Tag:
Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries
Government
Prison Information Management System Launched in Support of Citizen Security in Belize
On October 25, 2023, a ceremony to mark the launch of the Prison Information Management System (PIMS) was held at the Belize Central Prison, Kolbe Foundation in Belize.
Government
USAID-Funded InfoSegura Project Continues to Support Citizen Security in Belize
Continuing America’s efforts to support improvements in Belize’s citizen security, U.S. Embassy Acting Political and Economic Chief Sydney Skov and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Belize Deputy Resident Representative Ian King donated Information Communication Technology (ICT) equipment to Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries Hon. Kareem Musa on December 1, 2022.
Business & Economy
Marijuana referendum postponement may extend due to banking concerns
The postponement of the marijuana referendum on whether to legalize the production and sale of this drug may take a bit longer due to the threat of losing affiliated financial institutions in the United States of America (USA). The banking sector in Belize may present a roadblock to the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill 2022, which has already been passed in the National Assembly.
Government
Belize to hold referendum on legalization of marijuana; Ambergris Caye residents weigh in on the matter
While there is no set date yet, the Council of Churches has been able to trigger a referendum exercise on whether to legalize cannabis/marijuana in Belize. They managed to get the request approved through petitions by meeting the required 10% threshold, which equals 20,000 signatures. Belizeans will now be asked if they agree with legalizing the production and sale of marijuana. The topic has generated mixed opinions nationwide, particularly in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye.
Community and Society
Launch of the Joint Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Programme
Hon. Florencio Marin, Jr., Minister of National Defence and Border Security, and Hon. Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, in conjunction with the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, launched the Joint Sexual Violence Prevention and Response (JSVPR) Programme for the security forces. The launch of the JSVPR was held at the Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City on 17 February 2022 and will support the Belize Police Department, the Belize Defence Force, and the Belize Coast Guard.
Community and Society
Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries and team visits the island police formations
The police formations of Caye Caulker and San Pedro Town were visited by the Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, the Honourable Kareem Musa. The trip to the Cayes is part of his countrywide national familiarization tour with the different police formations and officers. Musa was accompanied by his Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kevin Arthurs, Area Representative the Honourable Andre Perez, the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado, Superintendents Clement Cacho and Christopher Noble, including the President of the Belize Police Department, Sergeant Jermaine Hyde.
Community and Society
New COVID-19 variant detected in Belize; government introduces new regulations
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) confirmed on Wednesday, June 30th, that a variant of the COVID-19 virus had been detected in Belize. Several samples have been sent to Baylor University in Texas, USA, to conduct gene sequencing and determine which variant is in the country. New measures to contain the sharp increase in infections were also announced and will go into effect on Sunday, July 4th.
Business & Economy
Businesses can face up to a $5,000 fine for violating COVID-19 regulations during Easter
The Honourable Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, warned businesses, such as restaurants, that they could face a $5,000 fine for COVID-19 regulation violations during the Easter weekend. He also advised against social events at hotels and other private accommodations and instead encouraged the Easter Safety Three W’s campaign- Wash hands, Wear your mask, and Watch your distance.
