Belmopan. 7th July 2021. 1:25 p.m.
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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Ends
