Monday, March 18, 2024
Tag:

European Union

Belize to clear backlog of criminal cases through PACE Justice Program

The Government of Belize has become part of a regional program known as the Partnership of the Caribbean and European Union on Justice (PACE Justice) to eliminate its backlogs of criminal cases. The new system will use software and awareness interventions to address the causes of the backlog. The other countries participating include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Belize back on the EU tax haven blacklist

On Tuesday, October 17th, the European Union (EU) added the Seychelles, Antigua, Barbuda, and Belize to its tax haven blacklist. It removed the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, and the Marshall Islands. The Government of Belize (GOB) rejected this decision by the EU, referring to it as false and unfair in designating the Jewel as a ‘non-cooperative jurisdiction for tax purposes.’

GOB Secures Funds for the Management of the MTDS

The Government of Belize has received €400,000 (BZ$855,000) in grant funds from the European Union (EU) through its Technical Cooperation Facility. These funds will be used to support the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) in effectively managing the National Development Strategy ─ Plan Belize Medium-Term Development Strategy (MTDS) ─ and for Development Partnership Coordination.

Belize strengthens its health system through PAHO’s Essential Public Health Functions

Through the European Union-funded Health Sector Support Programme (EU-HSSP) Belize, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) facilitated a two-day stakeholder consultation workshop on Belize’s Essential Public Health Functions (EPHFs). Almost 60 stakeholders from various Government ministries and departments analyzed each of the 11 renewed EPHFs to identify gaps and eventually develop an action plan to address priority gaps.

MOHW Launches the National Nutrition Policy

In an era marked by increasing rates of chronic diseases and nutritional imbalances, the Ministry of Health & Wellness recognizes the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to nutrition. As a result, the MOHW launched the National Nutrition Policy 2022-2023 in Belize City on June 8, 2023.

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.

Belize Poultry Industry receives Trade and Market Access Boost as Poultry Health Regulations come into effect

The Belize Poultry Health Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 121 of 2022, published in the Gazette on 25th August 2022, came into effect on 30th November 2022. These regulations will enable the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), in collaboration with poultry farmers, to effectively prevent, control, and eradicate poultry diseases. It also calls for effective biosecurity controls at poultry establishments to further safeguard the industry. As part of the implementation process, poultry industry importers, exporters, and other poultry establishments are required to register with BAHA, registration commenced in November 2022.

Inauguration of new Laboratory Spaces for Histopathology and Toxicology at the National Forensic Science Service

On January 26, 2023, the European Union together with the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries officially inaugurated the new Laboratory Spaces for Histopathology and Toxicology at the Belize National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) and handed over state of the art scientific and medical equipment that will greatly enhance the NFSS capacity moving forward.