Government
Unauthorized Guatemalan Military Flight Linked to Regional Counternarcotics Operation
The Government of Belize (GOB) says a Guatemalan military aircraft that entered Belizean airspace without authorization on September 24th was participating in a regional counternarcotics operation that did not include Belize. According to the government, the reconnaissance aircraft spent more than an hour in Belizean airspace before returning to Guatemala.
Government
Prime Minister Announces Major Cabinet Reshuffle
On Tuesday, October 6th, Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño announced changes to Cabinet portfolios, assigning new responsibilities to several ministers. Oscar Mira and Florencio Marin Jr. remain without portfolios amid an ongoing audit of the former Ministry of National Defense and Border Security.
Conservation
US Ambassador Andre Bauer Presents US$206,350 Conservation Grant for Caracol
United States Ambassador to Belize Andre Bauer presented a US$206,350 grant on September 30th to support conservation work at the Caracol Archaeological Reserve. Awarded through the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the funding is the largest US investment in archaeological conservation in Belize to date.
Government
Belize and Japan Formalize Donation of Seven Fire Trucks to Strengthen National Fire Response
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of the Public Service, Disaster Risk Management and Enterprise, and the Embassy of Japan, formalized a significant partnership that will see the donation of seven fire trucks to the Belize National Fire Service.
Government
Criminal Law Training Aims to Strengthen Belize’s Justice System
The Senior Courts of Belize, through its Judicial Education Institute (JEI), will launch a Criminal Law Practitioners Program on Friday, October 2nd. The initiative is designed to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills of professionals working across the country’s criminal justice system.
Government
Taiwan Foreign Minister Visits San Pedro to Explore Sargassum Solutions and Review Hospital Progress
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), H.E. Dr. Lin Chia-Lung, and his delegation concluded their Belize visit on Wednesday, September 30th, with a trip to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez and Town Council Science Advisor Valentine Rosado welcomed the delegation, whose itinerary included a beach inspection, technical discussions on sargassum, a business exchange lunch, and a tour of the San Pedro and Caye Caulker General Hospital construction site.
Government
Belize Joins Founding Members in Establishing World Alliance for Disaster Management
Belize has joined countries from across the world as one of thirteen founding members of the newly established World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM), a new international organization focused on strengthening cooperation in disaster management.
Government
San Pedro power infrastructure set for major boost under MCC Compact
San Pedro’s electricity infrastructure is set for a major upgrade under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Belize Compact, which officially entered its five-year implementation phase on September 18th. The US$125 million grant from the United States Government will support major investments in Belize’s education and energy sectors, including a new submarine power cable connecting Ambergris Caye to the national electricity grid.