Community and Society
Budget presentation postponed; unions recommend government cut allowances
Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño was to introduce the national budget on March 26th but was postponed after the government failed to agree with the unions regarding a proposed 10% pay cut and increment freeze on teacher and public officer's salaries. The unions comprise of the Public Service Union, Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), and others, asked for the proposal to be put on hold to allow proper consultations and negotiations. The unions also provided the government with cost-saving and revenue enhancement recommendations for short, medium, and long-term results, discarding the need to reduce teacher's and public officers' salaries.
Government
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Receives Donation for Sheep Farming
On Thursday, March 11, 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise received a donation of 48 technical training packages and promotional items from the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Environment
Ministry of the Blue Economy says legislation banning gillnets will not be amended
The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation was swift in responding to a joint press release issued by the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries and Oceana Belize alleging that the ministry failed to meet with licensed Belizean fishermen benefiting from a gill net ban. The press release dated March 16th titled ‘Lobby by Illegal Gillnetters Threatens Gillnet Ban’ mentions a lawsuit filed by a third party regarding the ban. The ministry has moved to substantially alter legislation that banned the use of gillnets in November 2020.
Government
Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics Launches Public Transportation Reform Project
The Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics via a Technical Cooperation with the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of South Korea has commenced the Public Transport Reform Project (BL-T1115) with a focus on capacity building.
Government
Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation Holds Meetings with U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires and British High Commissioner
On Monday, March 15, 2021, Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, held meetings with Mr. Keith Gilges, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the U.S. Embassy Belize, and H.E. Claire Evans, British High Commissioner to Belize, to discuss the Ministry’s vision and contribution to Belize’s economic growth.
Government
Introducing the Belize Covid-19 Tourism Dashboard and the Covid-19 Digital Toolkit for Tourism Businesses
The Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations (MTDR) continues to work towards accelerating recovery and enhancing resilience as the country progresses towards a post- COVID reality. As a result, the MTDR has launched two programs: “The Belize COVID-19 Tourism Dashboard Framework” and “The Belize COVID-19 Digital Toolkit for Tourism Businesses”.
Community and Society
BNTU motorcade in San Pedro ends with organizers at the police station
San Pedro's motorcade was part of a BNTU national movement, and teachers feel that their hard work in educating Belizeans is sometimes not recognized by the relevant authorities. They claim that the campaign's success will benefit them and all public officers in Belize, who could see a 10% cut in their salaries when GOB presents the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2021-2022 on March 26th.
Government
BTB says Karen Bevans is no longer their director of tourism
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) confirmed that as of Friday, March 12th, Karen Bevans is no longer their director. Scrutiny followed Bevans after she refused to step down from her post following the government's change in the November 2020 general elections. Bevans, armed with a five-year contract signed with the previous government, tried to remain as Director of Tourism, but on Monday, March 15th BTB announced her departure in a press release.