Tag:
Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño
Government
Prime Minister Hon. John Briceno on official visit to Venezuela
At an official meeting in Caracas, Venezuela, between Prime Minister Honourable John Briceno and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday, November 25th, agreements were signed to deepen alliances and to resume Petrocaribe, a regional oil procurement deal between Venezuela and Caribbean countries. According to reports from Venezuela, Belize may start receiving oil from the South American government under special conditions associated with Petrocaribe.
Community and Society
Government proposes $1.3 billion budget; awaits Senate approval
The proposed 2022-2023 Government of Belize (GOB) budget of $1.361 billion will now be debated in the Senate before the governor general, Froyla Tzalam, issues her consent. On March 24th and 25th, it was debated in the House of Representatives, where the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Moses 'Shyne' Barrow, criticized it and Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño disagreed.
Community and Society
Prime Minister Briceño announces hospital for San Pedro Town
As previously indicated by Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez regarding the securement of funds for building a hospital in San Pedro Town, on Tuesday, March 15th, it was confirmed that islanders would finally get the long-awaited medical facility. Briceño announced during his budget presentation saying that the financing for the island hospital is a $33 million grant from the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Government
Belize hosts the 33rd Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conferences of Heads of Government of CARICOM on Ambergris Caye
Belize is hosting the 33rd Inter-sessional meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in northern Ambergris Caye as part of its chairmanship. On Tuesday, March 1st, Prime Minister Honourable John Briceno officially opened the summit, which will end on Thursday, March 3rd, with the joint session with the Central American Integration or SICA leaders. The discussions will range from climate change, COVID-19, regional security, and the CARICOM Single Market and Economic advancement. The Russia-Ukraine conflict will also be discussed.
Community and Society
Government retires the curfew; changes to mask-wearing, and COVID-19 border testing
On Monday evening, February 28th, Prime Minister Honourable John Briceno informed the nation that his government would relax the COVID-19 health restrictions. As of March 1st, the almost two-year curfew will come to an end. Significant changes were also revealed on mask-wearing and border testing.
Community and Society
Hol Chan Marine Reserve rebrands and launches marine station
A ceremony to celebrate the Hol Chan Marine Reserve's rebranding (HCMR) and the launching of its marine station was held on Thursday, February 24th, in San Pedro Town. The official event shared the state of the organization, revealed a new logo, and launched its marine station at sea. The occasion saw the presence of Prime Minister Honourable John Briceño, who, along with Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez and HCMR Chairman Ian Pou, shared with those in attendance that the island and the country have entered a new chapter in the administration of the oldest marine reserve in the nation.
Community and Society
State Memorial held to celebrate the life of Rt. Hon. Sir Manuel Esquivel
On Tuesday, February 15th, a State Memorial celebrating the life of the late former Prime Minister Right Honourable Dr. Sir Manuel Esquivel KCMG, PC, was held in Belize City. This included transporting his ashes to the Government House from his residence and a visit of government officials and other dignitaries to pay their respects.
Business & Economy
Sugar crop season back on track; BSI/ASR and cane farmers settled dispute over interim agreement
After some hurdles, the Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI)/American Sugar Refinery (ASR) and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) settled a dispute regarding an interim agreement. On Monday, January 3rd, the sugar cane crop started without further interruptions. As of 10AM the BSI/ASR began to receive the first loads of cane at the factory situated at Tower Hill just outside Orange Walk Town.
