Government
Ministry of Infrastructure and Development launch nationwide housing pilot program
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing has launched a pilot housing program aiming to construct 150 starter homes to benefit deserving Belizeans. These individuals will be selected through an application process. An application can be obtained by emailing the ministry at housing.project@midh.gov.bz. Following the pilot phase, the housing program is expected to roll out in the next fiscal year.
Government
Immigration Dept. to assist foreigners unable to update their legal status in the country
As previously hinted by Belize Rural South (BRS) Area Representative the Honourable Andre Perez, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration announced on Tuesday, September 28th that foreigners/migrants seeking to update their legal status in the country can now visit their nearest immigration office. This is for persons who have not been able to maintain a regular status in the country between April 2020 and September 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government
Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño on State Visit to Mexico
For the second time this month, Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño is back in Mexico. The first trip, on September 18th, was to represent Belize in the VI Summit of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC). This second trip is a state visit at the invitation of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. One of the main activities during this visit is the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain.
Government
Majority of bondholders agree on new plan to restructure Belize’s external debt
On Friday, September 24th, the Government of Belize communicated that approximately 84% of the bondholders had approved the proposed purchase of the Super Bond- the country’s external debt. Prime Minister John Briceño had been talking about restructuring the external debt since September 3rd, and a feasible way to address the issue was via an agreement with bondholders and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to buy out the debt.
Government
Belize Participates in UN Regional Experience Sharing Workshop for the Caribbean and Central America
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation and the Belize Fisheries Department, in partnership with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, are participating in the United Nations Regional Experience Sharing Workshop for the Caribbean and Central America. The workshop is being held on September 23-24, 2021 and is themed “looking back and forging ahead."
Environment
Belize Participates in Regional Discussion on Accessing Climate Finance
Mr. Leroy Martinez, Economist/Green Climate Fund Focal Point in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, participated in a virtual high-level panel discussion with other regional National Designated Authorities (NDA) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) on September 22, 2021.
Government
U.S. Government Donates Mobile Field Hospital to Belize
On September 19th, 2021, U.S. Embassy Belmopan joined the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) for the official handover of a U.S.-funded mobile field hospital to the Belizean government. The field hospital donation is another pillar of the United States’ continuing commitment to helping Belize respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other medical emergencies. On August 18, the United States donated the first tranche of more than 345,000 doses of the anti-COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine.
Government
Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform Meets with US Charge d’ Affaires
On September 15th, the United States’ Charge d’ Affaires to Belize Mrs. Leyla Moses-Ones paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, in Belmopan.