You Can Get In, But You Can’t Get Out – Cabinet Reopens Borders, Sorta!

Probably the item getting the most buzz from this week’s Cabinet briefing is the announcement that land and sea border points will be reopened at the end of the month.  But this is only to allow foreign tourists in and not let Belizeans to travel out.  The Cabinet brief today also stressed that only tourists who have pre-booked at gold standard certified accommodations will be allowed entry.  When Cabinet met earlier this week, they also decided to send a letter of clarification to the joint unions confirming several agreements; namely the five-hour workweek reduction, forbearance period for borrowers up to the end of December, including mortgages.  Also, the N.T.U.C.B. may propose a nominee to serve on the board of directors of the National Bank of Belize.  The government reminds union members that any public officer continuing to strike beyond May fourteenth will not be paid any salary for the period after that.  In other cabinet news, there will also be a restructuring of the core functions of the Belize Bureau of Standards with a Supplies Control Act administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise.   And, Cabinet gave its approval for the designation of the remaining national lands within the South Water Caye and Sapodilla Caye marine reserves as mangrove forests reserves.