Cabinet Approves Key Policies on Health, Elections, and Infrastructure

The cabinet met on Tuesday to discuss several national policies and legislative measures.

Among the decisions was the endorsement of the Belize Health Sector Strategic Plan 2025-2034, a long-term roadmap aimed at addressing critical healthcare challenges, improving resource allocation, and enhancing transparency and accountability within the system.

Cabinet also approved a phased retention package of allowances for public healthcare nurses. This initiative is expected to improve job satisfaction and reduce staff shortages in the sector.

Cabinet also approved amendments to water tariff regulations, extending the current Full Tariff Period from April 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026, ensuring that existing tariffs, fees, and charges remain unchanged until March 31, 2026.

Cabinet reaffirmed its rejection of the 2023 Elections and Boundaries Commission’s re-divisioning proposals, citing their failure to meet constitutional requirements. The minister responsible for elections and the attorney general were tasked with engaging the commission on necessary constitutional amendments for a revised redivisioning plan, with a goal of completing the process within a year.

Additionally, the Belize Building Code will undergo legislative amendments to improve infrastructure resilience, enhance governance, and establish safety standards reflecting Belize’s environmental conditions.

To strengthen financial oversight, Cabinet approved an amendment to the Central Bank of Belize Act to include the Director General of the Financial Services Commission as a member of the Central Bank’s Board of Directors.

Additionally, land tax collection will be transferred to the Belize Tax Service (BTS) over a one-year phased transition. This initiative aims to improve efficiency by integrating tax assessment and collection through the IRIS online platform.

Cabinet also approved policies on fiscal strategy and disaster risk financing, aligning with the World Bank’s Sustainable Development Policy to enhance economic resilience.