Government
USAID-funded InfoSegura strengthens data management and administrative capacity of the Belize Crime Observatory
On Tuesday, 20 April 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries received US$15,205 worth of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Equipment, including a high-powered Dell server, 3 Dell workstations, with high-quality monitors, procured under the USAID-funded “Evidence-Based Information Management for Citizen Security in Central America and the Dominican Republic” Project (also known as the InfoSegura Project).
Government
Ministry of Health & Wellness Extends Contracts for Hemodialysis Services
Dialysis is needed when kidneys stop functioning properly and cannot remove waste from the body commonly caused by diabetes and high blood pressure. The number of individuals with end-stage renal failure has been increasing continuously. One of the Ministry’s responses is to expand the dialysis coverage to patients who are struggling to meet the high cost of hemodialysis treatment.
Community and Society
In protests, island teachers reject pay cut and call on GOB to collect unpaid taxes from telephone companies
On Friday, April 16th, members of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) across the country held peaceful protests against the proposed salary cuts set by the Government of Belize (GOB). Teachers also called on GOB to collect overdue taxes from large companies such as Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and Smart Belize.
Community and Society
DOE’s CEO speaks on the approval of Port of Magical Belize
The Chief Environmental Officer at the Department of Environment (DOE), Martin Alegria, spoke about the approval for the construction and operation of the cruise port - Port of Magical Belize. This massive project will be built at the mouth of the Sibun River in the Belize District. Alegria explained the process taken to approve the project. According to him, some significant concerns and project risks had to be addressed before they granted clearance.
Community and Society
Minister of National Defence and Border Security Welcomes Germany’s Defence Attaché
On Monday, April 12, 2021, Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defence and Border Security, received a courtesy visit from Lieutenant Colonel Reiner Jantos, Germany’s Defence Attaché, at the Curl Thompson Building, Belmopan.
Government
Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation Meets with the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
On April 12, 2021, Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, and Kennedy Carrillo, CEO in the Ministry, met with H.E. David K.C. Chien, the newly appointed ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize.
Community and Society
Port of Magical Belize gets Environmental Clearance from DOE; NGOs disappointed
An official note from the Department of Environment (DOE) approving the cruise port project Port of Magical Belize has caused concern across the country. The DOE letter, dated Friday, April 9th, signed by Chief Environmental Officer Martin Alegria, states that Environmental Clearance is granted to Portico Enterprise Limited for the cruise port's construction and operation.
Business & Economy
Belize Delegation Participates in World Bank/IMF’s Spring Meetings
On April 10, 2021, a Belizean delegation participated virtually in the World Bank/IMF’s Spring Meetings. Led by Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, the delegation included Mrs. Narda Garcia, CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister, and Mrs. Elvira Mendez, Belize’s Counsellor to the IDB’s Office of Executive Directors.