Community and Society
National Forensic Science Services receives regional recognition
The National Forensic Science Service (NFFS) achieved regional recognition on January 4, 2024, by having four International Association for Identification (IAI) Certified Crime Scene Investigators employed as staff members in the Scenes of Crime Unit, making Belize the only country in Central America and the Caribbean to have that many Crime Scene Investigators certified by IAI. The IAI is the world's oldest and largest professional body for forensic science practitioners.
Government
Hon. Francis Fonseca takes the role of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Honorable Francis Fonseca is now the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, adding to his Ministries of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology portfolio....
Community and Society
Firearms and Ammunition Control Board appointed
The inaugural meeting of the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board was held on Thursday, January 4th. The Board comprises the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries Chief Executive Officer, Sharole Carr-Saldivar, Magistrate Mannon Dennison, and Senrio Superintendent of Police Clement Cacho. The appointment of this Board came after the amendment to the Firearms Act, Chapter 143 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, which seeks to revolutionize, reform, and regulate the sale, purchase, importation, exportation, trans-shipment, disposal, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in Belize.
Government
Spotlight Initiative Supports Safe Houses in Belize
The Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN), the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, and the Spotlight Initiative supported Belize’s safe houses with groceries, food hampers and essential household items. The safe houses all received support totalling BZ$56,516.12.
Government
Belize Accesses Grant for Climate Resilience Projects
The Government of Belize has received substantial grant funding of BZ$3,157,028 dedicated to advancing critical climate initiatives. In a groundbreaking move toward sustainable and responsible climate finance management, the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) is the first government entity to oversee and manage funds from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
Government
Cut–Off Date for Registration of Persons Who Wish to Vote in the Upcoming Municipal Elections 2024
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby notifies the general public that in accordance with the Cities and Town Councils Acts, the date for the upcoming Municipal Elections is Wednesday, 6th March 2024. In this regard, the cut-off date for accepting applications for registration of persons who wish to vote in the 6th March 2024 Municipal Elections is at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 10th January 2024.
Government
Signing of Statement of Agreement Between the Government of Belize and the Church Communities of Belize
On December 20, Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform and Religious Affairs, representing the Government of Belize, and Bishop A Moses Benguche, representing the church communities, formally signed a Statement of Agreement. The agreement reaffirms the unique partnership between the government and the church communities that strengthens the political process and benefits Belizean society.
Government
VSU Provides Update on Birth Registration Mobile Clinics
The Vital Statistics Unit (VSU) has achieved much in 2023. As the unit focused on strengthening the Civil Registry Project, it was able to record a historical number of registrations totaling 7,791 births and 1,588 deaths.