Government of Belize

Special Event to Honor 28 Years of Cuban Medical Brigade

19 June 2019 by Thebeliz

Cuban medical staff belize — Minister Marin conveyed sincere gratitude to the Cuban Government and people for their continued and invaluable contribution to Belize. Photo: Government of Belize

Havana, Cuba- Minister of Health Hon. Pablo Marin hosted an event to honour Cuban medical personnel who have served in Belize. The event was hosted at Kcho Studio Romerillo Gallery and Community Centre in Havana, Cuba.

The studio is a community cultural project demonstrating the transformative power of art. It was founded by the world-renowned Cuban visual artist Alexis Leyva Machado, also known as Kcho, who believes that “art has a healing ability that can enrich and beautify other peoples’ lives”. He embodies the spirit of the collaboration that has brought Cubans and Belizeans together in keeping with the late Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro’s vision of service among developing nations.

The medical personnel reunited, recalling their experiences and years of service in every district. This was set against a backdrop of images Belize by Cuban-Belizean Orestes Aguiar.

Currently 87 Cubans serving in Belizean Health Care Sector
Cuba has been sending medical personnel to Belize since 1990. Currently, there are 87 Cubans serving in the Belizean health sector. Minister Marin recognized their contribution to the development of health services in Belize. He also acknowledged the sacrifices they made by leaving their families behind to serve on behalf of their country for the benefit of Belize.

Minister Marin conveyed sincere gratitude to the Cuban Government and people for their continued and invaluable contribution to Belize.

Belmopan City Council at Odds with Public Service Union over sale of Building

12 November 2018 by Thebeliz

PSU press conference — The PSU stated during their meeting today that they would fight the unexpected sale of “their” building were not planning to vacate the premises.

Belmopan- The Public Service Union and the Belmopan City Council (BCC) are at odds with one another over the sale as what has become know as the PSU Headquarters.

While the PSU claimed to be surprisde and said that they were having discussion ‘in good faith’ for the purchase of the Hilltop building, BCC claims the existence of ‘huge arrears’ in payments since the original agreement to purchase the building by the Union. On top of that, BCC claims that they could not reach an agreement with PSU about the selling price of the building involved.

“The building used for the PSU headquarters is situated on Parcel No. 6061 owned by the BCC and was first leased to the PSU in 2001 for a term of 20 years at the rate of $500 per month. Subsequent to the signing of that agreement, a new lease was signed in 2003 for a term of 20 years with a monthly rental in the amount of $500 with an option to purchase upon completion of the contract. All payments made over the course of the lease would then be applied to the purchase of the property if the Union chose to exercise their option to purchase”, according to a press release from BCC.

The Council also claims there were huge arrears in payments by the PSU and that the Council failed to reach an agreement on the purchase price for the building.

“The BCC offered the property for purchase at a heavily discounted price of $503,810.54. The PSU then made a counterproposal of $187,278.70 which was less than half of the already discounted valuation. While in negotiations with the PSU, an offer was made to the BCC and was accepted in the amount of $400,000 which is more than double the PSU’s best and final offer” according to the press release.

PSU calls the action by the BCC a ‘malicious act’ and is calling for action and solidarity from its members to counteract the decision made by the Capital’s City Council. The union is also adamant that it will not be moved and is not planning to vacate the building.

Belize 125th of 190 countries Measured in World Bank Doing Business Report

2 November 2018 by Thebeliz

ease_of_doing_business — Belize dropped 4 places on the list compared to last year’s ranking, but there are positive developments.

Belmopan- 2018. On Wednesday, October 31, 2018, the World Bank released its annual Doing Business report, which ranks countries based on their regulations and other barriers to business activity. This year, Belize ranks 125th out of the 190 countries measured, which is a four-point decrease from the previous year’s ranking.

When compared to other CARICOM countries, Belize continues to rank in the middle, after the Bahamas and ahead of Barbados. Jamaica tops the region at 75 and Haiti is last at 182.

“While Belize’s rank has fluctuated over the past few years, this is not indicative of a lack of progress that is being made on the ground since policy reform and systemic improvements often require time to materialize,” said Mr. Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director of the Economic Development Council (EDC).

The EDC is tasked with promoting dialogue, meaningful communication, and partnership between the government and the private-sector with the objective of addressing economic development challenges and opportunities affecting the ease of doing business in Belize.

Recent accomplishments in the areas covered by the Doing Business Report include advancing Belize’s eGoverment strategy for delivering public services via online platforms, amending the Belize Building Act to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Central Building Authority (national regulator) and those of the Local Building Units (municipalities) thereby leading to greater efficiencies in applying for construction permits.

The Trade License regime has also been under revision with the objective of introducing standardized application and transparency thereby allowing predictability, better forecasting and planning as well as improvement in moving funds nationally due to the enactment of the National Payment System Act, for automatic cheque payment processing led by the Central Bank of Belize.

Reforms are critical
Reforms such as these are critical for a country to receive a higher rank in the Doing Business report, however, since many of Belize’s reforms are new or ongoing, it is not until subsequent cycles of the report that they will be reflected in improved country performance.

The report’s goal is to inspire regulation that is efficient, accessible, and implemented in simple ways to facilitate business activity.

The EDC commends the line ministries, departments and regulatory agencies that are serious about reform, and invites everyone to continue supporting the advancement of Belize’s business climate. Much work still needs to be done to increase Belize’s rankings in the Doing Business report and this can only be achieved through conscious and committed effort by all relevant institutions. Recent reforms, ongoing regulatory upgrades, and continued collaboration between the government and private-sector reveal a country that is eager to improve.

Walk-trough Tour of Renovated Court Building

2 November 2018 by Thebeliz

Walk through of renovated court — The renovations to the Supreme Court are a part of a larger investment being conducted in the downtown area of Belize City. Photo; GOB

Belize City- In August of this year, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation through the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project commenced rehabilitation works at the Belize Supreme Court. On Tuesday, October 30th, government officials and invited guests viewed the completion of the much-needed rehabilitation works during a walk-through of the court.

The rehabilitation works included roof repairs, ceiling and associated electrical works, minor repairs to the air condition system, painting of the Cupula, and termite treatment. The works were made possible by a $60, 912.50 contribution by the Downtown Rejuvenation Project in addition to counterpart contribution by the Belize Supreme Court. Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin remarked that he was especially grateful for the repairs to the ceiling which had been caving-in.

Part of larger downtown are investment
The renovations to the Supreme Court are a part of a larger investment being conducted in the downtown area of Belize City. The project is funded by the Government of Belize and the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) and executed by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation through the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project. Partners of the project include the National Institute of Culture & History (NICH) and the Belize City Council.

Also present at the walk-through were Mr. Yashin Dujon, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation; Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton, Minister with responsibility for the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce; His Lordship Kenneth Benjamin, Chief Justice; Ms. Trinia Young, Registrar of Supreme Court; Mrs. Bi-Yin Chien, Deputy Council at the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan); and Mr. John Arana, Director of the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project.

Social Security Board With Information Session on Nov. 8th

1 November 2018 by Thebeliz

Belmopan- The Social Security Board (SSB) is hosting the organization`s first annual information sharing event, SSB Connect. This forum promises to be an interactive and engaging session highlighting how the Social Security Board served its valued stakeholders in 2017.

Interested parties are invited to join SSB at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza on November 8 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to receive important information and updates about SSB operations and the Fund.

The purpose of SSB Connect is to interact with stakeholders and to detail the current status of the fund by providing reports on collections and expenditures of your contributions and investments. The organization will also celebrate the service enhancements made in 2017 such as the Online Contribution Portal and the Direct Deposit services.

SSB asks interested parties to register via info@socialsecurity.org.bz

BAHA Food Safety Laboratory Receives Accreditation

31 October 2018 by Thebeliz

BAHA building — The recognition was conferred by the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC)

Belmopan- The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) is pleased to announce accreditation of its Food Safety Laboratory, the Central Investigation Laboratory (CIL), to ISO/IEC 17025:2005, international standard for Competence of Testing Laboratories. This recognition was conferred by the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) effective August 17, 2018.

BAHA says they are proud to offer greater assurance to our customers in the quality of our testing services. According to BAHA their success in this endeavor is a measure of BAHA’s commitment to quality infrastructure and customer satisfaction.

BAHA also states that they will continue to strive for excellence with their ongoing efforts to improve the quality and scope of its laboratory testing services. BAHA also stresses that they remain faithfully committed to fulfilling their mandate to the people of Belize, local producers, exporters, importers, trading partners and collaborators.

BAHA management said to be thankful to the donors and collaborators who helped to make this achievement a reality: The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA), the Caribbean Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), Organizacion Internacional Regional de Salud Agropecauria (OIRSA), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the European Union and the Government of Belize.

Ministers Inspect Damage Left By San Pedro Blaze

6 August 2018 by Thebeliz

Ministers inspect damage of SP Blaze — Ministers Edmond Castro and Manuel Heridia visited the place where the blaze left many homeless in San Pedro. Photo: GOB

San Pedro- Ministers Edmond Castro (National Emergencies & Fire) and Manuel Heridia (Tourism) have visited San Pedro to take a first-hand look at the damage left behind by the blaze wich took place last weekend in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

The blaze left destroyed no less than 10 buildings and has left about 75 people on the island homeless. The ministers spoke to various victims of the devastating fire.

All victims have been provided with temporary shelter, food, water, clothing and hygiene kits.

Castro and Heredia assured the fire victims during their visit that the Government of Belize, in partnership with humanitarian organizations, businesses, and the general community, would do whatever they can to help them rebuild their homes and lives.

Progress Made With Sheep and Goat Certification Program

15 July 2018 by Thebeliz

Belmopan -The Livestock Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project, participated in the 54th Caribbean Food Crops Society Poster Presentation along with international presenters on July 10th, 2018 at the Princess Ramada Hotel in Belize City.

The unit’s poster showcased the Breeding Certification System on Small Ruminants and highlighted the main steps of the certification program, which includes the protocol for registration and certification of the breeding stocks, the breed types, the partners comprising the Certification Committee as well as defined the blood registration for up to three generation pedigree.

The Sheep Project, funded by Republic of China (Taiwan) in cooperation with Government of Belize, has been actively engaged in implementing the project’s main goals. Since its inception in December 2015, the Sheep Project has completed some of its main goals, which include the expansion of the infrastructure for the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center housing facility, pasture and protein bank expansion, and the introduction of new sheep breed genetics from the United States of America.

Additionally, the Sheep Project has contributed to the development of the Sheep and Goat Certification Program for the sheep industry in Belize, specifically to assist the acceleration of genetic improvement, credibility and value of breeds at sheep-breeding farms countrywide. For this to be effective, the Belize Sheep/Goat Certification Committee was tasked with the responsibility to appraise the registration and certification, the application documents, review and issuance of certificates.

68 imported sheep of three different breeds, namely Katahdin, Dorper and Barbados Blackbelly, have been granted certification. 19 young lambs, offspring from the local basal registered ewes, also qualified and are confirmed for registration.

The Government of Belize with the support of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), through the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project, is committed to improving the overall genetics in sheep through the importation and introduction of quality breeding stock, and the installment of a certification program to ensure the quality of the breeding stocks remain pure for up to three generations pedigree.

IDB Provides Technical Cooperation Grant for Belize’s Digitization Efforts

19 June 2018 by Thebeliz

The IDB says they are happy to support Belize’s efforts to create a better business environment and digital economy.

Washington DC- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a technical cooperation grant of 220.000 US Dollars that will employ digital technology to pilot on approach for re-engineering and digitizing the delivery of services, which are critical to improving the business climate in Belize. The Bank-executed project will be funded through the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility and will be executed in partnership with Belize’s Economic Economic Development Council (EDC).

The project will finance a mobile-friendly, feasible technological solution to streamline business processes with current best-practices and improve data-sharing among government agencies. Improved intra-agency communication, according to IDB, will not only result in reduced transaction times, but will also support open data initiatives.

“We are happy to support the Government of Belize’s efforts to improve the business climate and facilitate a digital economy through this project, which advances the implementation of technological infrastructure and solutions”, said IDB Country Representative, Dr. Casandra Rogers.

The project was first presented by EDC in response to Compete Caribbean’s call for proposals on business climate and innovation reform projects across the Caribbean region. The project will build on past efforts by EDC and the Government of Belize’s to address reforms for improving business and investment climate in the country.

The efforts are geared among others to eliminating the need for lengthy travel in the country to submit papers to the various government agencies.

Public Service Day to be Celebrated June 23rd

14 June 2018 by Thebeliz

Honors_and_awards_2018__ — The number of employees to be recognized has quadrupled in recent years.

Belmopan- In solidarity with the United Nations and other countries around the world, Belize will celebrate Public Service Day on 23rd June. The theme for this year is “The Belize Public Service – Moving towards the future with Innovation, Dedication, and Perseverance.”

This year marks the implementation of the ‘Recognition and Meritorious Award Policy’ for the Belize Public Service, which is a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to building employee morale by showing appreciation for employees across the Public Service at every level for outstanding performances.

Given that it is the initial stage of the policy’s implementation, the number of employees to be recognized has quadrupled, and so two award ceremonies will be held.

The first ceremony will be held on Friday, 15th June 2018, at 3:00 p.m. inside the King’s room of the Ramada Hotel, Belize City, in recognition of public officers who have served for 30 and 35+ years. The second ceremony will take place on Thursday, 21st June 2018, at 3:00 p.m. inside the Bedran Hall of the San Ignacio Hotel Resort, San Ignacio Town in recognition of public officers who have served in the Public Service for 25 years and have made significant contributions.

Officers reaching milestones of 10 to 20 years will be recognized by their individual Ministries. Certificates and milestone awards will be presented by His Excellency Sir Colville Young, the Governor General of Belize; Hon. Frank Mena, Minister of state in the Ministry of Public Service; and Dr. Peter Allen, CEO in the Ministry.