Belmopan, November 7, 2025.
This week, the National Meteorological Service (NMS), under the Ministry of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management, received US$60,000 worth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment aimed at strengthening the department’s capacity to monitor, analyze, and communicate weather and climate information more effectively.
The equipment was handed over through the Korea International Cooperation Agency-funded project “Enabling Belize’s Statistical System,” implemented in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management, emphasized the significance of the investment in advancing Belize’s resilience to climate-related hazards.
“This equipment will strengthen the capacity of the National Meteorological Service to monitor and predict hazardous weather and climate conditions as well as to collect, analyze, and disseminate climate and weather information,” said Minister Usher. “It is critical that we are able to utilize weather and climate data not only in our early warning efforts when a hazard is on our doorstep, but also in our strategic planning and decision-making processes.”
Representing the United Nations World Food Programme, Mrs. Frances Walker, Head of the WFP Belize Satellite Office, highlighted that the contribution is part of a broader partnership focused on enhancing Belize’s multi-hazard early warning systems.
“This investment is more than just hardware and training; it is a step forward in enabling the NMS to enhance its forecasting capabilities and unlock the full potential of multi-hazard early warning systems,” said Mrs. Walker. “Ultimately, this handover is about empowering Belize to make better-informed decisions in the face of ever-changing climate risks.”
The donation includes computers, videography equipment, and other ICT tools designed to enhance data collection and analysis, improve forecasting accuracy, and strengthen communication with key national agencies such as the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).
The Ministry extends appreciation to the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for its generous financial support, and to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Food Programme (WFP) for their continued collaboration in building Belize’s capacity for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.
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