Government
The Government of Belize announces the establishment of the Belize Coast Guard Drone Squadron
The Government of Belize, in its commitment to strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of Belize's ocean space and the conservation and sustainable use of its associated resources under the Blue Bond Program, launched the Belize Coast Guard Drone Squadron. This new squadron will bolster the Belize Coast Guard's capabilities by supporting a second fleet in national enforcement involving modern technology to realize effective surveillance and protection of the Blue Space.
Government
Trafficking in Persons Leadership Summit
Thursday, 29th August 2024, The Human Trafficking Institute (HTI) in partnership with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIPs) Council, of the Government of Belize, hosted a Trafficking in Persons Leadership Summit. This initiative is part of a CARSI grant project entitled “A TIPPING POINT 2.0" awarded to HTI in September 2022. The Summit intended to strengthen best practices in Belize’s Anti-Trafficking efforts, and support collaboration and coordination across government ministries and departments. It was designed to allow for reflection on global best practices, as well as common pitfalls in responding to human trafficking.
Government
High Level Belizean Defence Leaders Discuss Strategy and Cooperation with US Counterparts
A high-level delegation of senior Belizean defence leaders led by the Minister of National Defence and Border Security, Hon. Florencio Marin Jr., returned to Belize this weekend after a series of meetings with US defense officials in the National Capital Region last week.
Environment
High-Level Dialogue of the Regional Climate Change Platform taking place on Ambergris Caye
The third High-Level Meeting of the Regional Climate Change Platform of Economy and Finance Ministries of Latin America and the Caribbean formally began on Friday, August 30th, in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The two-day meeting aims to approve the new work plan for the 2024-2025 period, which includes specific strategies for sustainable finance and climate change mitigation, and transfer the pro-tempore presidency from the Ministry of Finance of Chile to Colombia’s Ministry of Finance and Public Credit. The goal is for ministers attending to formally adopt a shared regional vision on sustainable finance.
Government
Mayor Wally Nuñez represents Belize at the Puerto Rico Experience 2024
On Monday, August 26th, Mayor Gualberto 'Wally' Nuñez represented the Belize Mayors Association at the 'Puerto Rico Experience 2024' event in Puerto Rico. The event, which focused on enhancing municipal management capabilities, saw the exchange of experiences and sharing of knowledge with leaders from Latin American countries. Discussions ranged from innovative waste management strategies to effective community policing models. Over six hundred local and international leaders attended, demonstrating their commitment to applying the acquired knowledge to improve community services and contribute to a better future for their municipalities.
Government
Prime Minister Briceño official visit to Guatemala focused on strengthening trade ties
Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño returned to Belize on Tuesday, August 27th after leading a delegation on an official visit to Guatemala. Briceño met with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo and members of the private sector and discussed trade opportunities.
Government
GOB holds press conference to clarify land purchase for New Belmopan Hospital
After receiving public and media criticism, the Government of Belize issued an official statement on Monday, August 26th, to address concerns about purchasing two parcels of land valued at $6.9 million for a new hospital in Belmopan City. During a press conference, the Ministry of Health and Wellness clarified that the hospital's location would be changed from the originally planned site, which the University of Belize offered for free, to a new location next to the Hector Silva Air Strip. The decision was made because the government found the University of Belize's land offer inadequate.
Government
Members of the Integrity Commission of Belize re-appointer for another term
On Tuesday, August 20th, the Belize Integrity Commission Office announced the formation of a new commission under Section 3 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, #21 of 2007, at the Government Office in Belmopan. The seven-person commission was reappointed to serve for an additional two-year period with effect from April 1, 2024. Andrea McSweeney Mckoy was reappointed as the chairperson, along with six members: Zoe Robertson-Zetina, Katherine Vanessa Meighan, Ricardo Ismael MogueI, George Randolph Swift, Payal B. Ghanwani, and Jaraad Ammar Ysaguirre.
