Conservation
Offshore oil exploration in Belize now requires a national referendum
The Referendum (Amendment) Bill 2023 is now law, compelling the government to hold a mandatory referendum before oil exploration in Belizean waters. The Bill went through the stages of approval in the House of Representatives and the Senate. It was then assented to by Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam on November 9th, and two days later, it was published in the government’s Gazette.
Government
Belizean Delegation Attends Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum in Jamaica
A Belizean delegation, led by Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Transport, is participating in the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum (CSEF) 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica.
Government
Ministry of Agriculture Concludes Honey By-Products Workshop
On November 9, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise held a closing ceremony for the Honey By-Products Workshop hosted at the Central Farm Agro-Processing Center.
Government
Ministry of Sustainable Development Signs Third Party Responsible Agreements
The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management signed four Third Party Responsible Agreements (TPRA). These agreements were signed as part of the project entitled “Integrated management of production landscape to deliver multiple global environmental benefits”.
Government
Corozal Free Zone Access Road Project: Paving the Way for Economic Growth and Connectivity
On 10th November 2023 marks a historical milestone for the Corozal Free Zone. The signing ceremony for the Rehabilitation of the Santa Elena Access Road to the Corozal Free Trade Zone was concluded. This transformative undertaking, funded in element through a grant from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) and the Government of Belize, is ready to redefine the landscape of our community and propel us into a brand-new generation of business.
Government
Amnesty Program falls short of 60k goal
The Amnesty Program designed by the Government of Belize to help regularize undocumented migrants in the country is now closed. The project aimed to amend the immigration status of about 60,000 migrants living in the country but only received 12,765 applications from citizens of 32 countries. The government noted on Tuesday, November 7th, that those applications are currently at the vetting stage, with a forecasted completion of the screening by March 31, 2024.
Government
Caye Caulker asks central government for more assistance in medical emergencies
In November 2022, Caye Caulker inaugurated a new polyclinic to improve medical services on La Isla Cariñosa. This infrastructure was more than welcomed but did not solve the Hicaqueños problems with medical emergencies. On Sunday, November 5th, Chairlady Seleny Villanueva-Pott reported that her team struggled to help transport patients to Belize City via private boats. As such, they hope the central government will assist the village council with additional resources to cope with the challenges related to such medical emergencies.
Government
Boledo returns in December
The last time Belizeans bought Boledo (lottery) was on April 30th after the government revoked the exclusive license held by the Brads Gaming Group Ltd. After months without this form of lottery, the government announced on Thursday, November 2nd that Boledo is set to recommence on December 1, 2023, with the first drawing scheduled for Sunday, December 3rd.