Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Government

GOB forgives $54 million in patient debt at KHMH

On February 10th, the Government of Belize approved a $54 million debt write-off for the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) patients. This decision aims to alleviate Belizeans' financial burden.

Injunction to halt the March 12th General Election goes to the High Court

Claimant Jeremy Enriquez filed a legal injunction to halt the upcoming general election in Belize on Tuesday, February 11th, citing the absence of a constitutionally mandated redistricting exercise. On Wednesday, February 12th, he and his attorney, Trinidadian Anand Ramlogan, attempted to persuade the High Court to compel the Prime Minister to reverse his decision regarding the election date.

New Justices of the Peace appointed for Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye

A new group of Justices of the Peace (JPs) was sworn in on Saturday, February 8th, in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the San Pedro Lions Den on Barrier Reef Drive, where several members were also named Senior JPs. Belize's Attorney General, Anthony Sylvestre, conducted the ceremony, which appointed JPs for both Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

Good Governance Unit Awards Winners of the Second Annual National Anti-Corruption Month Competition

Under the Ministry of Public Service, Constitutional & Political Reform, and Religious Affairs, the Good Governance Unit celebrated and awarded the first of two groups of winners of the Second Annual National Anti-Corruption Month Competition. This initiative, aimed at fostering awareness and encouraging active citizen participation in the fight for good governance and against corruption, continues to inspire and empower the youth of Belize to become ambassadors of change.

Thousands of teachers protest for improved school management systems

On February 7, 2025, thousands of Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) members gathered in Belmopan to protest the Government of Belize's handling of their salaries and benefits. The protest was part of a broader campaign called "Value Teachers, We Matter," which aimed at highlighting systemic issues within the education system. Among the protesters were many teachers from San Pedro schools.

Belize Represented at the ICAO 2025 Global Implementation Support Symposium

Belize is represented at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 2025 Global Implementation Support Symposium by Kennedy Carrillo, CEO in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, to advance Belize’s candidature to the ICAO Council 2025-2028.

CCCCC Launches BZD$77 million Project to Build Climate Resilience in the Sugarcane Industry in Belize

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) in partnership with the Government of Belize, and key industry stakeholders, officially launched the “Building the Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers in Northern Belize” (BAC-SuF) project. The launch took place at Escuela Secundaria Técnica México (Secondary and Vocational School of Mexico) in Corozal. This first-time initiative for the Government of Belize and the CCCCC aims to strengthen the resilience of Belize’s vital sugarcane industry in the face of climate change.

Belize Launches New Energy Project to Enhance Power Reliability and Boost Renewables

The Government of Belize, in partnership with the World Bank and the Government of Canada, announced the launch of a new energy project aimed at strengthening the country’s power supply and improving the reliability of its electricity services. The $58.4 million initiative will also help optimize consumer costs and ensure renewable energy sources are better utilized.

Hundreds of Belizeans to be affected by new U.S. Deportation Policy

The potential mass deportation of Belizeans from the United States (U.S.) has raised concerns due to President Donald Trump's administration's new immigration policies. With an estimated 47,000 Belizeans living in the U.S., many fear that a crackdown could result in substantial deportations, particularly of undocumented individuals. Recent reports indicate that around 900 Belizeans may be on an unofficial deportation list, heightening anxiety within the Belizean community both domestically and abroad.

Firefighters unhappy about cuts to overtime pay

Firefighters across Belize, including those in San Pedro, are voicing their dissatisfaction and concerns regarding several issues within the fire department. These include cuts to overtime wages, inadequate equipment, lack of training, and the removal of ranks.

E-Governance participates in the ‘In-Person Workshop on Political Leadership and Advocacy in Public Policies for Women-Led SMEs’ in Costa Rica

On January 22 & 23rd, The E-Governance & Digitalization Department (EGDD) proudly participated in a significant workshop focused on enhancing women's leadership in the region, represented by Dr. Adriani Coleman, Director of the EGDD. This workshop was organized by El Centro Regional de Promoción de la Micro, Pequeña y Mediana Empresa (CENPROMYPE) in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy and the Central American Integration System (SICA).