Cabinet approves Caribbean treaty

In other news from Cabinet, Smith reported that his government has agreed to enter into a mutual legal assistance treaty with CARICOM. The pact, which will require Senate approval, is said to be similar to treaties already signed with the U.S.A. and Mexico. It establishes mechanisms for greater cooperation in fighting crime, particularly those crimes involving offences that cross international borders.

Cabinet has also decided to bring some labour practices into line with international guidelines. Female public officers will now see their maternity pay period increased from twelve to fourteen weeks and female soldiers of the Belize Defence Force will no longer be the subject of disciplinary action for becoming pregnant.