Government
PM John Briceño makes historic visit to Guatemala
Belize’s Prime Minister (PM), the Honourable John Briceño, is back in the country after an official visit to Guatemala. President Alejandro Giammattei described the visit as historic. The two leaders shared remarks during the meeting on Wednesday, May 2nd, in Guatemala City, where they spoke about common interests such as education, trade, investment, security, and immigration. Both governments also committed to a more substantial and friendly bilateral relationship.
Community and Society
Ministry of Local Government Signs SCFMI Rolling Work Plan with UNICEF
On Monday, May 31, 2021, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) signed the annual Rolling Work Plan (RWP) for the Sustainable and Child Friendly Municipalities Initiative (SCFMI) for the period 2021-2022.
Government
U.S. Embassy Delivers Funds to BAHA for Fruit Fly Eradication Program
U.S. Embassy Belmopan Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, Keith Gilges, represented the U.S. government in a handover of funds provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). The donation of $280,000 BZD will be used to pay for equipment, supplies, and wages as part of an ongoing program to eradicate one of the world’s most destructive pests, the Mediterranean fruit fly, from Belize. CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Servulo Baeza received the funds on behalf of BAHA and the Government of Belize.
Government
Governor General Swears in New Minister of State
On June 1, 2021, Hon. Elvia Vega-Samos, was sworn in as the new Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. She was sworn in by Her Excellency Froyla Tzalam, Governor General of Belize at the Belize House in Belmopan.
Government
Ambassador of Belize Presents Credentials to the President of the Republic of Guatemala
On May 31, 2021, H.E. Jose Alpuche, ambassador of Belize to the Republic of Guatemala, presented his letters of credentials to H.E. Alejandro Giammattei Falla, the President of Guatemala, during a ceremony at the National Palace of Culture in Guatemala City.
Business & Economy
Minister of Agriculture Concludes Countrywide Familiarization Tour
On Friday, May 21, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, concluded his national tour of the agriculture sector in the Corozal District.
Government
Caracol Road Upgrading Project – Lot 1C
The Caracol Road Upgrading Project – Section 1C is approximately 7km (4.3miles). On the ground this is from Blancaneaux Lodge Line intersection to the Pinol Line intersection. The project includes the construction of earthen embankments as foundation for improved horizontal and vertical alignment, crushed gravel pavements, and two (3.35m) lanes with (0.5m) shoulders and a double bituminous chip-seal wearing course. The road drainage scheme will also be upgraded through the replacement of undersized culverts with concrete pipes. Three bridges will be constructed at Privassion Creek, Oak Burn Creek, and Pinol Creek.
Government
Belize and Costa Rica hold Bilateral Political Consultations
On May 20, 2021 Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Rodolfo Solano Quirós, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, undertook the Second Bilateral Political Consultations between their respective countries.