Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve to secure SSB loan to combat Sargassum
The beaches of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, as those across the country, are again choking with the heavy influx of the brown algae known as Sargassum. It has become an inconvenience making the shoreline unattractive with the rotten seaweed and threatening the local tourism industry. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) is securing a $3.5 million loan from the Social Security Board (SSB) to address the situation. Some consider this move by HCMR frivolous and that the Government of Belize should bear the expense. The Hol Chan management, however, explained the need for the loan and what the project was all about.
Government
Belize issues statement of support in recognizing the Republic of China (Taiwan) as an independent nation
Following the announcement from the Honduran government considering ending ties with Taiwan and starting relations with mainland China, the Government of Belize (GOB) issued a statement on Wednesday, March 15th declaring its continued support for the island Asian State. In the statement, Belize commits to continue working with Taiwan to strengthen their cordial bilateral relations established in 1989.
Government
Civil Aviation Minister signs agreement: Belize to obtain primary radar
Belize could soon obtain a primary radar to improve its air navigation services. To ensure the acquisition of such critical equipment, the Belize Rural South (the Cayes) Area Representative and Minister of the Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, the Honourable Andre Perez, traveled to Madrid, Spain, to sign an agreement for the aviation asset. The agreement was signed at the 250th Ordinary Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Central American Corporation of Air Navigation Services (COCESNA) held on Sunday, March 12th.
Government
MED Continues to Improve Market Access for Vulnerable Smallholder Farmers
On March 9, 2023, the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Economic Development’s Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) Program, signed a memorandum of agreement with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) for the upgrade of 4.7 miles of farm feeder road in the Valley of Peace area.
Environment
Belize Assumes Seats on the Adaptation Fund Board and Technology Executive Committee of UNFCCC
Dr. Kenrick Williams, the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, has been appointed to the Adaptation Fund Board representing the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC).
Government
Government of Belize to Attend CANSO 2023 Airspace World Event
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA), will be participating in Airspace World, a new global event organized by the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO). Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, and Kennedy Carrillo, Chief Executive Officer in the ministry, are leading Belize’s delegation to the event, which is being hosted in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 8 to 10, 2023.
Government
PAHO/WHO Belize facilitates a Training of Trainers Workshop on Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence during Health Emergencies
35 professionals in Belize are better equipped to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls during health emergencies. With funding support from the Canada Caribbean Resilience Facility (CRF) of the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) partnered with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW), the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the Ministry of Sustainable Development Climate Change and Risk Disaster Management to conduct the training which was completed this week.
Government
Belize implements Phase Two of the Road Safety Project with one of the First Inter-programmatic Consultations for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Victims...
To improve the quality of mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS) for victims of road accidents and their families, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Government of Belize with financial support from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) conducted a consultation with multiple representatives from key ministries, stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).