GOB says more Belizeans should work in agriculture

This week’s Cabinet meeting included discussions on ways to encourage Belizeans to seek work in the banana and citrus industries, copyright legislation and protecting the Belize Barrier Reef. A subcommittee made up of Minister of Agriculture Daniel Silva, Minister of Labour Valdemar Castillo and Minister of Citrus and Banana Industries Henry Canton will develop a plan which provides incentives for workers, which may include subsidies for families left behind when workers migrate to the southern districts. The scheme is part of government’s plan to provide local employment and decrease dependence on foreign workers. Several bills covering intellectual property rights will be presented at the next House of Representatives meeting. The Intellectual Copyrights Bill, the Patents Bill, Trade Marks and Industrial Designs Bill, will help Belize meet its commitments to the World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO, and various international treaties. And finally, the Belize Barrier Reef Committee has been designated as the liaison with the National World Heritage Center. Seven protected marine areas along the barrier reef and atolls have been designated World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO.