Belize: Belize Prime Minister John Briceño met remotely in regular sessions with his cabinet ministers and took some vital decisions for the people well being.
In the meeting, Cabinet approved the introduction of legislation at the next meeting of the House of Representatives, listed for Friday, January 8, 2021, to empower the Central Bank of Belize to provide for emergency programs and facilities to help during unusual and necessary economic circumstances.
Cabinet discussed and approved a request by Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, reviews all short-term logging licenses issued on national land for the logging season from October 2020 to July 2021.
Cabinet approved the creation of an inter-ministerial committee to review the Misuse of Drugs Legislation to support amendments to facilitate the hemp industry’s proper development and establish a national hemp policy and monitoring mechanisms. The committee will include Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise; Hon. Kareem Musa, Minister from Home Affairs and New Growth Industries; and Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management.
Cabinet approved the introduction of a General Revenue (Supplementary Appropriations) Bill to cover urgent and unforeseen expenditure for the period after November 11, 2020, to March 31, 2021.
Cabinet confirmed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the National Forensic Science Services (NFSS) and the Central American Health Sciences University to formalize a working relationship between the two entities. This will ensure that the forensic post-mortem examinations for medicolegal death investigations can continue to align with the essential priorities of the NFSS. Additionally, the Coroner’s Act will be repealed and replaced by modern legislation.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister informed Cabinet that a state funeral would be held in honor of Dr. Dame Elmira Minita Gordon, Belize’s First Governor-General.
