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Cabinet Brief June 30th 2021

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 29th June 2021.

• Cabinet received an update from health professionals at the Ministry of Health & Wellness on the current state of affairs with respect to COVID-19 including the announcement of a ramped-up vaccination campaign and recommendations for new measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

• Cabinet was apprised of the challenges Belize and other member states in CARICOM face in advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) integration process. To this end, Cabinet took note of the actions necessary to overcome those challenges and approved the appointment of persons in various ministries to support the work to implement policies relevant to Belize regarding the CSME.

• Cabinet approved amendments to the Tax Administration and Procedure Act to enable the Belize Tax Services Department to better pursue tax defaulters both criminally and civilly.

• Cabinet gave its approval for the introduction of key E-Governance Legislation relating to electronic transactions, data sharing and protection, and a new Electronic Transfer of Funds Crime Bill.

• Finally, Cabinet approved the amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act that would provide for the creation of a regulated and responsible cannabis industry for Belize.

Cabinet Brief July 6th 2021

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 6th July 2021.

• Cabinet was briefed by Samantha Matute-Tucker, Assistant Solicitor General, in relation to the undertaking of the Government to adopt affirmative measures, in consultation with the Maya people or their representatives, to identify and protect the rights of the Maya customary laws and land tenure.

• Cabinet approved its first fiscal incentive to Caye Chapel Company Limited to develop Caye Chapel into a luxury destination branded as a Four Seasons Resort, including a 100-room hotel that would employ over 400 Belizeans. Additionally, over 200 Belizeans are expected to be employed during the construction of the condominium-style rooms, spas, golf course, restaurant, marina, and airstrip. The owners have already invested over BZ$100 million and expect to receive revenues of more than BZ$125 million annually over the next five years.

• Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness, reported to Cabinet that since the 30th June roll-out of the vaccine campaign, 12,340 vaccines were issued countrywide. As of 5th July 2021, 93,275 persons have received their first vaccine and 34,341 have received both doses.

The Minister of Health & Wellness reported to Cabinet that due to the rising number of cases in the Toledo District, a two-week lockdown of Barranco, Conejo and Midway villages was put in place as of Friday, 2nd July. Since the lockdown, food hampers have been delivered to villagers every four days and a weekly stipend of $150.00 is being given to every household in the affected villages.

• Cabinet gave its approval for the establishment of an entertainment and recreation park with a Designated Processing Area (DPA) in the area where the casinos are located at the northern Belize border with Mexico. This is to allow for the area to be transitioned into a Special Border Entertainment and Recreation Zone to take advantage of the opportunity that exists in developing the tourism potential in the area.

• Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, informed Cabinet that he will lead a delegation to Chetumal, Mexico, on 8th July 2021, to hold talks on trade and agriculture with his Mexican counterparts.

• Finally, the Prime Minister informed Cabinet that he will be travelling to the U.S. to meet with António Guterres, UN Secretary-General. The meeting with the Secretary-General will include various issues including climate change, Belize's work on the Economic and Social Council, security, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Guatemalan claim to Belizean territory, which is now before the International Court of Justice. During his absence, the Hon. Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister, will act as Prime Minister.

Cabinet Brief July 13th 2021

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 13th July 2021.

• Cabinet received a report from Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture & Enterprise, on his recent bilateral meeting with Dr. Victor Manuel Villalobos Arambula, Secretary of Agriculture of Mexico. Successful discussions were held on a number of issues ranging from the restart of the exportation of shrimp to Mexico, expansion of cattle exports into Mexico, collaboration on the production of soy beans as well as the possibility of collaboration on pitahaya and soursop production for export and additional support for Belize's coconut and citrus industries.

• Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness, informed the Cabinet that as of Monday, 12th July 2021, 107,617 or 25% of Belizeans had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 39,463 or 9% had been fully vaccinated. In the first week of the new vaccination campaign, a record 19,111 persons were vaccinated.

• After receiving an update on the number of new COVID-19 infections, Cabinet gave its approval to extend the lockdown in the southern villages of Barranco, Midway and Conejo until 31st July 2021.

• Cabinet gave its approval for the upgrade of the water system in San Antonio Village in the Toledo District. This measure is being taken to meet current demand for water due to the number of residents in the village.

• Cabinet approved the signing of the revised Constitutive Agreement of the Mundo Maya Organization and appointed Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, to sign the revised agreement on behalf of the Government.

• Finally, Cabinet gave its approval for the Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO) to adopt the Harmonized Database of acceptable goods and services for the classification of trademark applications.

Cabinet Brief July 20th 2021

The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 20th July 2021.

• Cabinet received a report from Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness, on the rising number of COVID-19 detections and approved new measures and restrictions which will come into effect on Sunday, 25th July 2021.

• Cabinet received an update from Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, on the redistricting exercise and urged that a plan be finalized and presented to Cabinet.

• Cabinet discussed the June 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report and approved steps to improve performance in combatting this issue in Belize, calling on all relevant ministries to implement the recommendations made in the report where appropriate. In addition, Cabinet restored funding to enable implementation of the plan.

• Cabinet approved the completion and validation of the protocols for accompanied and unaccompanied migrant children in Belize. This protocol requires validation prior to its implementation and is guided by national, regional, and international conventions and gives priority to children's right to life, survival, security and shelter.

• Cabinet gave its approval to conduct an exercise for the re-delineation of municipal boundaries for Dangriga, Corozal, Orange Walk, San Pedro, San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Benque Viejo and Punta Gorda towns. This is in support of a 2012 request by the Belize Mayors' Association to re-delineate municipal boundaries.

• Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour & Local Government, informed Cabinet that he received a letter from the President of the Christian Workers' Union (CWU), dated 13th July 2021, informing that the CWU was invoking the 21 days' notice to institute industrial action against the Port of Belize Limited (PBL). In response, the Labour Commissioner will meet with the parties to develop a protocol on how the talks will proceed and scheduled the first meeting for 20th July 2021.

Cabinet took note of recent developments and requested that the Labour Commissioner extend all efforts to mediate a successful outcome in the deliberations between the CWU and PBL.

• Hon. Florencio Marin, Jr., Minister of National Defence & Border Security, reported to Cabinet on his recent working visit to New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States, where he and his delegation were hosted by the U.S. Military to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the State Partnership Program between Belize and the Louisiana National Guard.

During his visit, Minister Marin and his delegation met with the High Command of the Louisiana National Guard and were appraised of the State Partnership Program between the Belize Defence Force (BDF), the Belize Coast Guard and the Louisiana National Guard.

Minister Marin discussed matters of cooperation between Belize and the Louisiana National Guard, including training opportunities, sharing of expertise, and assistance to the Belize Youth Challenge Programme. In recognition and in honour of the 25th Anniversary of the State Partnership Program, Belize received commendation from Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana.

The delegation included Hon. Oscar Mira, Minister of State; Ret'd Brigadier General Dario Tapia, CEO; Rear Admiral John Borland, Chief of Defence Staff; Brigadier General Steven Ortega, Commander of the BDF; Commander Gregory Soberanis, Acting Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard; and Force Sergeant Major Wilfredo Majano of the BDF.

Cabinet Brief August 10, 2021

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 10th August 2021.

• Cabinet received an update from the Ministry of Health & Wellness informing that Belize is currently experiencing its third wave of COVID-19. In addition, reports received from the Central Medical Laboratory on 9th August 2021 indicate the presence of the following variants in Belize: Alpha, Gamma and Delta. In response to the presence of the very active Delta variant, Cabinet agreed to extend the current regulations, including the 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew until 31st August 2021.

• Cabinet was apprised of the status of vaccines and the number of vaccines available in Belize. As of 9th August 2021, 141,770 or 32 percent of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 56,330 or 13 percent of the population had been fully vaccinated.

• Cabinet requested the Attorney General seek medical expertise from the Ministry of Health & Wellness to explore all necessary legal measures that the government may lawfully implement to help contain the spread of COVD-19, including options to implement mandatory coronavirus vaccinations for both the public and private sectors or to require vaccination passes for the use of public spaces and for business facilities.

• Finally, Cabinet asked the Attorney General to explore the increase in penalties for offences relating to the spread of falsehoods, in particular the spread of disinformation on public health matters.

Cabinet Brief August 18, 2021

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 17th August 2021.

• Cabinet was apprised by the Ministry of Health & Wellness on the current situation at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and the national response to the third wave of COVID-19. So far this year the virus has claimed 63 lives, six in the past week alone and is putting a strain on the health system. In response to the request from the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Cabinet has agreed to additional COVID-19 measures that will be released by the Ministry of Health & Wellness. Cabinet urges all Belizeans who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated. Vaccinations save lives.

• Cabinet was updated on the status of vaccines and the number of vaccines available in Belize. As of 16th August 2021, 149,428 or 34.7 percent of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine. This represents an increase of 7,658 new vaccinations over last week's numbers. As of 16th August 2021, 61,567 or 14.3 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated, an increase of 5,237 more Belizeans have been fully vaccinated over last week's 56,330.

• On 18th August 2021, 111,000 Pfizer vaccines arrived in Belize to be followed by 112,000 Johnson & Johnson vaccines on 21st August 2021. This first allotment of the Pfizer vaccines will be used primarily to vaccinate the 58,000 Belizean youth between the ages of 12 to 17 years old.

• The Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labor & Local Government informed Cabinet that negotiations between the Christian Workers Union and the Port of Belize over the collective bargaining agreement between the staff of the Port of Belize were progressing steadily towards a successful outcome and that the matter involving the stevedores was now before the Labour Tribunal.

• Cabinet gave its approval to make the necessary amendments to the current Trade License Regime to complete the Trade License Reform and prepare the necessary legislative amendments.

• Cabinet endorsed the enactment of Medical Waste Regulations to tackle the long-standing human, health and environmental challenge concerning the disposal of medical waste to be implemented and enforced by the Department of the Environment.

• Cabinet endorsed the timeline of activities set out by the Statistical Institute of Belize to prepare for the conduct of the May 2022 Population and Housing Census and to provide the necessary funding to conduct the census.

• Recognizing that the citrus industry is critical to Belize's socioeconomic development, Cabinet approved the allocation of $15 million in loan financing disbursed through the DFC for the industry. This financing facility will be disbursed over a three-year period at interest rates ranging from 5.5 to 8 percent for implementing short- and medium-term programs necessary for the revitalization of the citrus industry.

• Cabinet approved the lifting of the ban on visas for nationals of India and Bangladesh and requested that the Attorney General draft the appropriate statutory instrument.

• Finally, Cabinet is asking all Belizeans to remain alert, especially those in the northern districts as Hurricane Grace draws closer to the Yucatan Peninsula. Information from the National Meteorological Service of Belize indicates that at 3:00 p.m. today, Hurricane Grace was 317 miles east northeast of Corozal Town or 330 miles northeast of Belize City. Hurricane Grace is expected to make landfall somewhere between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Mexico early morning on 19th August and will impact Belize with squally showers and thunderstorms and rains of one to four inches, which will come mostly behind the system.

Cabinet Brief August 25, 2021

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 24th August 2021.

• Cabinet welcomed the news that Belizean Contractor M&M Ltd. was chosen for the construction of a new bridge across the Belize River to replace the Haulover Bridge at a cost of BZ$30 million. This is BZ$29 million less than the original bid of BZ$59 under the past UDP Administration for the construction of the bridge.

• Cabinet was apprised by the Ministry of Health & Wellness on the roll-out of the Pfizer vaccination for Belizeans between the ages of 12 and 17. As of Tuesday morning, 24th August, which marked the nationwide vaccine roll-out for students, 1,492 Pfizer vaccines were administered to students in Belize, Corozal and Orange Walk districts.

• Cabinet was updated on the status of vaccines and the number of vaccines available in Belize. As of 16th August 2021, 153,225 persons or 35.6% of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine. This represents an increase of 7,658 new vaccinations over last week's numbers. Additionally, 61,567 or 14.3% of the population has been fully vaccinated, an increase of 5,237 more persons over last week's 56,330.

• On 26th August 2021, Belize will receive 112,000 Johnson & Johnson vaccines through the African Platform. These vaccines will be added to the other vaccines currently being distributed across Belize. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a one-shot vaccine and will be available to Belizeans in the coming days. Vaccines save lives so all Belizeans are urged to get vaccinated.

• Cabinet endorsed the updated National Determined Contributions (NDC) to be presented by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, which embodies Belize's efforts to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions while adapting to climate change. The updated NDC is the nation's plan to address climate change and partial fulfillment of Belize's commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

• Cabinet gave its approval for Belize to accede to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Customs Organization and on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters. This agreement formally enables and fosters cooperation among its member Customs Departments for the exchange of sensitive information, customs modernization and otherwise to achieve greater efficiencies in revenue collection, trade facilitation and law enforcement.

• Cabinet was updated on the current status in the implementation of the new ePassport system and ePassports and approved the base concept of the ePassport design proposal, which should pave the way for the new passport system to be introduced in July 2022.

• Cabinet endorsed signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Youth, Sports and E-Governance and Harvest Trading Cap Academy for the launch of a youth scholarship program in financial markets training in Belize for 5,000 youths to assist in fostering youth entrepreneurship. These scholarships will be funded by the Harvest Trading Cap Academy.

• Cabinet gave its full support and endorsement to the Belize Education Sector Strategy Plan 2021-2025 that was presented by the Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science & Technology.

• Finally, Cabinet is asking all Belizeans to remain alert, as yet another system forms in the southwestern Caribbean and will move closer to our area over the next two days as a weak tropical depression. This system is expected to bring rains and flooding, especially in the northern part of the country over the course of the weekend. The National Emergency Management Organization continues to monitor the system and will provide timely updates to the nation.

Cabinet Brief August 31, 2021

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 31st August 2021.

• Cabinet was updated on the status of vaccines and the number of vaccines available in Belize. As of 31st August 2021, 167,596 persons or 38.9 percent of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine. This represents an increase of 18,168 new vaccinations over last week's numbers. As of 31st August 2021, 69,924 persons or 16.2 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated, an increase of 8,357 more Belizeans have been fully vaccinated over last week's 61,567.

• Since the roll out of the Pfizer vaccines, 10,638 Belizeans between the ages of 12 to 17 have received their first shot of the vaccine.

• For the health and wellness of Belizeans, Cabinet directed that all persons wishing to enter Belize through the land borders must be tested for COVID-19 at the points of entry.

• The Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government informed Cabinet that negotiations between the Christian Workers Union and the Port of Belize over the collective bargaining agreement between the staff of the Port of Belize continue to progress. A draft of the agreement is currently being finalized between the parties. In relation to stevedores, the meeting with the Labour Tribunal is scheduled to take place on 6th September 2021.

• Cabinet gave its approval to introduce a bill at Sitting of the House of Representatives on September 3, 2021, to amend the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act Chapter 98 of the Substantive Laws of Belize to increase the penalty for the offence of spreading or publishing false news from a penalty of up to $300 or imprisonment of up to six months to $3000 or imprisonment of up to six months in the first instance.

• Cabinet gave its approval to amend the Court of Appeal Act and Court Rules to allow the Court to exercise its discretion as the Justice of the case requires on applications to extend time for appeals.

• Cabinet approved the restructuring and updating of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) regulations to address the removal of outdated technical terms; restructuring of regulations to ensure easy interpretation and applications; addition of regulation of new services fees; updating of fees to reflect the real cost of doing business and increasing rate of fines and penalties to foster compliance.

• Cabinet approved an extension of the Kolbe Foundation's Management contract for the Hattieville Prison.

• Finally, Cabinet requested that the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise instructs the Bureau of Standards to investigate the issue of price gouging at stores across Belize.

Cabinet Brief September 8, 2021

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 7th September 2021.

• Cabinet was updated on the status of vaccines and the number of vaccines available in Belize. As of 7th September 2021, 173,077 persons or 40.2% of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine. This represents an increase of 5,481 new vaccinations over last week's numbers. As of 7th September 2021, 76,279 persons or 17.1% of the population has been fully vaccinated, an increase of 6,365 more Belizeans have been fully vaccinated over last week's 69,924.

• Since the roll-out of the Pfizer vaccines, 14,875 Belizeans, ages 12 to 17 years, have received their first shot of the vaccine.

• The Prime Minister updated Cabinet on developments in relation to the renegotiations of the Super Bond which, if successful, would eliminate BZ$500 million of public debt or 12 cents of every dollar Belize owes. This is a part of government's home-grown recovery program with extensive budget benefits in the short-term: providing room for public finance rebound, gross fiscal saving amounting to 5% GDP in the short-term, in line with Plan Belize's commitment to secure debt relief and public debt reduction.

• Cabinet was briefed on the efforts by the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries to get more weapons off the streets and welcomed the news from the Hon. Kareem Musa that 14 illegal weapons were seized. This was done in specific areas of Southside Belize City since the State of Emergency was instituted.

• Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, provided Cabinet with additional pointers on proposals to the general agreement of the Maya Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Protocol.

• Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, updated Cabinet on plans for safe and virtual activities in relation to the celebration of St. George's Caye Day.

• Finally, Cabinet wishes all Belizeans a safe and happy St. George's Caye Day and reminds everyone to wear masks, social distance, wash hands and encourages those not fully vaccinated to do so. Vaccinations save lives.

Cabinet Brief September 16, 2021

The Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 14th September 2021.

• Cabinet was updated on the status of vaccines and the number of vaccines available in Belize. As of 14th September 2021, 176,242 persons or 40% of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine. This represents an increase of 3,165 new vaccinations over last week's numbers. As of 14th September 2021, 81,229 persons or 18.8% of the population has been fully vaccinated, an increase of 4,950 over last week's 74,874.

• Since the roll-out of the Pfizer vaccines, 17,172 Belizeans between the ages of 12 and 17 years have received their first shot of the vaccine.

• Starting, Monday, 20th of September 2021 and for the next two weeks the new measures are as follows:

- A curfew is imposed countrywide from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. except for San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia and Hopkins, where the curfew will remain from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

- Restaurants will only be able to provide takeout service, except for restaurants in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia and Hopkins.

- Casinos and Churches are to be CLOSED.

- NO form of contact sports is allowed.

- Sunday, 26th September and Sunday, 3rd October 2021 will be declared NO MOVEMENT DAYS except for medical attention, to purchase medication, groceries or fuel.

• The Prime Minister informed the Cabinet of the details of the proposed offer by Belize to buy back the Superbond. Cabinet approved the terms and looks forward to a successful uptake by bondholders.

• Cabinet gave its approval for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration to enact regulations for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Community Skilled Persons Act for procedures associated with the application, issuance, upgrade, replacement, and verification of skill certificates, for the revocation, surrendering and cancelation of skill certificates; for procedures to be observed when an offence is committed; and for procedures for the maintenance of a register of qualified, skilled CARICOM nationals, and to repeal the fees levied on the appendence of skilled CARICOM nationals.

• Cabinet endorsed the establishment of a gaming and lotteries commission for Belize.

• Cabinet approved the reduction of fees and waiver of overdue fees for persons requiring visa extensions to remain in Belize, and who could not remain current due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Finally, Cabinet strongly urges the public to wear masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands regularly, and for those not fully vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccinations save lives.