Cabinet Brief: 225 Police Officers to be Added to the Force

A recently issued Cabinet brief says that to strengthen the Belize Police Department, Cabinet approved a recruitment drive to add 225 new officers nationwide. It says that this expansion will support the opening of a new precinct in Santa Elena Town and bolster specialised police units as part of the government’s #PlanBelize initiative to reduce crime and improve public safety.

Addressing healthcare infrastructure, Cabinet reviewed a comprehensive study conducted by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration on the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Following extensive discussions, Cabinet endorsed the Ministry of Health and Wellness’s proposal to construct a new, modern tertiary-level hospital in Belize City, designed to be more patient-friendly.

Cabinet was briefed on the ongoing Cataloguing of Government Services project, spearheaded by the E-Governance and Digitalisation Department. The project, which involves 37 agencies and over 282 services, aims to enhance the management of government services, improving transparency and efficiency across the board.

In addition, Cabinet reviewed the progress of the National Digital Agenda 2022–2025. This initiative, funded by the ICDF and UNDP, focusses on breaking down barriers to digital access in marginalised communities. The program includes training for seniors, equipping them with the skills to safely navigate the internet and use e-services effectively.

To further support economic diversification, Cabinet approved the creation of critical positions within the New Growth Industries Unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries. This move is designed to enhance the unit’s capacity to manage and promote emerging sectors crucial to Belize’s economic growth.

Cabinet also called on the Minister of Sustainable Development to lead a national tree-planting initiative with the goal of planting one million trees over the next five years. This project will focus on urban and suburban areas and may involve policy and legislative changes to encourage the greening of Belize, including coastal, marine, and terrestrial zones.

Finally, as the hurricane season intensifies, Cabinet urges all Belizeans to remain vigilant and prepared for potential storms.