Community and Society
Oil rig spotted in Belizean waters raises concerns; Government says it’s was here to replenish stores
The sight of an oil rig near Ambergris Caye on Thursday, June 1st was cause for much concern across the island and the country. To dispel any rumors, the Belize Port Authority (BPA) quickly issued a release explaining that the rig, identified as the Semi-submersible drilling unit MV ‘Frida 1’, is in Belize to replenish stores and is not authorized to conduct any other activity while in Belizean waters. On December 29, 2017, the Government of Belize passed a law banning oil exploration in its territorial waters; however, Belizeans remain vigilant and strongly oppose this idea as it could jeopardize industries like tourism and fisheries.
Government
Belize Delegation Meets with Prime Minister of South Korea
On May 26, 2023, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration; H.E. Jaime Briceño, Belize’s Ambassador of Investment and to the Holy See; and Dr. Osmond Martinez, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Economic Development, attended a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of South Korea at the Seoul’s Government Complex.
Government
Prime Minister Meets with Green Climate Fund and Global Green Growth Institute
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea invited the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, to be the keynote speaker at the World Climate Industry Expo - Leaders’ Summit in Busan, Republic of Korea. The summit will take place on May 27, under the theme “Global Cooperation and Solidarity for the Fight against Climate Change in the Ocean.”
Government
Belize and the EU Hold Eighth Political Dialogue
In accordance with Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement, Belize and the European Union (EU) held their eighth political dialogue in San Pedro, Belize, on May 22.
Government
CSIDS SOILCARE Project Launched in Belize
On May 22, 2023, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, and the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI), officially launched the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS) multicountry soil management initiative for Integrated Landscape Restoration and climate-resilient food systems (SOILCARE). The project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), was launched with a soil survey and intervention site assessment workshop at the SIRDI conference room in the Corozal District.
Government
Use of Electric Motorcycles (Scooters) in Belize
The Department of Transport hereby advises all owners of electric motorcycles (scooters), that it is unlawful to operate such vehicles on any public road, unless the vehicle has been registered and licensed, and the driver is in possession of a valid driver’s license with the appropriate class to operate a motorcycle. Persons operating electric motorcycles (scooters) are also required to wear protective helmets and eye protectors.
Government
Project Pipeline and Concept Note Development for the Coastal Zone and Fisheries Sector
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative for Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize and Belize’s National Designated Authority to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is hosting a two-day workshop to develop a roadmap for the coastal zone and fisheries sector.
Government
Belize Participates in Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) in Seattle, Washington
Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Executive Director of BELTRAIDE is among 60 senior-level government, business, policy and economic decision-makers from 20 countries across the Americas who attended the Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE). The exchange was held from May 14 – May 19, 2023, grants participants a first-hand look at the greater Seattle, Washington region’s economic, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.