Cabinet Brief

Belmopan, November 12, 2024. 

The Cabinet met on November 11, 2024.

• Through an IDB-funded technical assistance, Cabinet was provided with a summary report on a comprehensive review of the pay and grading system in the Belize Public Service with recommendations for modernization thereof, including enhancing the efficiency of the service and providing equal pay for equal work in the compensation of members of the Public Service.
• Cabinet gave its approval for amendments to the People’s Constitution Commission Act to extend the terms for appointment of commissioners and the establishment of the Commission to 17^th May 2025 for the Commission to complete its final report on its findings of the review and submit to the Prime Minister.
• Cabinet gave its approval for amendments to the Social Security Act, to correct an error which inadvertently referred to the Chairperson of the NHI Committee as the Chairperson of the NHI scheme. The Cabinet also approved the validation of the decisions, actions, omissions that were made by the General Manager during the appointment period that were not covered by the Social Security Act.
• Cabinet approved amendments to the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act to include disasters and emergencies arising from declared outbreaks of animal or plant diseases or pests with major economic impact.
• On the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the People’s United Party in office, Cabinet takes the opportunity to thank the people of Belize for their consistent support and confidence. Cabinet recommits to the task of building the nation and pledges to continue the fight against global inflation and cost of living which affect all of us.
• The Cabinet was apprised of the One and A Million Raffle approved by the Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL). The grand raffle is in celebration of the first anniversary when the Government of Belize rescued the Government Lottery for the people of Belize. In addition to using the profits for the expansion and roll-out of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and other social programs, the profits of the One in A Million mega lottery will be used to help other charities in Belize.
• On the occasion of Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the sacrifices of all those Belizeans who fought for peace in World War I, particularly those from then British Honduras. Because of their selfless service, we enjoy the freedoms we do today.

Finally, Cabinet congratulates the Speaker of the House, Hon. Valerie Woods, on her recent election as the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Small Branch Network and wishes her success in supporting the work of small states’ parliaments and legislatures.

Ends