Cabinet Approves Sugar Plan, Union Deal, and New Tourism Incentives

During its meeting on July 1, the Cabinet tackled a range of critical issues, approving measures concerning the sugar industry, a union agreement, tourism, international treaties, national statistics, and vocational training.  Following a review of findings from the Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry, Cabinet approved key elements of a Strategic Action Plan. This plan includes the creation of a Sugar Cane Industry Authority, tasked with developing strategies to modernize and improve the industry.  Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde, acting as Chairman of the Joint Union Negotiating Team (JUNT), updated Cabinet on successful negotiations with unions. He confirmed that unions have accepted the Government’s latest proposal, leading to an amicable settlement. Meanwhile, to encourage more visitors from Mexico’s southern states (Campeche, Yucatan, Tabasco, Chiapas, and Quintana Roo), Cabinet approved the removal of exit taxes for stays up to seven days. Additionally, a Visitor’s Digital Border Crossing Card will be implemented, and these visitors will be allowed to bring their private vehicles into Belize without incurring import duties or fees.  Additionally, Cabinet gave the Attorney General’s Ministry the green light to prepare legal instruments for Belize to join two significant international protocols: the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities of the International Seabed Authority and the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean. The latter treaty is crucial for promoting nuclear disarmament and maintaining a nuclear weapon-free zone in the region.  Cabinet also endorsed the second National Strategy for the Development of Statistics, a five-year plan aimed at bolstering Belize’s national statistics system. This plan, developed by the Statistical Institute of Belize in collaboration with public sector data producers, will guide statistical development through 2028.  Furthermore, Cabinet approved the enactment of the Draft National Policy for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This policy will elevate TVET as a core component of Belize’s education sector, providing strategic direction for its growth and modernization to meet national and regional labor market demands.