The Latest from Cabinet

On Tuesday, Prime Minister John Briceño and the Cabinet made several decisions that address key challenges in Belize’s justice system, expanding access to electricity, and boosting the country’s international presence. 

In an official statement, the government announced that the Cabinet approved the creation of a Criminal Justice Board to tackle the backlog of appeals and endorsed a comprehensive National Electrification Plan. This endorsement, which is a partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), outlines a roadmap for ensuring universal electricity access by 2030, particularly in rural households, schools, and clinics. The Board identified issues with the inferior appellate regime, which will now be addressed by an amendment to the Senior Court’s Act. This change will allow for expanded substituted services through public notice, enabling the Senior Courts to manage a backlog of appeals and ensure that appellants are given reasonable notice of the date, time, and place of their appeals.

Cabinet also approved a name change for the Women’s Department, which will now be known as the Family Support and Gender Affairs Department. 

In the area of maritime governance, the Cabinet approved the designation of San Pedro as a port. The new port status will also introduce clearer port limits and enforce stronger safety and security measures.

Additionally, Belize is set to join the Inter-Parliamentary Union, strengthening its role in global diplomacy. The IPU is an international organisation that empowers parliaments worldwide to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development through parliamentary diplomacy.