Monthly Archives: September, 2021
Government
Immigration Dept. to assist foreigners unable to update their legal status in the country
As previously hinted by Belize Rural South (BRS) Area Representative the Honourable Andre Perez, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration announced on Tuesday, September 28th that foreigners/migrants seeking to update their legal status in the country can now visit their nearest immigration office. This is for persons who have not been able to maintain a regular status in the country between April 2020 and September 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community and Society
New regulation requiring vaccination card or negative COVID-19 test before accessing public buildings or services to be enacted next month
On October 1st, the Government of Belize is poised to enact a new regulation to contain the spread of COVID-19. The law will require individuals to either provide proof of vaccination or a negative test to access public facilities and services. Several businesses in San Pedro Town have announced they will enforce the regulation to provide a safer environment for customers. The government is yet to gazette the proposed legislation, however, Attorney General (AG) Magali Marin Young said on Tuesday, September 28th, that it is going to be implemented based on advice from the medical community considering the increase in cases and deaths caused by the virus, particularly the Delta variant.
Community and Society
SPTC to start street repairs in subdivisions again
Early in August, the San Pedro Town Council set in motion a plan to rehabilitate streets in the subdivisions around San Pedro Town. A portion of the street at the entrance of the San Pablo area was fixed but works abruptly stopped. Weeks later rains left streets and neighborhoods in areas like DFC and Escalante flooded, prompting residents to ask about the street infrastructure plan. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) stated on Friday, September 24th, that street works are to commence in the coming weeks and explained that the delay was due to securing equipment, and necessary finances to continue the work.
Government
Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño on State Visit to Mexico
For the second time this month, Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño is back in Mexico. The first trip, on September 18th, was to represent Belize in the VI Summit of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC). This second trip is a state visit at the invitation of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. One of the main activities during this visit is the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain.
Government
Majority of bondholders agree on new plan to restructure Belize’s external debt
On Friday, September 24th, the Government of Belize communicated that approximately 84% of the bondholders had approved the proposed purchase of the Super Bond- the country’s external debt. Prime Minister John Briceño had been talking about restructuring the external debt since September 3rd, and a feasible way to address the issue was via an agreement with bondholders and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to buy out the debt.
Community and Society
Bryce Peterson to represent Belize in US MMA match
San Pedro’s Bryce Peterson is preparing to travel to the United States (US) to continue training and prepare for his first match out of the country in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) set for October 23rd in Texarkana, Arkansas. Peterson will be representing Belize in a Bantamweight fight against Zeke Wilson.
Community and Society
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Short Commissioning Course – Belize
On Monday, 20 September 2021, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and the Belize Defence Force conducted the first Commissioning Course Short (Overseas) Belize 21/1 at the Sir Colville Young Parade Square, Price Barracks, Ladyville. Accompanying the cadets at the Sovereign’s Parade was the Grenadier Band from the British Army.
Government
Belize Participates in UN Regional Experience Sharing Workshop for the Caribbean and Central America
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation and the Belize Fisheries Department, in partnership with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, are participating in the United Nations Regional Experience Sharing Workshop for the Caribbean and Central America. The workshop is being held on September 23-24, 2021 and is themed “looking back and forging ahead."
