Cabinet Looks at Border Reopening, Virtual Trials and Stone Crab Fisheries

In Cabinet news, the Prime Minister and his advisors approved the opening of the land borders and seaports effective February seventh from six a.m. to ten for fully vaccinated persons only. Cabinet gave its recommendation for the Minister of Finance to introduce a loan motion for eight million U.S. dollars from the Inter-American Development Bank for strengthening public expenditure management in Belize. Cabinet gave its approval for the Attorney General to present amendments to the Inferior Courts Act to allow the Magistrate Rules Committee to make rules for virtual trials. Cabinet also gave approval to the Attorney General to introduce the Protection of Witness Bill. With this bill, court orders grant witnesses anonymity to safeguard their identity. Specifically, for witnesses who are afraid to testify due to intimidation and threats. Finally, legislation will also be introduced to amend the Fisheries Resources Act for penalties pertaining to certain fisheries offences. Additionally, the establishment of the Florida Stone Crab Fisheries will be allowed.