Cabinet Denounces Child Labor, Looks at Social Security Contributions for the B.D.F. and Fuel Price Subsidies

In this week’s news from Cabinet, the Prime Minister and his ministers looked at the recent allegations of child labor and trafficking offences and underscored their commitment to fighting all forms of exploitation. Cabinet also instructed that there be full collaboration among ministries in this regard. To help alleviate the burden on motorists and businesses, the Cabinet brief says the ministers considered various relief measures to deal with the increase in fuel prices. In addition to the reduction of excise duty by one dollar and twenty-three cents per gallon and further duty reductions on regular gasoline, Cabinet is considering targeted subsidies.  Cabinet has determined that components of the fuel price, including the dealer’s margin and the depot fee, must be renegotiated. Other matters considered by Cabinet included support for the request from the Minister of Defence and Border Security to allow members of the Belize Defence Force to pay social security contributions. This will allow them to become insured persons through the Social Security Board. In COVID news, the daily positivity rate is now one point three eight percent, and a number of restrictions will be lifted April first. Details to follow.