Cabinet Advances Major Policy Moves on Health, Forests and Development

The Government of Belize is moving ahead with a series of major policy initiatives following Tuesday’s meeting of Cabinet, including measures aimed at strengthening healthcare access, forest protection, digital transformation, and sustainable development across the country. Among the key decisions announced was Cabinet’s reaffirmation of its support for the national school-based HPV vaccination programme. Government says the initiative remains an important part of protecting the health and wellness of Belizean women, girls, and children through equitable access to preventive healthcare services nationwide. The announcement comes amid continued public discussion surrounding the programme and follows repeated assurances from health officials that the vaccination campaign is focused on long-term public health outcomes.  Cabinet also approved the introduction of amendments to the Forests Act intended to strengthen forest governance, enforcement powers, and administrative authority. According to Cabinet, the proposed changes are designed to address weaknesses in the current legislation that limit the Government’s ability to effectively regulate forest resources and protect vulnerable wildlife species, including through temporary hunting moratoriums when necessary.  In another significant move, Cabinet endorsed the National Digital Agenda 2026-2030 as the primary framework guiding all government digital initiatives. The agenda is expected to serve as a roadmap for improving citizen access to public services, coordinating digital transformation efforts throughout the public sector, and aligning Belize with evolving global technical standards.  Cabinet additionally approved a temporary six-month moratorium on the approval and construction of buildings exceeding forty-five feet in height or more than three floors within Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Placencia Peninsula, and Sittee River Village. Government says the measure will allow time for public consultations and technical assessments regarding the impact of high-density and vertical developments within those communities.  Also receiving Cabinet’s support was a concessional financing agreement for the Belize Early Childhood Development and Female Empowerment Project. The initiative is intended to improve access to early childhood care and education while also expanding employment opportunities for women.  Meanwhile, Cabinet gave approval in principle for the phased establishment of a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority, or SARA, through the transformation of the Belize Tax Service Department into the Belize Revenue Authority. Government says consultations will first be carried out with staff representatives and the business community before implementation moves ahead under the oversight of the Ministry of Finance.  Cabinet also approved amendments to the Belize International Financial Services Association Act, which will officially rename the organization as the Belize Financial Industry Association while maintaining its existing role representing stakeholders within the financial services sector.