Thursday, March 28, 2024

Government

A New Chapter for Development: New IDB Offices in Belize

The Government of Belize is pleased to announce a significant milestone in our partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the nation's sustainable development and economic growth. The IDB is set to establish brand new offices in Belize City. This development underscores the IDB's deep commitment to Belize and marks a crucial step in our joint efforts to foster economic growth and multisectoral development.

Government Hosts Stakeholder Engagement for Development of the Escazú Agreement Implementation Roadmap

The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, in collaboration with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the World Bank, hosted a one-day Stakeholder Engagement Event at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, for the development of a roadmap for implementation of the Escazú Agreement.

BAHA Intensifies Surveillance for Contraband

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) reminds all importers, suppliers, supermarkets, market vendors and the public that importing agricultural products without the necessary permit is illegal and that the possession of illegally imported agricultural products is prohibited. Anyone caught with illegal products will be fined and/or prosecuted according to SI#34 of 2022 of the BAHA Act (Chapter 211 of the Substantive Laws of Belize revised edition 2020).

Ministry of Human Development Names New Director of the Office of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs

The Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples' Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Gustavo Requena as the Director of the Office of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs. Mr. Requena joined the Ministry on March 18, after a transparent recruitment process.

COCESNA endorses Belize’s CEO of Civil Aviation as Central American Candidate to the ICAO

At the 262nd Ordinary Board Meeting of COCESNA held in Madrid, Spain, on March 19, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño presented Kennedy Carrillo, CEO in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, as Belize’s candidate to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the period 2025-2028. CEO Carrillo’s candidature was unanimously endorsed by the Central American member countries on the COCESNA Board.

Belize Postal Service Launches ‘Track and Trace’ App

On March 14th, the Belize Postal Service, under the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics and E-Governance (MPUELE), launched the first phase of its digitization initiative ─The “Track and Trace '' Application.

UNICEF Belize and the Republic of Korea invest in strengthening Primary Health Care in Belize

UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) Belize handed over essential, state-of-the-art equipment to the Ministry of Health & Wellness in a short ceremony held at the National Vaccine Building in Belmopan.

National budget debate: Leader of the Opposition responds

A two-day debate followed the March 8th national budget presentation by Prime Minister Honourable Dr. John Briceño. A special sitting of the House of Representatives was held on March 20th and 21st in the Capital City of Belmopan to debate the 2024-2025 budget, also known as the General Revenue and Appropriation Bill, proposed by the current government under the People's United Party (PUP). The budget prioritized job creation, economic stimulus, security, and significant education, health, and infrastructure improvements. The Opposition Leader under the United Democratic Party (UDP), Honorable Dr. Shyne Barrow, heavily criticized the proposal, labeling it as 'out of touch' and falling short of addressing critical national issues.

Belize Receives GCF Grant to Support Sustainable Climate Resilience

The Ministry of Economic Development (MED), as Belize’s National Designated Authority (NDA) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is pleased to announce the approval of the GCF Readiness Proposal, “Strengthening technical and institutional capacities of Galen University, BLPA, PACT, BNPAS and the Government of Belize to access Climate Finance”. This proposal is valued at BZ$1,359,450 in grant funding. It was developed and will be implemented by the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) in collaboration with the beneficiary stakeholders.

UNDP and KOICA sign a USD$3.4 million Grant Arrangement to Expand and Upgrade Belize’s Statistical System in Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed an arrangement with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to strengthen Belize’s national infrastructure and institutional capacity for data and statistical management. With a total project budget of US$3.4 million, the “Enabling of Belize’s Statistical System” project, which is part of a larger Record of Discussion Arrangement with the Government of Belize, will be implemented from 2024 to 2027 and is a joint initiative involving six (6) Government ministries and five (5) United Nations (UN) agencies with coordination support from the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator.

Belize Attends IDB Boards of Governors Meeting in the Dominican Republic

Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State for the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment, led a delegation from the Government of Belize to the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB) Boards of Governors Annual Meeting in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from March 8 to 10.