It is to go before parliament at the next sitting of the House of Representatives, but earlier this week, Cabinet approved recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Wellness to amend the Public Health Act. This will allow the creation of two new posts – a Director of Public Health and Wellness and a Director […]
Public officers remain on a ten percent salary cut and increment freeze, which was implemented earlier this year. With current financial constraints, can the Briceño administration afford two new directors? Here’s how Minister Henry Charles Usher responded. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service, Constitutional & Political Reform “In terms of the efficiencies that […]
The National Evangelical Association of Belize has written to Prime Minister John Briceno objecting to the vaccine mandate imposed on churches. The letter dated October 15 states that NEAB was surprised to learn about the stipulation being placed on churches when it was, quote, “not discussed or agreed upon,” in a meeting NEAB says it […]
Today, News Five also asked the Minister of Public Service, Henry Charles Usher about the issue of COVID among public officers, specifically those frontline workers who are at higher risk of exposure. The minister says that they continue to promote vaccination and that the statistics so far as good, but there is room for improvement. […]
CEMO has been activated and continues to monitor the flood conditions going into tonight as it is expected that the rains will continue. On Wednesday and again today, CEMO Liaison Officer at the Belize City Council Melony Dawson, the City Engineer, and a field officer went into flood prone areas after receiving multiple calls of […]
This morning, a panel of four presenters, including Cristina Coc, spokesperson for the Maya Leaders Alliance, convened a lengthy discussion on recognizing the importance of Garifuna land rights. The issue is once again at the forefront of public discourse in light of what has been taking place in Garifuna communities across the country. Coc, who […]
The economic value of land, particularly in the context of the sale of prime properties in coastal communities such as Hopkins and Seine Bight, was also part of the panel discussion. Dr. Philip Castillo, a development economist, weighed in on the issue from the perspective of the National Garifuna Council assisting elder land owners, those […]
Perhaps what is interesting to note is that registered Garifuna farmers only make up twelve percent of the total number of farmers in the Stann Creek District. That’s according to the records kept in the Ministry of Agriculture’s Belize Agricultural Management Information System. Dr. Peitra Arana, on the other hand, issues a call to action […]
It’s been almost a year since the P.U.P. took office in central government and the Minister of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform was asked where his ministry is in terms of short-term and long-term goals. More specifically, Minister Henry Charles Usher was asked to give a report card on his ministry. He says that […]
Speaking of anti-corruption reform, the minister was asked for an update in terms of final implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. Minister Usher says that the process is complex, but the Briceño administration is making sure that all the necessary requirements are in place for its effective operation. Henry Charles Usher, Minister […]
A ten year old St. Ignatius Primary School Student, Cordella Duran, has been battling leukemia since 2018. She completed chemo earlier this year. But recently, she has not been feeling well. Her doctor in Merida has advised her mother to take her in for an urgent checkup. They are planning to travel in two weeks. […]
The Bar Association of Belize has responded to the publication of the “Pandora Papers” by the International Consortium of Independent Journalists. The Association says it unhesitatingly and resolutely condemns any form of tax fraud, money laundering, terrorism, corruption, or other illegal activity, whether in the offshore industry or onshore. They say the Organization for Economic […]
There will be new legislation that is expected to improve and strengthen the juvenile justice system. With the blessing of the Cabinet, the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs will repeal the Certified Institutions Bill and amend the Juvenile Offenders Bill and the Families and Children Bill. The changes are expected bring about […]
The National Bank has launched an outreach campaign to meet with potential customers in their own communities. The first stop this week was in Dangriga. Area Representative Louis Zabanneh says it was a productive meeting with members of the constituency, providing an opportunity for small and micro businesses to get the information they need to […]
Exactly three weeks from today, on November eleventh, the P.U.P. will be celebrating one year of being in power at central government. The party recently turned seventy-one on September twenty-ninth. Former Chairman and P.U.P. Minister Henry Charles Usher told the media today that a virtual activity will be held to commemorate both milestones. Henry […]
Oceana Belize has issued its State of Belize Fisheries Report for 2020, highlighting the fact that Belize’s fisheries are at risk. Popular species such as the Goliath grouper have become virtually extinct and spawning aggregations, once populated by tens of thousands of snappers and groupers, are also all but gone. COVID-19’s economic impact on Belize’s […]
International Air Traffic Controllers Day is celebrated annually on October twentieth. Although they are not often seen by the public, they are there to ensure your safe departure from the PGIA and safe landing when returning home. Here is a clip from the Ministry of Civil Aviation highlighting the men and women behind this profession […]
Jacito Learns to Save – it’s a new publication, a children’s book authored by former Chief Education Officer Doctor Carol Babb. The book was officially launched today. While it is primarily for children up to eight years old, it can be used to teach anyone about the importance of saving. Financial literacy has long been […]
The under-seventeen female football national team is preparing to go up against Barbados in the 2021 Women’s Under 17 Championship. The Belize team lost in a three-to-one final score against Curacao on Wednesday. But, that has not stopped them from being optimistic about tomorrow’s game and learning from their errors in game one. We got […]
As many of you know, News Five’s Marion Ali is a veteran of the news scene in Belize. She has worked for decades in radio, print and television to get the story to you, her listeners, readers and viewers. Marion has always preferred to be behind the scenes. So she is the last person you […]
