Government
Fabricated quotation and fake news
The Ministry of Education notes the publication of a social media post created by NBZLive containing grossly false and misleading information including a fabricated quotation. The publication attempts to cast a shadow on the government’s efforts to respond to the needs of the students by procuring much needed devices in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Government
Update on the Food Assistance Programme
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation continues to support families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including through the COVID-19 Food Assistance Programme. Since April 11, 2020, the Ministry has assessed over 100,000 applications. Applications were received through the Ministry’s Facebook page, call center, walk-ins to the district offices countrywide, and field visits to remote villages in Toledo, Orange Walk and Cayo districts. Families are deemed eligible for food assistance if they are not receiving any other benefit from Government such as unemployment relief, BOOST, or regular Food Pantry.
Government
Presentation of Credentials
Presenting their letters of credence to the Governor General were H.E. Mr. César F. González Hernandez, Non-Resident Ambassador of Colombia to Belize; H.E. Mr. Luigi de Chiara, Non-Resident Ambassador of Italy to Belize; and H.E. Ms. Päivi Pohjanheimo, Non-Resident Ambassador of Finland to Belize. The Governor General graciously accepted the ambassadors’ credentials and expressed his hope that they may one day soon be able to come to Belize.
Community and Society
Media Literacy Forum hosted by Government of Belize, Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the U.S. Embassy
A media literacy virtual forum was held on September 15th, by the Government of Belize Press Office in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the U.S. Embassy in Belize under the theme Navigating the Changing Media Landscape in Democracies: Fake news vs. Facts. The purpose of the public forum is to discuss contemporary issues facing governments, journalists, and everyday citizens navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by digital media. The forum also addresses the dangers of fake news and disinformation and how to combat them, while raising awareness of the need for widespread media literacy training.
Community and Society
Cabinet will not table Equal Opportunities Bill
Stating that it is regrettable that there was purposeful misinformation from some stakeholders, Cabinet will not table the Equal Opportunities Bill.
Community and Society
Second Update on Phase Two of the Unemployment Relief Program
The total number of applications received under Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program (URP) as of this morning, September 14, was 62,363. Of these, 20,197 applications have been approved and 18,364 payments were sent to National Bank of Belize for disbursement up to the end of last Friday. The remainder, which were approved during the past weekend, will be sent this morning.
Community and Society
Ministry of National Security Launches Women, Peace and Security Agenda
The main objective of the WPS Agenda is to lay the groundwork to enable the Government of Belize to increase women’s participation in efforts to promote security, maintain peace, and prevent conflict. This is in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and in support of Belize’s national security goals (National Security and Defence Strategy 2018-2021) and Horizon 2030 commitments.
Government
Belizean Appointed as Secretary General of Social Integration Council of SICA
Ms. Zetina has served Belize as a former director of the Women's Department, former CEO of the Ministry of Human Development and worked as Programme Coordinator at UNICEF Belize. She holds a Master of Arts in Public Sector Management from Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Murray State University, Kentucky, USA.