Government
Cabinet Briefing for 14th July 2022
The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in a regular session on 12th July 2022. Among the issues discussed was the proposal to increase the age of compulsory education from 14 to 16 and the approval for the Ministry of Tourism to apply to become a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
Government
MOHW clarifies the requirement to import commercial and home test kits for COVID-19
On Wednesday, July 13th, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) issued Statutory Instrument No. 100 of 2022 (https://www.pressoffice.gov.bz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SI-No-100-of-2022-Public-Health.pdf) which informs about approved testing institutions, restrictions on importation of home test kits and equipment and the requirements to validate home test kits. The official document also touched on the respective penalties.
Government
National Economic Recovery Committee Reconvenes
The NEMO National Economic Recovery Committee (NERC) chaired by Dr. Osmond Martinez, convened, after a few years, the first meeting of the committee on Thursday, July 7th, 2022 in the NEMO Training Room, NEMO Headquarters, Belmopan.The NEMO National Economic Recovery Committee (NERC) chaired by Dr. Osmond Martinez, convened, after a few years, the first meeting of the committee on Thursday, July 7th, 2022 in the NEMO Training Room, NEMO Headquarters, Belmopan.
Government
IDB Portfolio Review Meeting
The objective of the portfolio review is to apprise relevant partners from both the government and IDB on the status of IDB-financed loans and technical cooperation. This review provides the space for stakeholders to highlight challenges and opportunities, raise issues and risks that may be hindering the progress of the projects, and agree on specific required corrective and/or preventative actions, as necessary.
Government
Hon. Oscar Requena Leads Delegation to Guyana
Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government, is currently leading a delegation to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to learn from their experiences in promoting the rights and development of indigenous people through the implementation of legal mechanisms and community development policies.
Government
Belize to hold referendum on legalization of marijuana; Ambergris Caye residents weigh in on the matter
While there is no set date yet, the Council of Churches has been able to trigger a referendum exercise on whether to legalize cannabis/marijuana in Belize. They managed to get the request approved through petitions by meeting the required 10% threshold, which equals 20,000 signatures. Belizeans will now be asked if they agree with legalizing the production and sale of marijuana. The topic has generated mixed opinions nationwide, particularly in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye.
Government
DYS Holds Graduation Ceremony
On July 8th, 2022, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Transport, through the Department of Youth Services (DYS), held a graduation ceremony for over 500 youths who participated in various training and certification courses initiated by the department. Two courses were in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, through the Leadership Intervention Unit. Hosted under the theme, “Schooling for At-Risk Youths,” the programs focused on enrolling at-risk youths in education activities to provide academic enhancement in areas such as Basic Math, English and Financial Literacy.
Government
Pesticides Control Board – Strategic Governance Retreat
The Strategic Governance Retreat commenced with a roundtable discussion between the Board and senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise aimed at enhancing policies pertaining to pesticide regulation and sound pesticide management. Keynote remarks were delivered by the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry, Mr. Servulo Baeza.