Business & Economy
SPTC considers changes to trade license fees; millions not collected in property tax
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is preparing to announce changes in trade license fees. Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez indicated that their trade licenses assessment revealed that large businesses paid minimal fees, while others paid more. Nuñez added that there are some $12 million in uncollected property tax.
Government
Belize Participates in the Inter-American Development Bank’s Virtual Annual General Meeting
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) held its virtual Annual General Meeting from March 19 to 21, 2021. The Belize Delegation was led by Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister and Belize’s Governor of the Bank, along with Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment and Alternate Governor; Mrs. Narda Garcia, Chief Executive Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister; and Mrs. Elvira Mendez, Counselor in the Office of the Executive Director of the IDB.
Government
Minister of Foreign Affairs attends LXXXIII Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Central American Integration System (SICA)
Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration of Belize, attended the LXXXIII Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of SICA under the leadership of Costa Rica, the current Presidency Pro-tempore of SICA.
Government
Minister of National Defence and Border Security Welcomes Newly Appointed Mexican Naval Attaché
On Monday, March 22, 2021, Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defence and Border Security, received Captain Freddy Ruben Perez Castillo, the newly appointed Mexican Naval Attaché to Belize, for a courtesy visit at the Curl Thompson Building, Belmopan.
Government
Government of Belize Cabinet Briefing for March 24, 2021
The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on March 23, 2021. Among the issues discussed were: GOB's response to the unions’ latest correspondence and its intent to continue further discussions in good faith and the approval of the plan from the Ministry of Education for the phased return to face-to-face instruction of schools at all levels and sectors across the country beginning April 12, 2021.
Community and Society
New Ambassador takes the reins of the Taiwanese Embassy in Belize
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize has a new ambassador. He is His Excellency (H.E.) David Kuan-Chou Chien. On his first working day on Monday, March 22nd, Chien presented his letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize, H.E Sir Colville Young. On behalf of his government, Chien pledged to promote mutual interests and strengthen the relationship between Belize and Taiwan.
Community and Society
Minister of National Defence and Border Security Unveils Renovations at Price Barracks
On March 18, 2021, Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defence and Border Security, unveiled one of several infrastructural developments presently being carried out at Belize Defence Force (BDF) Headquarters at Price Barracks.
Government
Hon. Francis Fonseca Participates in Extraordinary Meeting of the Council Ministers of Education of CECC/SICA
On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, and Ms. Carla Alvarez, Principal Education Officer and CECC/SICA Focal Point, participated in an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Education of CCECC/ SICA (Central American Region).