Government
GOB Launches Phase Two of the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief and MSME Program
Government of Belize, through a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce, the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, and BELTRAIDE, hereby announces the launch of phase two of Government’s COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program, incorporating the previously announced MSME Support Program.
Government
Critical Personal Protective Equipment Procured for Caribbean Frontline Medical Workers
Critically needed personal protective equipment (PPE) is on its way to medical workers on the front lines of the Caribbean’s COVID-19 pandemic response. On July 22nd, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) took delivery of the majority of US$3 million worth of PPE at the Port of Bridgetown. CDB procured and purchased the equipment with concessional resources through the Bank’s Special Development Fund.
Government
Climate Change and Security: Belize Speaks for AOSIS at the UN Security Council
Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize, represented the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Climate Security held on July 24th, 2020.Chaired by the Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, the objectives of the Open Debate were to provide the Security Council with comprehensive and authoritative information on the environmental and sustainable development dimensions of climate change and their implications on international peace and security. Belize was invited to participate as a non-member of the Security Council within the principles of Rule 37 of the Provisional Rules of Procedure of the Security Council.
Government
Chair of Integrity Commission Sworn-in for Second Term
On July 22, 2020 at the Belize House in Belmopan, Mrs. Deshawn Arzu Torres was sworn-in as the chair of the Integrity Commission for a second term by the Governor General H.E. Sir Colville Young.
Government
Ambassador Nestor Mendez Assumes Second Term as Assistant Secretary General of the OAS
On July 17th, during a virtual meeting of the Permanent Council, Ambassador Nestor Mendez assumed his second term in office as the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) for the period 2020-2025. Ambassador Mendez was reelected by acclamation at the Organization's 54th Special General Assembly on March 20, 2020.
Government
CABEI Donates COVID-19 Sample Collection Kits and RNA Extraction Kits to Belize
In response to the request issued by the Presidents of Central American Integration System (SICA) countries at a meeting convened on March 12, 2020, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) authorized an emergency aid in favor of the Member States of the SICA, under a Non-Refundable Financial Cooperation modality, to complement national efforts for the prevention, containment and treatment of COVID-19.
Government
New Chairman Sworn-in for the Elections and Boundaries Commission
On July 17, 2020 at the Belize House in Belmopan, Mr. Estevan Perera was sworn-in as the new Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission by the Governor General H.E. Sir Colville Young.
Community and Society
U.S. Government Delivers Emergency Kits to NEMO
The United States Embassy delivered US$20,000 in supplies to Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) at a July 16 handover ceremony in Belmopan. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges presented the food packs and hygiene kits to NEMO Director Shelton Defour.