Belmopan, May 21, 2026.
The Cabinet met on 19th May 2026.
- Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the health and wellness of Belizean women, girls, and children through the continued implementation of the national school-based HPV vaccination programme and remains committed to ensuring equitable access to preventive healthcare services for all children and families across Belize.
- Cabinet approved the introduction of amendments to the Forests Act to immediately strengthen forest governance, enforcement, and administrative authority. The intention in strengthening the Forests Act is to address critical deficiencies in the current legislation, which limit the Government’s ability to effectively regulate forest resources as well as protect and recover vulnerable wildlife species through temporary hunting moratoriums.
- Cabinet gave its endorsement for the National Digital Agenda 2026-2030 as the primary policy framework for all government digital initiatives. The agenda provides a strategic roadmap to increase citizen access to services, coordinate digital transformation initiatives throughout the public sector, and bring Belize into line with global technical standards.
- Cabinet gave its approval to amend the Belize International Financial Services Association Act solely for the purpose of changing the title of the Belize Financial Industry Association Act to the Belize Financial Industry Association. The Association will continue its work of representing its members in matters concerning the financial services industry.
- Cabinet approved the implementation of a temporary six-month moratorium on the approval and construction of buildings exceeding 45 feet in height and/or greater than three floors within the following communities: Caye Caulker Village, Hopkins Village, the Placencia Peninsula, and Sittee River Village. The moratorium will provide the Government with adequate time to undertake comprehensive public consultations and technical assessments regarding the impact of high-density and vertical development in these communities.
- Cabinet gave its support for the tabling of a financing agreement for concessional financing to support the Belize Early Childhood Development and Female Empowerment Project, aimed at improving access to early childhood care and education and expanding female employment opportunities.
- Cabinet gave its approval, subject to consultations with key stakeholders including recognized representatives of staff and the business community, for the establishment of a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority (SARA) through the transformation of the Belize Tax Service Department into the Belize Revenue Authority. This will be implemented in phases of the reform, including governance, staffing, and operational arrangements. This process will be coordinated by the Ministry of Finance, which will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the transition.
- Finally, Cabinet reminds all Belizean drivers and passengers to buckle up. Drive safely and responsibly.
Ends
