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.
Government
Panama’s Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visits Belize
On July 14, 2022, H.E. Ana Luisa Castro Novey, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama, arrived in Belize with her delegation for an official visit. During the visit, Vice Minister Castro Novey met with Ambassador Amalia Mai, CEO of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, to discuss our bilateral relations and cooperation affairs as well as regional political matters.
Government
Belize Attends the 10th Ministers of Youth Forum
Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth, Sports & Transport, returned to Belize after attending the 10th Ministers of Youth World Forum in Busan, Korea from July 7 to 9, 2022. The forum was organized by the International Youth Fellowship Program (IYF), which brings together over 26 youth and education policymakers from 25 countries around the world to discuss the issues and solutions to youth challenges. The forum is held annually as part of the IYF’s World Culture Camp.
Government
Belize and Cuba Celebrate 27th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
July 15, 2022 marked 27 years of established diplomatic relations between Belize and Cuba. The bilateral relationship between Belize and Cuba is a true example of a good neighbour, friend and comrade. Both countries have cultivated a strong friendship rooted in cooperation, shared values and mutual respect.