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.
Government
Prime Minister Hosts Meeting with APAMO to Establish a Working Group
On August 19, Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize, hosted a meeting with the executive members of the Association of Protected Areas Management Organization (APAMO) with a goal of reaching a consensus on a collaborative path forward.
Environment
Two Years of Action: Delivering on Belize’s Commitment to Ocean Conservation
Beyond its incredible and undeniable beauty, Belize’s ocean space is an important asset for our economic development. It contributes to the livelihoods of thousands of Belizeans, but our coastal and marine environments face threats from biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution—termed the triple planetary crisis. Illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, agricultural runoff, and habitat destruction further jeopardize these vital resources.
Government
The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change hosts sustainable development through regional cooperation session
Honorable Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD), held a successful session dedicated towards "Promoting Sustainable Development through Regional Cooperation." The event took place at the auditorium of the Ministry's Green Complex Building in the City of Belmopan.
Government
MBEDRM Meets with MPA Co-Managers to Strengthen Partnerships for a Thriving Blue Economy
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management (MBEDRM) recently convened a crucial meeting with the Co-managers of Belize’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The session focused on evaluating the current status of the MPAs, discussing ongoing and upcoming projects, and addressing significant advancements and challenges. This gathering marks a vital step in the implementation of the newly established MPA Governance Framework and the recently signed co-management agreements.
Government
Government Explains Acquisition of Land for New Hospital in Belmopan
In April 2023, Cabinet approved the construction of a modern national referral tertiary care hospital that would also serve as a university hospital for the University of Belize, which would be funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by way of a US$45m loan through the Saudi Arabia Fund for Development. This proposed hospital was approved by the House of Representatives on 19th May 2023, and signed into law in June of 2023. On 16th April 2024 Cabinet gave its approval for the relocation of the proposed Belmopan Tertiary Hospital, to a more accessible location near the George Price and Hummingbird Highways.
Conservation
World experts and government representatives meet on Ambergris Caye to discuss climate change adaptation
From August 12th through the 14th, experts and government representatives from Benin, Burundi, Fiji, Haiti, Grenada, Madagascar, Nepal, South Sudan, Suriname, and Belize convened in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye for a global forum on climate change. The forum aimed to share experiences on strengthening the alignment between National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). The NAP Global Network and the Government of Belize co-organized the event. Experts and government representatives from Switzerland and Canada collaborated to identify concrete actions for the issues affecting countries worldwide.