Belmopan, August 8, 2024.
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met on 6th August 2024.
- In an effort to bolster the police department and further its #PlanBelize objective to reduce crime and improve public safety, Cabinet gave its approval for the Belize Police Department to conduct a recruitment exercise to add another 225 police officers to increase the personnel across the country. This will allow for the Police Department to staff a new precinct in Santa Elena Town to strengthen some of its specialized units.
- The Central American Bank for Economic Integration has conducted a comprehensive study on the physical and functional infrastructure of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Following intensive discussions on the findings of that study, Cabinet endorsed the recommendation from the Ministry of Health and Wellness to construct a new modern tertiary level patient-friendly hospital in Belize City.
- Cabinet was appraised on the status of the Cataloguing of Government Services project spearheaded by the E-Governance and Digitalization Department to enhance the management of government services. This is a comprehensive data collection exercise involving 37 agencies and over 282 services. This exercise is aimed at facilitating a deeper understanding of the delivery of Government services to improve transparency and efficiency
- Cabinet was apprised of the National Digital Agenda 2022 – 2025 and welcomed the progress made in facilitating, adopting and applying information and communication technologies to marginalized communities. This program addresses barriers that impede communities’ access to opportunities and participation in the digital age. Funded through the ICDF and the UNDP, this project will, among other things, provide training for seniors to improve their knowledge and skills in effectively using digital technologies to enable them to navigate the internet and utilize e-services safely.
- Cabinet gave its approval for the establishment of critical positions within the New Growth Industries Unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries to enhance the capacity of the unit to effectively manage and promote emerging sectors crucial for economic diversification and growth.
- Cabinet requested that the Minister of Sustainable Development spearhead an initiative to get Belizeans to plant trees. This project aims to involve all Belizeans in planting one million trees over the next five years, especially in urban and suburban areas. The initiative may include policy and legislative changes to encourage, facilitate, and promote the greening of areas inside and outside protected areas, including coastal, marine, and terrestrial areas.
- Finally, Cabinet asks all Belizeans to remain alert as we enter the more active part of the hurricane season.
Ends
