Government
OPM Appoints Commission to Investigate Sale of Assets
On January 26, 2021, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño officially signed an order convening a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the sale of Government assets between the period October 2019 to November 2020. The three-member Commission includes Chairman E. Andrew Marshalleck, S.C. along with Public Service Union representative, Luke Martinez, and Belize Chamber representative, Marcello Blake.
Government
Ministry of Youth, Sports & E-Governance Announces Formation of National E-Governance Task Force
The Task Force will serve in a planning and oversight role, responsible for developing the e-governance roadmaps, identifying challenges affecting implementation, and providing advice to facilitate implementation. The Task Force is delegated to develop, advise and champion the e-governance agenda.
Government
U.S. Government and the Government of Belize Host Forum on Strengthening Belize’s Medicolegal Death Investigation System
On January 22, 2020, the U.S. Embassy Belmopan and the Government of Belize hosted a high-level roundtable discussion on ways to improve Belize’s Medicolegal Death Investigation System (MLDI), which is responsible for conducting death investigations for all cases of sudden, unexpected, unexplained, suspicious, or violent deaths. The participants discussed the benefits of transitioning from Belize’s current coroner system to an established medical examiner system that would include board certification for Forensic Practitioners as well as better opportunities for continued training in Forensic Medicine and Forensic Pathology.
Business & Economy
Indefinite SI hurting tourism business on Ambergris Caye
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye is considered a law-abiding community adhering to the government's regulations to curb the spread of COVID-19. The current Statutory Instrument (SI), which was introduced before Christmas with tight regulations on curfews and alcohol sales, is causing problems in tourism areas and taking a toll on businesses on Ambergris Caye. Several island residents are appealing to the government to amend these regulations before they are forced to shut their businesses down, adding to the country's unemployment.
Community and Society
Four islanders appointed to BAA’s new board of directors
San Pedro's Ricardo Martin was named chairman of the new board of directors at the Belize Airports Authority (BAA). Along with him were six other new members, including three more islanders, Natalie Arceo as secretary, Sandy Roberts as deputy chairman, and Leonardo Nicholas Varela as one of the directors.
Government
Statement on Incident at Northern Regional Hospital on December 31, 2020
The Ministry of Health and Wellness regrets this unfortunate incident that has regrettably caused unnecessary pain to the Canche family. The Ministry is committed to following up with the family and assures the public that all that is necessary will be done to avoid a repeat of such an incident.
Government
Energy Unit Launches New Website
The website was designed to be user-centric and has an intuitive interface that is responsive across all platforms and devices. The site offers access to essential information and features including updated news and press releases, program and project information, milestones, energy prices, and other activities and organizational events within the energy sector.
Government
Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government Visits Bullet Tree Falls Water Project Site
The Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government, visited the Bullet Tree Falls Water Project entitled "Improving Community Access to Safe and Potable Water from The Chiquibul National Park Through Enhanced Green Technology Infrastructure."