Cabinet Approves Projects Including Private Security Bill, Electric Bus Initiative, and Health Upgrades

Cabinet met at the end of January where they discussed and gave their stamp of approval for several projects.  One of the approvals was for the Private Security and Investigation Services (Control) Bill which was introduced in Friday’s sitting of the House of Representatives. The amendments will empower the Firearms and Ammunition Board to issue firearms licenses to security companies and to issue instructions and guidelines to security companies in respect to the proper use and custody of firearms.  Additionally, the Cabinet applauded the arrival of the first electric bus in Belize on January 29, through the Electric Mobility Pilot Project, which will see two electric buses in Belize City and three electric buses on the national highway system. This initiative works towards universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services, moving towards low-carbon transportation.  In the area of sports, Cabinet gave its approval for the National Sports Council to develop mechanisms to encourage sustainable financial support to uplift sports, aid athletes and maintain facilities that are being administered by the National Sports Council and to set up a Cabinet Sub-Committee to improve and enhance sporting in Belize.  In the area of health, the Cabinet has approved the purchase of three fixed x-ray machines for the Northern and Southern Regional hospitals and the San Ignacio Community Hospital. These will replace nonfunctional x–ray machines at these facilities. X-ray machines are essential components to enhance clinical care at these facilities.  Finally, an update was presented to Cabinet on the National Biometric Strategy and Action Plan to build a robust biometrics framework as the cornerstone of implementing the National ID System.