in regional hurricane preparedness efforts as it hosts the Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour 2026, with an official opening ceremony scheduled for April 16.  The event, organized by the National Meteorological Service of Belize in collaboration with the Department of Civil Aviation, will be held at the Philip Goldson International Airport compound from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.  The ceremony forms part of a regional initiative aimed at strengthening hurricane awareness and preparedness ahead of the Atlantic Hurricane Season and will also mark the visit of the U.S. Air Force’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, commonly known as the “Hurricane Hunters”, to Belize.  According to the official agenda, the event will feature welcoming remarks from Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon, followed by addresses from Director of Civil Aviation Nigel Carter and a representative from the Hurricane Hunters team. The keynote address will be delivered by Minister of Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, Henry Charles Usher.  The ceremony will also include opportunities for media interviews and a guided tour of the Hurricane Hunters aircraft for invited guests.  Officials say the visit highlights Belize’s continued collaboration with international partners in disaster risk management and underscores the importance of early preparation as the region braces for another hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1.  The Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour is expected to engage stakeholders across multiple sectors, reinforcing public education and readiness efforts at both the national and regional levels.