Community and Society
Changes to COVID-19 regulations include new curfew and measures for travelers from Africa region
As of Monday, December 6th, the new curfew is (as per Sunday through Thursday) is 11PM to 4AM and Fridays and Saturdays midnight to 4AM. Minors are not allowed to be on the streets after 8PM, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The other amendment will affect travelers entering the country from at least eight African countries following the new COVID-19 variant Omicron announcement.
Government
Belize Represented at SICA – CAC Meetings in Antigua, Guatemala
Ministers of agriculture and delegates of Central America, Mexico and the Dominican Republic belonging to the Sistema de la Integracion Centro Americana (SICA), Consejo Agropecuario Centro Americano (CAC), and the Comité Internacional Regional de Salud Agropecuaria (CIRSA), met in Antigua, Guatemala from December 1 to 3, 2021. Belize was represented by Servulo Baeza, CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise.
Government
Over 60% of Belize’s population is fully vaccinated; curfew will continue
As the COVID-19 number of infections decreases in the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) daily reports, the number of vaccinated Belizeans is rising. As of Thursday, December 2nd, over 63% of the country’s population (ages 12 years of age and above) are fully vaccinated. This milestone is expected to see the country containing the spread of the disease as more Belizeans become immunized. However, the government has no plans to remove the current curfew.
Government
Land borders to open in early 2022; no word on sea borders
Belize’s land borders with Guatemala and Mexico are set to fully re-open in early 2022. There was no mention of sea borders. The decision was issued in a release by the Government of Belize stating that, after much discussion and considering several important factors, the Cabinet took the decision to continue kickstarting the national economy. Currently, the borders are partially open, only allowing authorized traffic and tourists staying at approved hotels to enter the country.
Government
Government to protect consumers against price gouging
The availability of goods and supplies is becoming an issue due to problems with shipping, leading to the cost increase of commodities and services. More increases in basic food items are expected. As such, the Government of Belize will be introducing new legislation at the next sitting of the House of Representatives to protect Belizean consumers against price gouging.
Government
GOB quickly changes the ‘Dia de la Raza’ holiday to ‘Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance Day’ after public objection
Earlier this month, the Government of Belize (GOB) issued a revised list of holidays for 2022. October 12th, previously known as Columbus Day and Pan American Day, was renamed ‘El Dia de la Raza.’ Many Belizeans across the country rebuffed the new name and considered it related to the arrival of Christopher Columbus to this part of the world in 1492, which led to the decimation of native groups. On Tuesday, November 16th, GOB issued a revised list, renaming the holiday to ‘Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance Day.
Government
Mayor says SPTC audit is still taking place, but no specific deadline yet
Following the new San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) election in March of this year, newly elected Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez announced that there would be an audit of the town council. SPTC said the audit had started throughout that month and that islanders would know of the full report in a few months. Eight months later, no audit has been made available to the public. Mayor Nuñez said that there had been a delay, but the audit was coming.
Community and Society
Belizeans Benefit from the Republic of China (Taiwan) Economic Empowerment Project
The “Enhancing the Economic Empowerment of Women in Latin America and the Caribbean in the COVID-19 Post-Pandemic Era: Technical Assistance for Women Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Inclusion” project by the Republic of China (Taiwan) supports the implementation of vocational skills training through reputable organizations and institutions in Belize, as well as support for women empowerment in entrepreneurship. As such, the first four beneficiaries of the project received funding on November 16, 2021.