Cabinet to Implement Measures to Address Inflation

Cabinet this week discussed the effects of global inflation on Belize and ways to address the matter of the rising cost of living due to inflation. Measures will be taken including setting up meetings with wholesalers and retailers to ensure that ALL understand the urgency of the situation with a view to price control of goods and services; establish the practice of store inspections and monitoring as offered by the unions; revisit the list of basic commodities to expand the number of goods which are price-controlled; and review the grocery bag program to ensure that the Belizeans who need help the most are those benefiting. Cabinet also reviewed the new $264-million master plan for the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), an expansion plan requested by the government. Phase 1 improvements have already commenced with the construction of a new airport access road. Other works in this phase include the expansion of the terminal building, the construction of a larger aircraft apron, a new eastern taxiway and new parking facility, and new airport safety equipment. Cabinet gave its approval for Belize to sign and ratify the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency Convention, which will help the region to enhance its capacity in Earth observation systems for use in important areas such as agriculture, natural disasters, security surveillance, and other important areas.