Government
San Pedro Town and other municipalities receive assistance from Taiwanese Embassy
San Pedro Town was one of the municipalities to receive humanitarian relief from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize on Friday, June 26th, in the Capital City of Belmopan. Mayor Daniel Guerrero, along with the other Mayors from across the country, were on hand to receive the relief presented to the Belize Mayor’s Association, which included medical materials totalling $350, 000BZ.
Government
LXX INCAP Board of Directors Meeting
On June 24, 2020, the LXX Ordinary Meeting of the Board of Directors from the Instituto de Nutricion de Centro America y Panama (INCAP) was held virtually, in which the Dominican Republic handed over the Pro Tempore Presidency of the INCAP Board of Directors for the period 2020-2021 to Belize. Dr. George Gough, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Health accepted the Presidency on behalf of the Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Saúl Marín.
Government
Belize to receive support from Japan Special Fund, the IDB and SECOMISCA to confront the health emergency
A joint effort by the Government of Belize, the Japan Special Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (SE-COMISCA) has achieved the urgent mobilization of US$130,000 for the purchase of medical supplies for health care workers on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19.
Government
International Airport and tourism industry set to open on August 15
Prime Minister Right Honourable Dean Barrow addressed the nation on Thursday, June 25th, via a virtual press conference updating on the current COVID-19 crisis and announcing the opening of Belize’s only international airport. The Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) north of Belize City will be prepared to open on August 15, 2020, a decision made in conjunction with the Ministry of Health after carefully reviewing the effects of the ongoing pandemic. According to Barrow, rigorous safety protocols will be in place to minimize potential outbreaks as the travel/tourism industry begins to open in phases, prioritizing the wellbeing of Belizeans and visitors alike.
Government
IDB approves loan to support Belize’s vulnerable population affected by COVID-19
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a loan of US$12 million for Belize to support the implementation of the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program. The loan program will provide protection for the vulnerable population affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, it will provide cash transfers for a period of 12 weeks to currently unemployed individuals, formerly working in the informal or formal sectors, particularly but not solely in tourism, and who are not on the rosters of other cash transfer programs.
Government
UNDP and the Global Fund support national efforts through medical supplies and equipment for Covid19 to the Ministry of Health and a vehicle for...
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belize in the framework of the Global Fund project titled “Building Resilience Through Innovation and National Accountability for the HIV and TB Response in Belize” is handing over essential items to support the Ministry of Health in the ongoing COVID-19 response. The testing equipment and ventilator is being handed over to the Ministry of Health and the vehicle is being handed over to the CSO Hub to support outreach to vulnerable populations
Government
Economic Oversight Team provide Summary Report of Unemployment Relief Program
Up to June 5, a total of 44,552 applications have been approved by the Economic Oversight Team and have been passed to CITO for transmission to SSB for payment. Of these, approximately:45% were recently laid off persons; 24% were self-employed persons who lost their work; and 31% applied as long-term unemployed persons. About 94% of all approved applications have been successfully paid. The remaining 6% have been returned as “unpayable” due to bank information problems and attempts continue to obtain correct payment information from applicants. These approximately 3,000 applicants have been offered access to TopUp cards and they are sending in their acceptance of this offer.
Government
Ministry of Immigration Receives Donation of Face Masks and Thermometers from the Embassy of Taiwan
At a brief ceremony held on Monday, June 8th, 2020, at the Embassy of Taiwan in Belize City, H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, handed over a donation of 10,000 face masks and 25 infrared forehead thermometers to Hon. Beverly Williams, Minister with responsibility for Immigration and Refugees. The donation will be used by officers of the Border Management and Immigration Services Department and the Nationality and Passports Department.