Business & Economy
Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation leading project to make Belize an air cargo hub
The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA) is working on a long-term project to create an air cargo hub in Belize. This initiative is led by MBECA’s Minister, the Honourable Andre Perez, who, along with the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora and Finance, will develop a roadmap within the next four weeks. This project aims to create another potential industry, create thousands of jobs and turn Belize into an important and strategic destination for the aviation industry.
Government
Cabinet Brief for 21st July 2022
Cabinet welcomed the report from the Minister of Education, Culture, Science & Technology on the preparations by the National Celebrations Commission for this year's National September Celebrations and offered its congratulations to Ms. Sheryl Distan who submitted the theme for this year’s celebrations: Valiant and Bold, Proud and Strong! Belize Rebounds @41!
Government
U.S.-Belize Bilateral Security Meeting Tracks Advancement on Shared National Security Objectives
U.S. Embassy Belmopan and the Government of Belize met on July 20, 2022, to reaffirm the U.S.-Belize security partnership. Bi-annual bilateral meetings between the United States and Belize underscore our shared commitment to deepening cooperation to meet national and regional challenges, such as narcotrafficking, human smuggling and trafficking, and gang violence. In this engagement, both governments discussed shared priorities in the areas of citizen and border security, governance, and justice sector efficiency.
Government
Belizeans Complete Agricultural Labor Technical Training Program
Twenty-nine Belizeans returned on July 18, 2022, after attending a 90-day Agricultural Labor Technical Training Program in Colombia. The course, which ran from April 25 to July 16, 2022, concluded with a graduation ceremony held by the PANACA Foundation.
Government
Belize Attends CANTO 37th Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition
Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance, led a delegation to the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organizations (CANTO) 37th Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition in Miami, Florida, from July 17 to 20, 2022.
Crime
Belize Upgraded in Human Trafficking Rank
On July 19, 2022, the United States’ Secretary of State released the 22nd Annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report) and upgraded Belize’s status to Tier 2. “The 2022 TIP Report assesses the anti-trafficking efforts of 188 governments. Countries assessed as fully meeting the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking are placed on Tier 1. Countries assessed as not fully meeting the minimum standards, but making significant efforts to meet them, are placed on Tier 2 or Tier 2 Watch List. Countries assessed as not fully meeting the minimum standards and not making significant efforts to do so are ranked Tier 3.”
Government
Ministry of Labour Launches New National Child Labour Policy and Strategy
The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government launched the new Belize National Child Labour Policy and Strategy 2022-2025. Child labour is a complex issue and requires strong partnerships, social dialogue and collaboration. The policy seeks to reduce its incidence by eliminating the worst forms by 2025.
Government
GOB Amends Grant Agreements with CARICOM Development Fund
On July 13, 2022, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, on behalf of the government, and Mr. Rodinald Soomer, Chief Executive Officer of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), signed three amended grant agreements funded by the Government of Belize and CDF.