Cabinet considers opening airports to night flights

In news from Cabinet, that body’s first meeting of the year has made a number of decisions. Among them is the establishment of a board of governors to assist the superintendent in the management of the prison system. Outside advice will also be sought on how best to make the environment behind the walls more secure for all concerned. With regard to the rapidly deteriorating state of old houses in Belize City the Attorney General’s Ministry will be looking to strengthen legislation to deal with derelict and abandoned houses that represent a threat to public safety. As for those beautiful and majestic buildings which are among the few positive remnants of colonialism, they will be designated as heritage sites and their owners will be offered government incentives to repair and maintain them. Finally, in a move which may not sit too well with the D.E.A., the Ministry of Public Utilities will be working with local airlines and tourism industry to allow for night flying over Belizean territory, a practice traditionally forbidden. The consideration has become necessary due to the large number of late arrivals by international airlines, particularly during the busy winter season when the sun sets earliest. When a jet lands at international at or after dark most San Pedro and Placencia bound passengers must now overnight at the airline’s expense in Belize City. The approval of limited night flights to tourist destinations would greatly facilitate growth in the industry and achieve a higher level of customer satisfaction.