Foreign Affairs - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Celebrates 29 Years of Diplomatic Ties with Cuba

On Monday, Belize commemorated the 29th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba. In a declaration, Cabinet expressed profound appreciation for the enduring and exceptional relationship shared with Cuba.

Cabinet members expressed their appreciation for the significant contributions of Cuba to Belize, particularly in the fields of healthcare and education, where Cuban doctors and teachers have played vital roles. The Belizean government reiterated its dedication to fostering and deepening these bonds, recognising Cuba as a crucial ally in the Caribbean region.

The government affirms its commitment to the deepening and strengthening of ties with its sister Caribbean nation.

Prime Minister attends the Presidential Transfer of Command Ceremony in Panama

The Office of the Prime Minister informs that the Prime Minister, Hon. John Briceño departed the country over the weekend en route to Panama City, Panama, to attend the Presidential Transfer of Command Ceremony of the Newly Elected, His Excellency Jose Raul Molino Quintero, on 1st July 2024.

The Prime Minister returns to Belize on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024, and during his absence, Hon. Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, Mining and Petroleum will hold over as Prime Minister.

(Press release)

Belize Collaborates with Brazil to Eradicate Child Labour

Belize is hosting a delegation from Brazil with the aim to exchange knowledge on how to eradicate child labor. The delegation will be in the country for four days.

On Monday, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government issued a press release announcing the “commencement of a historic in-person knowledge exchange mission with representatives from the Brazilian Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Social Development, and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency.”

This initiative began on June 24, and is facilitated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Brazil and the Regional Initiative Technical Secretariat.

According to the government, this partnership will involve local authorities, labour representatives, and civil society stakeholders, and aims to eliminate child labour through collaborative workshops and advocacy sessions. Activities that the Ministry says will, “support Belize in developing robust, evidence-based programmes and improving the enforcement of child labour laws”

As the latest signatory to the Regional Initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour, Belize demonstrates proactive efforts in addressing child labour issues in Belize.

This partnership will streamline the knowledge between the two countries, contributing to better integration with social protection and social security programmes, “This approach seeks to enhance the support and economic resilience of children and their families, thereby preventing engagement in child labour,” the Ministry says.

Belize Formally Opens High Commission in Guyana

Belmopan, June 24, 2024.

Today, the Belize flag was hoisted at the chancellery of the High Commission of Belize in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, marking the nascent of its operations. This reveille ceremony was overseen by H.E. Gale Miller Garnett, High Commissioner of Belize to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, accompanied by Captain Marion Hernandez, Second Lieutenant Ashley Lashawn Williams, and Lance Corporal Felecia Cal – Belize Defence Force soldiers undertaking studies in Guyana.

The Government of Belize continues to expand its diplomatic network by establishing diplomatic relations with countries and by opening diplomatic representations aimed at bringing development, prosperity, and assistance to its citizens abroad.

The establishment of this new diplomatic mission in Guyana is a concrete manifestation of Belize’s commitment to its bilateral relationship with Guyana, and its intention to bolster its presence in South America.

The High Commission of Belize in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is located at Lot 5 Lamaha Gardens, Corner Bel Air Avenue and Garnett Street, Georgetown, Guyana, and can be reached via email at hcbelize@mfa.gov.bz or telephone number: +592 503 1116.

(Press Release)

Belize Maintains Tier 2 Status on US Trafficking in Persons Report

The government announced moments ago that Belize has maintained its Tier 2 status on the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for 2024. According to the press release, this status reflects Belize’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect victims.

“The Tier 2 ranking acknowledges Belize’s substantial efforts to comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The government recognises the complexities of this global issue and is committed to continuous improvement and comprehensive strategies to tackle human trafficking within its borders. The report acknowledges Belize’s efforts in convicting two traffickers, the increase in the identification of victims, as well as an increase in trafficking investigations.”

Belize was praised for its cooperation with foreign law enforcement officials, which led to the arrest and conviction of a trafficker. The report also commended Belize’s ongoing sensitization campaigns, which, during this reporting period, provided awareness training to liquor licensing board members.

The report also raised concerns and recommendations. The government says it reaffirms its dedication to eradicating human trafficking.

The full report can be found here: https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-trafficking-in-persons-report/belize/

Latvia Welcomes First Non-Resident Ambassador from Belize

Latvia’s State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs, was paid a visit by Belizean Ambassador Therese Rath.

Rath is the first ambassador of Belize to Latvia.

Secretary Pelšs welcomed the Belizean government’s decision to appoint a non-resident ambassador to Latvia for the first time. Both officials expressed their interest in fostering bilateral cooperation and collaborating within international organisations to enhance the effectiveness of the multilateral system, uphold the rules-based international order, and respect the principles of the UN Charter, particularly sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Belize and Panama Launch Joint Cooperation Commission to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

The first meeting of the Joint Cooperation Commission between Belize and Panama for the 2024–2026 bilateral programme was co-chaired by the CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Amalia Mai, and Panama’s Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation, Yill Otero.

The session was held at Padre Guardia Jaén Hall in the Bolívar Palace, Panama City.

Both leaders highlighted the significance of enhancing friendship and bilateral cooperation through the new cooperation program. This initiative promotes the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and experiences, with the goal of strengthening institutions and improving the quality of life for citizens in both countries.

The Bilateral Cooperation Program 2024-2026 includes projects focused on tourism, special education, language exchange, environmental protection, and disability inclusion.

FM Fonseca Discusses Latest Sarstoon Encounter with GAF

Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca was in Guatemala recently on an official visit where he met with several diplomatic counterparts, including the foreign minister of Guatemala, as well as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He was there to discuss the regional issue of migration, but took the opportunity to raise Belize’s concern in the wake of the latest face-off between the Guatemalan Armed Forces and the Belize Defense Force on Sarstoon River.

Francis Fonseca, Foreign Minister

“I was in Guatemala from Monday to Wednesday participating in the follow-up meeting of what they call the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection. The prime minister had attended the first meeting last year and this was a follow-up meeting with foreign ministers from Central America, Latin America and a few from the Caribbean, as well, along with the U.S Secretary of State, Secretary Blinken. So that’s why I was there. So Belize was able to make a presentation on the challenges we are facing in terms of migration and border security. But I also used the opportunity as well to meet with representatives of the U.S. Secretary of State and the U.S. Homeland Security Department, as well, to share with them some of these challenges. And of course I had the opportunity to meet with my counterpart in Guatemala, the Guatemalan foreign minister, and we had a very frank, open dialogue. I, of course, raised the issue of, as you describe it, these flare-ups that have been taking place and I really think we had a very positive, constructive dialogue and discussion on this matter. I made it very clear, Belize’s position in terms of our sovereignty and territorial integrity and we agreed that it was important for us to have a more structured approach to communicating, both at the military level and at the diplomatic level. But I think what’s most important is that both of the foreign ministers agreed that these matters are to be resolved diplomatically.”

CFE to Meet with BEL Reps in Cancun Over Energy Crisis

According to Prime Minister John Briceño, a meeting is scheduled for Saturday in Cancun. There, he, along with representatives from Belize Electricity Limited, will meet with the Mexican President and CFE representatives. PM Briceño further explained that an opportunity now exists for potential investors to supply the country with energy. Here is what he told us.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“We just set up the RFP process. The RFP process 2irh that in place, it has been accepted by the PUC and BEL and also by the MCC. The millinery challenge Cooperation, they are giving us a grant of a hundred and twenty-five million dollars and of that hundred and twenty five million dollars will be invested in energy in impr9ving the technology, the grid and a part of that is going to finance the battery bank that we are talking about. Now that RFP process has been approved by Cabinet. Now anybody that has a good business plan that can show they have access to the technology and funding they can put in their bid to show they can supply energy. But what has happened over the years, we have a lot of people that come and say I want to provide x amount of energy so give me a contract. You can go anywhere with a contract. The bank is going to lend you money because it is sure money. We don’t want people that are going to speculate. With the president what I can say at this moment we had a successful meeting and what he is doing now for Belize is he is going to be in Cancun on Saturday and the President of CFE is going to be there. Every two weeks he takes a firsthand look at the work Tren Maya. He will be arranging a meeting with me and BEL to see what we can do to cut out the black outs.”

Belize’s Chetumal Travel Advisory Lifted

PM Briceño also confirmed that the travel advisory to Chetumal issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been lifted. The prime minister says there is no need for Belizeans to get too flustered over the reports of increased cartel activities in Chetumal. He further stated that Cabinet has also approved plans to make it easier for Mexicans to enter Belize.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I don’t think we need to get too excited, concerned, of course we have to be concerned, but when I spoke to the president he said what he has done is immediately sent in help from the federal police that have come in and settled down and he expects to be able to keep pressing them so that Chetumal can again be looked at as this peaceful city. All of us love to go to Chetumal, to go watch a movie and shop. But at the same time Cabinet has made it easier for Mexicans to come to Belize. We will provide the passes to them for free. We are going to remove the border tax and charge. We are going to allow them to use their insurance from Mexico to come to Belize. All of this to increase more Mexican tourism into Belize.”

Paul Lopez

“And the travel alert?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It has been removed. I think we reacted too quickly. We should not have done it at that time and what we did is that when it was brought to our attention we brought it down immediately.”