Government
Statement by Dr. Senator Hon. Carla Barnett at the United Nation’s Meeting of the Ministers of Finance: Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development...
"Belize, a tourism dependent, export-oriented country, suffered an abrupt economic shock when travel and tourism ceased in March. At least 20,000 workers in tourism alone lost their jobs in one go at the height of the tourist season; and agriculture immediately felt the impact as well because that market for fresh produce immediately disappeared. Twenty thousand in one sector may not sound like a lot, but for a small economy with a relatively small population, unemployment doubled from 10% to at least 20%."
Government
Update on Phase Two of Unemployment Relief Program
Phase 2 of the Covid-19 Unemployment Relief Program opened for applications on August 3, 2020. The total number of applications received as of September 3rd, is 61,395. 7,418 applications have been approved. Of these, 6,621 payments have been processed by the National Bank. The Central Bank closed the automatic payment system on September 2nd as a part of the emergency preparation for Tropical Storm Nana. As soon as the system is re-opened payments will resume.
Government
Health plans for Belize Rural South unveiled by Leader of the Opposition
PUP Leader Honourable John Briceño spoke to island residents, discussing his intentions to deliver adequate health services to the islands.
Government
Rejected Payments for Unemployment Relief Program due to Wrong Bank Information
Payments under Phase Two of the Unemployment Relief Program began on August 24, 2020. Payments are already being rejected by commercial banks because the applicant’s banking information is incorrect or the account is inactive.
Government
Belize Department of Civil Aviation Precautionary Measures to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19
In an effort to reduce the spread of the COVID-19, the Belize Department of Civil Aviation hereby informs the general public that effective today, August 19, 2020, the following online services will be offered. • Issue and Renewal of Aeronautical Personnel Licenses • Issue and Renewal of Aircraft Certificates of Airworthiness • Issue and Renewal of Permits to Operate Foreign Registered Aircraft • Issue and Renewal of Aerodrome Licenses • Issue and renewal of Drone Operating Permits
Government
Approved Flights to Belize in July
The Belize Department of Civil Aviation, in keeping with the Convention on International Civil Aviation and industry best practices, has continued to allow the entry of several types of international flights into Belize since the closure of the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA). These include repatriation flights, cargo flights, technical stops, and medical evacuation flights. These flights have and continue to be approved in accordance with the various pieces of legislation enacted by the Government of Belize since the closure of the PGIA.
Community and Society
Reopening of the PGIA and Schools Delayed
Today at a press conference held in Belize City, it was announced that due to a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in three districts, there will be a delay in the reopening of the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA).
Community and Society
Handing Over Ceremony of Eighteen Police Motorcycles for Road Safety Enforcement in 9 Municipalities
In 2019, the Government of Belize received funds in loan financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of Belize's Second Road Safety Project. This event is to roll out Eighteen Fully Equipped 2020 Kawasaki Versys X 300 ABS Patrol Motorcycles which were handed over to Municipal Traffic Officers in support of Belize's Road Safety Master Plan 2030 and the Municipal Road Safety Operational Plan. The partnership with CDB builds on institutional capacity along with the provision of resources to carry out the task to save lives from road traffic crashes.