Cabinet approves school security measures

While the United Democratic Party is opposing the new curfew, Cabinet is proceeding with additional security measures to protect children. Cabinet has approved the design and implementation of a school security initiative for twenty-two primary and secondary Belize City schools during school hours. The Ministry of Education has also established a truancy and child abuse hotline for reporting suspected cases of child abuse and other situations in which children might be at risk. In other news from the Ministry of Education, the winners of forty-six scholarships to Cuba will be announced soon. In the Ministry of Housing, Cabinet agreed that measures should be urgently taken to develop the mile eight housing project. The area, which is prone to flooding, will be drained. An officer from the Ministry of Natural Resources will be assigned to deal with leasing and other matters concerning the area. In the Ministry of Economic Development, applications are being made by the Basic Needs Trust Fund to the Caribbean Development Bank. Projects being recommended include upgrading of the Delille Academy in Dangriga by purchasing computers, providing public latrines in Georgetown, and a government school extension in San Jose Village in the Orange Walk District. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce agreed that steps should begin for the repeal of the Commercial Free Zone Act. Its replacement should address the weakness of the Free Zone under the old law.