Government
Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government Hosts Stakeholders Recognition Award Ceremony
The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government held its first Stakeholders Recognition Award Ceremony on April 26, 2021. The purpose of the ceremony is to highlight the outstanding contributions of different stakeholders in pursuing the mission of the Ministry in service to the Belizean people.
Government
Cabinet Brief for 28th April 2021
The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 27th April 2021. • Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform Hon. Henry Charles Usher informed the Cabinet that he wrote to the Joint Unions on 22nd April outlining Government’s position. • Cabinet was informed by Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness, that to date, 40,000 Belizeans have received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccination, which is in line with Government’s plan to ensure that 70% of Belizeans who wish to be vaccinated are vaccinated by September.
Business & Economy
Belize Tax Service Department requires businesses to update their accounts before a new system is implemented
A new and improved way to pay taxes is being introduced by the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) to allow online payments and better control of tax profiles and accounts. Many taxpayers paying Business, General Sales, and Income tax, among others, will be able to do so in a more organized and efficient way. The new system is set to start in August and will allow taxpayers to access their accounts and other e-services from anywhere in the world. As such, the BTSD is asking businesses to update their account information via applicable forms e-mailed to them. This information is to be e-mailed back to info@bts.gov.bz by May 7, 2021.
Government
Asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants living in Belize to receive the COVID-19 vaccine
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness announce to asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants living in Belize, that they can receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Government
Belize Rural South Area Representative supports 2021-2022 budget: what’s happening in BRS
On the last day of the debate on the proposed 2021-2022 $1.03 billion national budget by members of the House of Representatives on Friday, April 23rd, Belize Rural South (BRS) representative the Honourable Andre Perez stood up to support it. In his presentation, he discussed how the budget will assist his Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation and what is ahead for BRS, including Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
Government
Teachers officially go on strike
Several island teachers joined the national strike action headed by the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) against the Government of Belize (GOB) on Monday, April 26th. BNTU members are disputing the GOB’s proposed 10% salary pay cut and an increment freeze for three years. They also demand good governance, the end of corruption, and the government to collect unpaid taxes from large companies.
Government
Belize Celebrates World Malaria Day 2021
Belize joined the world on April 25, 2021, in celebrating World Malaria Day under the theme, “Maintaining the Zero Malaria Target”. The theme focuses on global and regional achievements of countries that are approaching the goal of malaria elimination.
Government
Digital Transformation of Courts in Belize: Launch of Folio E-Filing
The Belize Courts will launch its new electronic filing platform on Monday, April 26, making it a leader, in a move by APEX, the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions, to digitally transform judicial systems in the Caribbean.