Belmopan. 8th December 2021. 5:00 p.m.
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, met in regular session on 7th December 2021.
- Cabinet gave its approval for the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, located in the City of Belmopan, to be placed under the management and operations of the National Sports Council with immediate effect. The National Sports Council will assume responsibility for all costs related to the maintenance and upkeep of the stadium and will allow the Belmopan City Council access to the stadium.
- Cabinet approved the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics’ Sustainable Energy Roadmap 2021-2040, established with a view to progress Belize to energy independence using renewable energy technologies buttressed by grid modernization. Cabinet also took note of the ministry’s ongoing rural electrification program and gave its approval for further efforts to be undertaken to implement electrification in several rural villages with an approach involving Belize Electricity Limited.
- Cabinet was updated on the status of vaccinations and the number of vaccines available in Belize. Currently, there are more than 360,000 vaccines available. As of 7th December 2021, 209,662 persons or 48.7 percent have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 196,206 or 45.6 percent have been fully vaccinated. This represents about 67 percent of the adult population vaccinated, an indication that the nation is moving in the right direction. To date 23,768 or 50 percent of the population ages 12 to 15 have been fully vaccinated and over 13,000 Belizeans have received their booster shots. Cabinet also approved free testing for all students returning home during the month of December through all border points of entry.
- The Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries informed Cabinet that the Belize Police Department through its traffic police and highway patrol, in an effort to address the increasing number of road traffic accidents, will be increasing its presence on the highways including increased check points. In addition, police will step up its presence at shopping centers and major stores countrywide during the Christmas shopping season.
- Finally, as the holiday season draws near, Cabinet continues to encourage those not yet vaccinated to do so, and reminds Belizeans who have been fully vaccinated for more than five months that booster shots are now available. The public is reminded to maintain physical distance, wash hands regularly, and wear a mask or face covering in public.
Ends