Feb 16, 2021
G.O.B. to Launch Belize COVID-19 Cash Transfer Program
This afternoon, the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs announced the return of the COVID-19 Relief Programme, but this time under the name, Belize COVID-19 Cash Transfer Program. The ministry has partnered with the National Bank of Belize Limited, Digi and the Belize Social Investment Fund to provide short-term emergency cash to twenty-one thousand five hundred households. The beneficiaries will receive payments of three hundred dollars every two months for a six-month period. In a release issued this evening, the ministry says that sixty thousand applications are being reviewed and enrollment into the program will be done in eight phases. For those successful applicants, payment dates will be sent through a SMS text blast. The MobilePayz solution developed by Digi will allow beneficiaries to cash out their funds using their mobile phones or through a unique code. Be
Feb 11, 2021
Areini Palacio Morgan from SEA is Taking Over at N.C.F.C.
She’s the executive director at the Southern Environmental Association and previously worked as the Advocacy Manager at the Belize Audubon Society. Now, Arreini Palacio Morgan has been appointed by the Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples Affairs as the new chairperson for the National Committee for Families and Children. The mother of two says that her desire is “to continue to collaborate with agencies that focus on the well-being of children and families.”
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Jan 28, 2021
Greg Ch’oc: A New Commissioner with a New Mandate
Former Executive Director of SATIIM Greg Ch’oc has been appointed as the new commissioner of the Toledo Land Rights Commission. In speaking with News Five, Ch’oc outlined the scope of his responsibilities in terms of implementing the consent order that was handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice in respect of the Maya Land Rights decision that was handed down in 2015.
Greg Ch’oc, Commissioner, Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission
“My appointment is the Commissioner of Indigenous People’s Affairs and it will include addressing the affairs of indigenous people in Belize, but it will also include taking the lead on implementing the 2015 consent order of the C.C.J. This appointment will strengthen the relationship and renew the commitment to the process.”
Jan 27, 2021
BAPDA Meets with the Ministry of Human Development
Last week, the newly appointed Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children spoke about working with various organizations to ensure the elderly and persons with special needs are cared for. On Monday, the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities, also known as BAPDA, met with the Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia; the Minister of State Gilroy Usher Senior and C.E.O. Tanya Santos-Neal. Several issues were discussed, including the effects of COVID-19, improving building access, legislative amendments, and fulfillment of obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that a disabilities desk would soon be established within the ministry for greater advocacy and collaboration.