Belmopan. 8th September 2021. 2:55 p.m.
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 7th September 2021.
- Cabinet was updated on the status of vaccines and the number of vaccines available in Belize. As of 7th September 2021, 173,077 persons or 40.2% of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine. This represents an increase of 5,481 new vaccinations over last week’s numbers. As of 7th September 2021, 76,279 persons or 17.1% of the population has been fully vaccinated, an increase of 6,365 more Belizeans have been fully vaccinated over last week’s 69,924.
- Since the roll-out of the Pfizer vaccines, 14,875 Belizeans, ages 12 to 17 years, have received their first shot of the vaccine.
- The Prime Minister updated Cabinet on developments in relation to the renegotiations of the Super Bond which, if successful, would eliminate BZ$500 million of public debt or 12 cents of every dollar Belize owes. This is a part of government’s home-grown recovery program with extensive budget benefits in the short-term: providing room for public finance rebound, gross fiscal saving amounting to 5% GDP in the short-term, in line with Plan Belize’s commitment to secure debt relief and public debt reduction.
- Cabinet was briefed on the efforts by the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries to get more weapons off the streets and welcomed the news from the Hon. Kareem Musa that 14 illegal weapons were seized. This was done in specific areas of Southside Belize City since the State of Emergency was instituted.
- Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, provided Cabinet with additional pointers on proposals to the general agreement of the Maya Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Protocol.
- Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, updated Cabinet on plans for safe and virtual activities in relation to the celebration of St. George’s Caye Day.
- Finally, Cabinet wishes all Belizeans a safe and happy St. George’s Caye Day and reminds everyone to wear masks, social distance, wash hands and encourages those not fully vaccinated to do so. Vaccinations save lives.
Ends
