Cabinet Approves Sexual Offence Court Reforms, Electric Bus Plans

Cabinet this week approved a series of legislative and development measures, including proposed changes to the Criminal Code aimed at protecting victims of sexual offences and children involved in court matters, as well as plans tied to the modernization of the country’s transportation system.  According to a statement issued following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, government has approved amendments to the Criminal Code that would allow proceedings involving sexual offences and cases where children are required to testify to be conducted in camera, meaning outside of public view.  The proposed amendment is intended to reduce further trauma, intimidation, and social stigma faced by victims, particularly minors, during court proceedings.  Cabinet also approved legislation to amend the Alternative Sentencing Act in an effort to broaden and clarify the law’s scope while improving its overall effectiveness.  Meanwhile, Cabinet discussed continued implementation plans for the National Bus Company and approved the Ministries of Transport and Finance entering negotiations for financing to procure electric buses as part of a wider modernization effort for Belize’s public transportation sector.  Government says the move forms part of a longer-term strategy to improve efficiency and modernize national transport infrastructure.  Other decisions coming out of Cabinet include support for new energy efficiency standards for appliances, approval of a new five-year definitive stamp series titled “Celebrating Belize,” and endorsement of stronger wildlife protection measures, including a one-year moratorium on hunting certain protected species.  Cabinet also backed plans for a new Global Digital Services Strategy aimed at transforming Belize’s BPO industry into a higher-value digital services sector, while also supporting the hosting of Belize’s first International Energy Forum later this year.  Our newsroom will be dissecting these outcomes in subsequent newscasts.