Belmopan, November 27, 2024.
The Cabinet met on 26th November 2024.
- Cabinet approved the extension of hours to weekend operations at the Punta Gorda Port of Entry. This will be paired with targeted marketing to boost traffic in Southern Belize, thereby leveraging Toledo’s natural attractions and cultural heritage.
- Cabinet gave its approval for works to be carried out for tourism enhancement in Punta Gorda and in southern Belize through modern infrastructure and marina development. This project is set to significantly enhance Punta Gorda’s tourism offerings while driving economic growth in the south of Belize.
- Cabinet approved the establishment of a National Quality Council in the Bureau of Standards to serve as an oversight committee for discussions regarding the implementation of Belize’s National Quality Policy. The Council will be comprised of representatives from key relevant sectors involved in standardization, technical regulations, metrology, accreditation, conformity assessment, and market surveillance activities.
- Cabinet approved Belize’s National Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment Report (NRA) – November 2024. The NRA has been completed to formalize Belize’s ongoing risk understanding and to maintain compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Standards. It will guide competent authorities and the private sector in adopting a risk-based approach to mitigating money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
- Effective 1st December 2024, electronic Immigration and Customs departure and arrival forms will be introduced alongside paper forms for all travellers entering and departing through the Philip Goldson International Airport. The plan is to expand the use of electronic forms to all ports of entry by the end of January 2025, with the complete phase-out of paper forms by March 31, 2025. This initiative is another milestone under #PlanBelize, aimed at enhancing government efficiency.
- With its view to modernizing Belize’s labour laws to address current and future challenges, Cabinet approved a proposal by the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government to continue its comprehensive review of the Labour Act by amending the composition of the Labour Review Committee and to update its terms of reference.
- Cabinet approved amendments to the Trade Licensing Act to allow for the regulations to come into force on 1st October 2025
- Cabinet approved the repeal and replacement of the Law Revision Act, Chapter 3 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020, to modernize the system of revising and consolidating the laws of Belize and to make provisions for the review and reform of the laws by a Law Reform Commission.
Finally, Cabinet reminds all Belizeans at the start of the busy Christmas season to drive carefully and buckle up for safety.
Ends
