Government

Eighteen golf carts were brought to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, without the required permits. The San Pedro Traffic Department, in collaboration with the office of Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, intercepted them at the barging marina. The vehicles were taken to a holding area for further inspection. Eight of the golf carts have been removed from San Pedro, and fines will be issued to those liable for the illegal importation of vehicles to the island.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade will host the Regional Workshop on Promoting a Better Understanding of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from October 7th to 10th in Placencia. This important workshop aims to enhance knowledge of the BBNJ Agreement, including the rights and obligations outlined within it, while providing Caribbean SIDS with the technical support needed for their accession to and implementation of the Agreement.

Press Release - Belmopan, Belize – October 7, 2024. The Department of the Environment (DOE), under the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change,...

The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries (MHANGI) is pleased to announce the signing of a Land Exchange Agreement with the University of Belize (UB). This significant agreement, signed today in Belmopan, marks the culmination of more than two years of negotiations between UB and the National Forensic Science Service (NFSS).

On Tuesday, October 1st, Prime Minister of Belize John Briceño witnessed a significant moment in history with the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum as Mexico's first female president. Sheinbaum's election marked an important milestone in breaking gender barriers in Mexican politics, following her prior achievement as the first elected female mayor of Mexico City in 2018.

For the first time in his political career, the Honorable Francis Fonseca addressed the General Debate of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Saturday, September 28th, as Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. In his 21-minute speech, Fonseca discussed several topics, including advocating for climate justice and Belize’s ties with other economies like the United States. However, many in Belize were waiting for Fonseca to address the ongoing issues at the Sarstoon River with the Guatemalan Navy. Instead, he referred to Guatemala’s president Bernardo Arevalo's statement on settling the territorial dispute with Belize at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) without highlighting the daily struggles at the southernmost border with that country.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) program now covers residents in all of Belize Rural South, which includes San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. The government program reached the Caye Caulker community on Friday, September 27th. A private clinic and a pharmacy signed contracts with the NHI to provide access to primary healthcare services and medication at a significantly reduced cost. The two accredited institutions are Dr. D’s Clinic and Prescription Value Pharmacy. To join NHI, Hicaqueños can register at these institutions with their Social Security Card. If their cards have expired, island residents can still register using their Social Security number.

On September 9, 2024, Michael Lund took on the role of Deputy Resident Representative (DRR) for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Belize. The appointment ceremony was held in Belmopan City, Cayo District. With over two decades of experience in international development, Mr. Lund brings extensive expertise in policy formulation, crisis prevention and recovery, governance, trade, and political affairs to his new role. His previous leadership roles include serving as the President of the Global United Nations Development Program, United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Office for Project Services, and United Nations Women Staff Association. He has overseen one hundred and seven local staff committees worldwide.