Community and Society
Ministry of National Security and Public Utilities Commission Launch Cybersecurity Strategy
The development of this Strategy was guided by the OAS-CICTE, and coordinated by the National Security Council Secretariat, the Public Utilities Commission, Central Information Technology Office, the Attorney General’s Ministry and an Inter-institutional Cybersecurity Task Force. The overall objective of this Strategy is to take a public-private partner approach to foster an open and trusted digital environment in Belize, which would enable innovation, economic development, and social inclusion.
Government
Dissolution of National Oversight Committee
The National Oversight Committee (NOC) held its last meeting today, November 2nd.In their final decision, the NOC supported (in part) a request from the Banana Growers Association (BGA) for the imposition of an 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew in villages in the Banana Belt. There has been an outbreak of COVID-19 cases in that area, affecting several workers in the banana industry and banana farms. The BGA fears that without some action from Government, the transmission will spread in the villages and on the farms, forcing closures in an industry that remains an important foreign exchange earner.
Community and Society
New police barracks inaugurated in Caye Caulker
On Friday, October 30th, police officers attached to the Caye Caulker police formation were presented with new police barracks. Attending the new building's inauguration was top brass from the Ministry of National Security, including Commissioner of Police Chester (ComPol) Williams, along with its minister, the Honourable Michael Peyrefitte, and Area Representative Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr.
Community and Society
Amendments to the Defence Force Pension Regulations
On October 13, 2020, Cabinet gave its full approval for the financial provisions of amendments to certain sections of the Defence (Pensions and Other Grants) Regulations. These amendments bring the Pensions Regulations in alignment with the newly revised Defence Act and to provide for equitable pension benefits to be received by the Belize Defence Force enlisted personnel as well as its officers.
Community and Society
Ministry of Transport Mandates the Purchasing Of Tickets Before Boarding Buses
All Bus Operators (Bus Owners) are hereby reminded of their responsibility to sell tickets at the Bus Terminals as mandated by the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulation and the Quarantine (Prevention of the spread of infectious disease) (Covid 19) Regulations, 2020 (Statutory Instrument No. 136 of 2020). Bus drivers and conductors are to sanitize buses before transporting passengers and are to refrain from carrying passenger in excess of the seating capacity. Bus Drivers who are caught transporting excessive passengers will be prosecuted.
Community and Society
Entry Notice for Land Ports
The Government of Belize reminds the public that Belize’s land and sea ports of entry remain closed to travellers at this time. Belizeans are being strongly advised against leaving the country unless it is a case of bona fide emergency.
Government
PADF Supports Drainage Works along Flamingo, Garcia and Western Streets in San Ignacio Town, Belize
The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council (SISE TC) signed an in-kind agreement valued at over US$19,000 to further equip local and central government with drainage works in San Ignacio. Over the past 13 months PADF, with the support of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), has been implementing the “Flood Risk Reduction Project for San Ignacio and Santa Elena Towns” to strengthen flood management capabilities in the municipality.
Government
Belize Participates in FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean
Hosted virtually by Nicaragua, the three-day conference will bring together all FAO member countries in the region to establish the Organization's regional priorities for the next two years. The FAO will report on the results achieved in the period 2018-2019 and will assist countries to find joint solutions to the challenges of food security, rural development, innovation, climate change and sustainable agriculture, fisheries, livestock and forestry.