Government
GOB releases noted on Cabinet Briefing
The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met remotely in regular session on Monday, January 4, 2021. Some of the points of discussion included the approval of the introduction of legislation at the next sitting of the House of Representatives, scheduled for Friday, January 8, 2021, to empower the Central Bank of Belize to provide for emergency programs and facilities to assist during unusual and necessary economic circumstances.
Government
Labour Department Launches Electronic TEP System
The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government held an online ceremony for the newly launched electronic Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) System on January 4, 2021. The Ministry celebrates this achievement after a very lengthy process that led to the successful development of this new and improved TEP system.
Government
Statement on Illegal Incursion of Guatemala Navy on Belize’s Territorial Waters
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration strongly protests the unlawful incursion of Guatemalan naval personnel for violating Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and will be raising the matter with its international partners.
Government
Two new Belizean Public and Bank holidays in 2021; Pan American Day removed
2021 Public and Bank Holidays: January 15th is George Price Day, and August 2nd is Freedom Day. Not being observed this year is the October 12th Pan American Day.
Government
Collective Bargaining Agreement Signed Between Belize Electricity Limited and Belize Energy Workers Union
The Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) this morning signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for 140 employees for a four-year period. The signing ceremony took place in Belmopan at the head office of the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government.
Community and Society
Justice Minnet Hafiz-Bertram Sworn in as Acting President of the Belize Court of Appeal
On Tuesday, December 29, 2020, Justice Minnet Hafiz-Bertram was virtually sworn in as the acting President of the Belize Court of Appeal by the Governor General H.E. Sir Colville Young. Justice Hafiz-Bertram will act until such time as the Prime Minister advises the Governor General of his appointee for a permanent president, after consulting with the Leader of the Opposition.
Government
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Cheque from the Embassy of Mexico for Humanitarian Assistance
On December 18, 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Amalia Mai, received a cheque for BZ$59,584.39 from Mexico’s Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Ms. Martha Ofelia Zamarripa Rivas. The funds will be utilized by the Government of Belize to provide humanitarian assistance, specifically food and sanitizing items, to Belizeans affected by tropical storms Eta and Iota.
Government
Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets with UN Resident Coordinator for Belize
On December 18th, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, Senator the Hon. Eamon Courtenay, held a meeting with the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Belize, Ms. Birgit Gerstenberg.