Min. Rural Transformation, Community Dev, Labour and Local Gov

Min. Rural Transformation, Community Dev, Labour and Local Gov Each Department under the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development has its own 'mi

Today, August 16, 2023, Ms. Rocรญo Medina Bolรญvar Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Gro...
16/08/2023

Today, August 16, 2023, Ms. Rocรญo Medina Bolรญvar Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group in Belize, paid a courtesy visit to the Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government, Hon. Ramiro Ramirez, Minister of State in the Ministry and CEO Valentino Shal.

The purpose of the visit was to introduce the new Country Representative and discuss ongoing projects as well as opportunities for future collaboration between both parties in order to strengthen institutional capacities to continue strengthening community resilience to build economic, social, and sustainable growth.

Today, our Northern Labour and Employment Officers are out at the People's Stadium in Orange Walk District partaking in ...
12/08/2023

Today, our Northern Labour and Employment Officers are out at the People's Stadium in Orange Walk District partaking in the National Youth Festival, organized by the Department of Youth Services, which is being held in conjunction with International Youth Day. Be sure to stop in and learn about our services.

The Ministry of Rural Transformation is pleased to announce the completion of phase one of the water expansion project n...
10/08/2023

The Ministry of Rural Transformation is pleased to announce the completion of phase one of the water expansion project near the Bullridge Area in the village of Georgeville, Cayo District.

The Ministry of Rural Transformation provided the funding for the project, which included the provision of over 200 lengths of PVC pipes to increase the size of the distribution lines, as well as the provision of equipment and other materials for a total cost of $12,000.00 dollars.

The project was overseen by the RWSSU and the Georgeville Water Board.

๐Ÿ—ฃHappening Now: Ministry of Rural Transformation Hand Over $40,000.00 dollars Worth of PVC Pipes to Bella Vista Water Bo...
07/08/2023

๐Ÿ—ฃHappening Now: Ministry of Rural Transformation Hand Over $40,000.00 dollars Worth of PVC Pipes to Bella Vista Water Board

Today, August 7, 2023, Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Hon. Michael Espat, Area Representative for Toledo East, Ms. Oneida Hernandez, Chairlady for Bella Vista Village Council, and Mrs. Jereen Bonilla, Chairlady for Bella Vista Water Board gathered in Bella Vista Village, Toledo District to hand over $40,000.00 dollars worth of PVC pipes to assist the Water Board with the water expansion project for the New Site Area in the village.

๐๐ž๐ฅ๐ข๐ณ๐ž ๐–๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐’๐ž๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐œ๐ž๐ฌ ๐‹๐ข๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ž๐ (๐๐–๐’๐‹) ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐๐ž๐ฅ๐ข๐ณ๐ž ๐–๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐’๐ž๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐œ๐ž๐ฌ ๐–๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ ๐”๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ง (๐๐–๐’๐”) ๐’๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ฌ  ๐‚๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ž๐œ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž ๐๐š๐ซ๐ ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐  ๐€๐ ๐ซ...
01/08/2023

๐๐ž๐ฅ๐ข๐ณ๐ž ๐–๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐’๐ž๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐œ๐ž๐ฌ ๐‹๐ข๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ž๐ (๐๐–๐’๐‹) ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐๐ž๐ฅ๐ข๐ณ๐ž ๐–๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐’๐ž๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐œ๐ž๐ฌ ๐–๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ ๐”๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ง (๐๐–๐’๐”) ๐’๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ฌ ๐‚๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ž๐œ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž ๐๐š๐ซ๐ ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐  ๐€๐ ๐ซ๐ž๐ž๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ

Belmopan, August 1, 2023.

The Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) and the Belize Water Services Workers Union (BWSU) signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for 309 permanent workers for a three-year period. The signing ceremony took place in the City of Belmopan at the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government's conference room.

The agreement seeks to maintain and enhance the good relations that exist between BWSL and the BWSU.

The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government congratulates Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) and the Belize Water Services Workers Union (BWSU) on the timely conclusion of the CBA, as well as the spirit of goodwill and collaboration that prevailed throughout the negotiations.

The Ministry continues to work closely with employers and employees across the country to promote good industrial relations, fairness, impartiality and tripartism for the benefit of all.

๐“—๐“ช๐“น๐“น๐”‚ ๐“”๐“ถ๐“ช๐“ท๐“ฌ๐“ฒ๐“น๐“ช๐“ฝ๐“ฒ๐“ธ๐“ท ๐““๐“ช๐”‚ ๐Ÿฅณ"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and e...
31/07/2023

๐“—๐“ช๐“น๐“น๐”‚ ๐“”๐“ถ๐“ช๐“ท๐“ฌ๐“ฒ๐“น๐“ช๐“ฝ๐“ฒ๐“ธ๐“ท ๐““๐“ช๐”‚ ๐Ÿฅณ

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." - Nelson Mandela

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฟโœŠ๏ธ

๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐˜ ๐—จ๐—ฝ๐—ด๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—ฃ๐˜‚๐—ป๐˜๐—ฎ ๐—š๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ ๐—ง๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ปThe Government of Belize through the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Devel...
28/07/2023

๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐˜ ๐—จ๐—ฝ๐—ด๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—ฃ๐˜‚๐—ป๐˜๐—ฎ ๐—š๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ ๐—ง๐—ผ๐˜„๐—ป

The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government provided funding and support to the Punta Gorda Town Council for street upgrades. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing is also providing ongoing assistance and commitment to completing these street upgrades.

A portion of the street upgrades to improve North Street up to the intersection with Jose Maria Nunez Street has been completed.

The PGTC are implementing these upgrades as a part of the council's top priorities, as well as in response to the communityโ€™s concerns about street upgrades and safety. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians will now be more comfortably accommodated on these streets.

The Ministry commends the efforts and response to the improvement of these street upgrades thus far.

Mr. Clifford King, Director of Local Government continued the municipal boundary discussion sessions with the Benque Vie...
26/07/2023

Mr. Clifford King, Director of Local Government continued the municipal boundary discussion sessions with the Benque Viejo Town Council, Succotz Village Council, Representative for the Area Rep, Representative from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Rural Community Development Officer from the Ministry of Rural Transformation, yesterday.

PUBLIC NOTICEJuly 25th, 2023The Social Investment Fund (SIF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Transformation...
25/07/2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

July 25th, 2023

The Social Investment Fund (SIF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government, and the Georgeville Water Board, is pleased to inform the public that a Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) was formed following the Meter Installation Project and Reservoir Rehabilitation.

The PMC is comprised of residents of the Georgeville community. Its objectives and responsibilities are to enable a smooth transition for both meter installation and reservoir rehabilitation on the grounds, while causing minimal interference to the community. All inquiries about the placement of meters, pipes, and related matters should be directed to the chairperson or corresponding PMC members listed below:

โ€ข Chairperson: Mrs. Carol Harrison -610-1390
โ€ข Rural Health: Ms. Diane Pascascio โ€“ 601-7874
โ€ข Teacher: Mrs. Joyce Hall โ€“ 601-9647
โ€ข Water Board Secretary: Ms. Amber Myvett โ€“ 639-1347
โ€ข Village Council Representative: Mr. Herman Mckoy-635-4327
โ€ข Rural Community Development Officer: Ms. Dominga Shack โ€“ 672-4148

Today, the contractor will begin interior work on the reservoir. It is expected that the rehabilitation will take four to six weeks.

Water is essential in our daily lives; therefore, to avoid major water interruptions, the Ministry of Rural Transformation has installed three water tanks near the reservoir. This will assist in preventing the entire village from operating without water. The ministry will install four additional water tanks in critical locations across the community to provide residents with water during this period.

These upcoming weeks will be critical for the community; therefore, residents are strongly advised to reserve and conserve water. Your patience, cooperation, and understanding are appreciated as we work to complete this project to improve water management for a more sustainable future.

We thank you all in advance and look forward to a successful project.

๐—ฅ๐—จ๐—ฅ๐—”๐—Ÿ ๐—ง๐—ฅ๐—”๐—ก๐—ฆ๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ๐— ๐—”๐—ง๐—œ๐—ข๐—ก ๐—”๐—ฆ๐—ฆ๐—œ๐—ฆ๐—ง๐—˜๐—— ๐—ช๐—”๐—ง๐—˜๐—ฅ ๐—•๐—ข๐—”๐—ฅ๐——๐—ฆ ๐—œ๐—ก ๐—ง๐—›๐—˜ ๐—ก๐—ข๐—ฅ๐—ง๐—› ๐—”๐—ก๐—— ๐—–๐—˜๐—ก๐—ง๐—ฅ๐—”๐—Ÿ ๐—”๐—ฅ๐—˜๐—” ๐—•๐—ฌ ๐—ฃ๐—ฅ๐—ข๐—ฉ๐—œ๐——๐—œ๐—ก๐—š ๐—ฆ๐—”๐—™๐—˜ ๐—ฃ๐—ข๐—ง๐—”๐—•๐—Ÿ๐—˜ ๐—ช๐—”๐—ง๐—˜๐—ฅ๐Ÿ’งThe Rural Water...
25/07/2023

๐—ฅ๐—จ๐—ฅ๐—”๐—Ÿ ๐—ง๐—ฅ๐—”๐—ก๐—ฆ๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ๐— ๐—”๐—ง๐—œ๐—ข๐—ก ๐—”๐—ฆ๐—ฆ๐—œ๐—ฆ๐—ง๐—˜๐—— ๐—ช๐—”๐—ง๐—˜๐—ฅ ๐—•๐—ข๐—”๐—ฅ๐——๐—ฆ ๐—œ๐—ก ๐—ง๐—›๐—˜ ๐—ก๐—ข๐—ฅ๐—ง๐—› ๐—”๐—ก๐—— ๐—–๐—˜๐—ก๐—ง๐—ฅ๐—”๐—Ÿ ๐—”๐—ฅ๐—˜๐—” ๐—•๐—ฌ ๐—ฃ๐—ฅ๐—ข๐—ฉ๐—œ๐——๐—œ๐—ก๐—š ๐—ฆ๐—”๐—™๐—˜ ๐—ฃ๐—ข๐—ง๐—”๐—•๐—Ÿ๐—˜ ๐—ช๐—”๐—ง๐—˜๐—ฅ๐Ÿ’ง

The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Unit, also known as the Well-rig team, has been executing a substantial amount of water restoration, airlifting, super chlorinating, as well as repairing numerous water challenges in the north and central area of the country over the past few weeks.

The villages listed below have had their producing wells refreshed and repaired in order to provide clean and safe water to their residents:

๐Ÿ“ŒLa Gracia Village, Cayo District - Airlifting and Super Chlorinating of the production well
๐Ÿ“ŒArmenia Village, Cayo District - Airlifting and Super Chlorinating of the production well
๐Ÿ“ŒCalla Creek, Cayo District - Airlifting and Super Chlorinating of the production well
๐Ÿ“ŒSanta Cruz, Orange Walk District - Received a new pump and motor for the production well

The team also successfully drilled a farm well in the San Lazaro Village, Orange Walk District.

The Ministry of Rural Transformation and Community Development continues to deliver on its mandate and in accordance with SDG 6 by ensuring that rural residents have access to clean and safe water during both the dry and rainy seasons.

This morning, the Hon. Oscar Requena,  Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Govern...
21/07/2023

This morning, the Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government, along with CEO Valentino Shal, presented a pump, motor, and control box to the Hon. Ramon Cervantes, Area Representative for Orange Walk North.

The supplies will be utilized to upgrade the Douglas Rural Water System, in the Orange Walk District, in order to provide residents with clean potable water.

This week the Department of Local Government continued its municipal boundary discussion sessions with the Punta Gorda T...
20/07/2023

This week the Department of Local Government continued its municipal boundary discussion sessions with the Punta Gorda Town Council, Cattle Landing Village Council, Dangriga Town Council and Sarawee Village Council.

๐—”๐—ป๐—ป๐˜‚๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ธ๐—ฒ๐—ต๐—ผ๐—น๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ด๐—ป๐—ถ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—”๐˜„๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฑ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐ŸฏToday, July 13, 2023, the Hon. Oscar Requena along with CEO Valentino Shal and...
13/07/2023

๐—”๐—ป๐—ป๐˜‚๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ฆ๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ธ๐—ฒ๐—ต๐—ผ๐—น๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ด๐—ป๐—ถ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—”๐˜„๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฑ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฏ

Today, July 13, 2023, the Hon. Oscar Requena along with CEO Valentino Shal and head of departments in the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government held the Ministry's Annual Stakeholders Recognition Award Ceremony to recognize key stakeholders for their outstanding and significant contributions in pursuing the Ministry's mission of providing services to the Belizean people.

This year's recognition awards were honored to:

๐Ÿ“Œ๐—š๐—น๐—ผ๐—ฏ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—œ๐—ง ๐—ฆ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€ - For contributions to the digitalization of the Labour Department's Services.

๐Ÿ“Œ๐— ๐—ฎ๐˜†๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—•๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—พ๐˜‚๐—ฒ - His Worship Mayor Jorge Rosales for his outstanding leadership in advancing municipal management and development.

๐Ÿ“Œ๐—ฆ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—œ๐—ป๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜ ๐—™๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ฑ (๐—ฆ๐—œ๐—™) - For continuous support and funding to enhancing potable water access to rural communities.

The Ministry also expanded its stakeholder recognition awards to recognize Village Councils and Water Boards across the country for their efforts in development and improving their operations.

The Labour Department has collaborated with the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC) in the past few weeks to pr...
12/07/2023

The Labour Department has collaborated with the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC) in the past few weeks to provide an educational session on "rights and responsibilities of workers and employers" to participants in BPO Job Predaredness Training in Belize City.

Mr. Domingo Pau, Labour Officer, conducted a labour education session on the rights and responsibilities of workers and ...
12/07/2023

Mr. Domingo Pau, Labour Officer, conducted a labour education session on the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers with the Belmopan City Council employees today.

Hon. Oscar Requena Minister of Rural Transformation delivered remarks at today's groundbreaking ceremony for the Europea...
12/07/2023

Hon. Oscar Requena Minister of Rural Transformation delivered remarks at today's groundbreaking ceremony for the European Union's Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (EU GCCA+) project, which was held in collaboration with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5Cs).

This project aims to improve the resilience of Belize's water supply systems in vulnerable communities. This project focuses on expansions, meters, and capacity building in the villages of Santa Familia and Billy White in the Cayo District.

Mr. Clifford King, Director of Local Government, and Mr. Joshua Lopez from the Ministry of Natural Resources' Land Infor...
11/07/2023

Mr. Clifford King, Director of Local Government, and Mr. Joshua Lopez from the Ministry of Natural Resources' Land Information Center held a consultation session with the San Pedro Town Council and the office of the Area Representative for San Pedro to discuss the proposed delineation of the San Pedro Town Boundaries.

In the coming weeks, other Town Councils and key stakeholders, including Village Councils adjacent to the various towns, will be consulted.

Mullins River, with a population of thirty-four people, is the smallest village in the Stann Creek District, and today t...
11/07/2023

Mullins River, with a population of thirty-four people, is the smallest village in the Stann Creek District, and today the Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government, was joined by the Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Area Representative for Stann Creek West, Mr. Lismour Flowers, Chairman of the Mullins River Village Council, and Mr. Robert Flowers, Chairman of the Mullins River Water Board, to inaugurate the Mullins River Rural Water System.

The Ministry of Rural Transformation funded and supported this initiative, which cost around BZ$32,500.00, recognizing the needs of Mullins River residents and providing access to clean potable water.

The project included:
๐Ÿ“ŒConstruction of the reservoir stand
๐Ÿ“ŒPainting of the stand and pump house
๐Ÿ“ŒConnection of the well to the reservoir/tanks
๐Ÿ“ŒElectrical upgrade of the system
๐Ÿ“ŒAirlifting of the well

Dr. Dennis Zulu, Director for International Labour Organization (ILO) Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, pai...
05/07/2023

Dr. Dennis Zulu, Director for International Labour Organization (ILO) Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, paid the Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Labour, a courtesy visit today to meet and discuss areas of collaboration as well as the possible development of a Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for Belize and other priority areas.

The Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) is a key component in advancing the national labour agenda by promoting social justice and decent work, as well as strengthening partnerships with the ILO, which provides support and assistance to its member countries.

Other delegates who participated in the discussion included ILO Representatives, Mr. Lars Johansen, Deputy Director ILO Decent Work Team, Ms. Ingerlyn Caines-Francis, Senior Programme Officer, and Mrs. Pamela Ann Bradley, National Project Coordinator-Belize. Ministry of Labour representatives included CEO Valentino Shal, Mrs. Rissela Dominguez-Patt, Labour Commissioner, and Ms. Claire Lamb, Deputy Labour Commissioner.

PRESS RELEASEBelize Participates in Regional Workshop on Migrant Workers' RightsBelmopan, July 4, 2023.Belize participat...
04/07/2023

PRESS RELEASE

Belize Participates in Regional Workshop on Migrant Workers' Rights

Belmopan, July 4, 2023.

Belize participated in a regional workshop hosted by the Regional Conference on Migration (RCM), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), in Panama City on June 28 and 29. The delegation included Mr. Valentino Shal, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government; Mrs. Rissela Dominguez-Patt, Labour Commissioner; Mrs. Aida Reyes, Senior Labour Officer; and Ms. Lorine Pott, Port Commander, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration.

The conference focused on the exchange of experiences regarding migrant workers, domestic and agricultural work, and circular migration. The RCM aims to strengthen member countries' regional and bilateral cooperation actions to ensure orderly, safe, and regular mobility. It also aims to promote greater collaboration and understanding among participating countries by providing a platform for the exchange of information on best practices, lessons learned, and advancing the protection of human and labour rights of migrant workers.

While at the workshop, Belizean delegates met with representatives of the governments of Costa Rica and Panama to exchange strategies and engage in productive discussions on best practices such as the Labour Migratory Traceability System, which is based on a binational agreement between Costa Rica and Panama.

This conference's expected outcomes are intended to shape policies, practices, and initiatives that support migrant workers throughout the region and further enable member countries to implement effective measures to combat exploitation, ensure fair working conditions, and improve migrant workers' overall quality of life.

Finally, the RCM, IOM, and ILO reiterate their commitment to collaborating closely with member countries to address the complex issues surrounding migration. The organizations anticipate a regional framework that prioritizes human dignity, labour rights, and social inclusion by encouraging regional dialogue and cooperation.

Ends

For more information, please contact:
Ginรฉรฉ Neal
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government
[email protected]

๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ฏ๐—ถ๐—น๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ฑ ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—ฝ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ฅ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ช๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ฆ๐˜†๐˜€๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ ๐Ÿ’งThis week, the Hon. Ramiro Ramirez, Minister of state in t...
30/06/2023

๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ฏ๐—ถ๐—น๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ฑ ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—ฝ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ฅ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ช๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ฆ๐˜†๐˜€๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ ๐Ÿ’ง

This week, the Hon. Ramiro Ramirez, Minister of state in the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government along with Mr. Carlos Tun, Executive Director of Social Investment Fund (SIF), Mr. Eiden Romero, Chairperson of Libertad and Concepcion Water Board, and other members of the Libertad and Concepcion Water Board, inaugurated the Libertad and Concepcion Rudimentary Water System (RWS).

The project improved the supply and availability of safe potable water to both communities in order to meet the residents daily needs. Additionally, the improvement of water will significantly contribute to the reduction of vector and water-borne diseases among men, women, and children.

The Project works included:

๐Ÿ“Œ- Installation of pipeline utilizing 50,000 ft. of PVC pipes
๐Ÿ“Œ- Installation of 750 metered service connections
๐Ÿ“Œ- Construction of a reinforced concrete pump house which houses the electrical switches and other connections for the pump and chlorination equipment
๐Ÿ“Œ- Installation of a chlorine disinfection system
๐Ÿ“Œ- Construction of a reinforced concrete generator room
๐Ÿ“Œ- Installation of a diesel powered back up generator
๐Ÿ“Œ- Rehabilitation of the existing elevated tank and perimeter fencing.

The project was funded by the Government of Belize through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) under the SIF III loan program at a cost of one million three hundred and seventy thousand Belizean dollars. (1,370,000.00).

Today, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Unit is assisting the water board for Douglas and Nuevo San Juan in the Ora...
28/06/2023

Today, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Unit is assisting the water board for Douglas and Nuevo San Juan in the Orange Walk District by airlifting and super chlorinating the production well so that residents can have clean and safe water.

Department of Local Government Holds Municipal (Magistrate) Court Initiative with Town & City CouncilsBelmopan, June 27,...
27/06/2023

Department of Local Government Holds Municipal (Magistrate) Court Initiative with Town & City Councils

Belmopan, June 27, 2023.

Today, mayors and key administrative staff from town and city councils across Belize, including the chairperson of the Caye Caulker Village Council, participated in a one-day consultation session with the Department of Local Government, on a proposed initiative to expand the establishment of Municipal (Magistrate) Courts.

The consultation session provided a platform for local authorities to gain an understanding of the legal and administrative dynamics of the Belize City Municipal (Magistrate) Court's management and operations. This session will additionally assist participants in understanding the legal and administrative processes and procedures for establishing Magistrate Court Places of Sitting, as well as articulate their concerns and considerations for the establishment of Municipal (Magistrate) Courts in other jurisdictions.

The advancement of the Municipal (Magistrate) Court Initiative constitutes a component of the ministry's intent to strengthen local governance and the institutional capacity of town and city, and it is thus aligned with the Government's Medium-Term Development Strategy to facilitate the economic transformation of urban communities throughout Belize. The achievement of Sustainable Financing for Municipal Governments is a fundamental strategic objective of the Department of Local Government, as expressed in the ministry's Strategic Plan. Town and city councils are entrusted with increasing citizen compliance and improving residents' safety and security as part of their duty to improve municipal service delivery.

Currently, only Belize City has a declared Place of Sitting for a Municipal (Magistrate) Court, which was established in 1997. As a result, the establishment of Municipal (Magistrate) Courts will greatly improve the capacity of town and city councils to resolve matters related to local offences such as breaches of traffic management laws and regulations, property tax matters, garbage and littering offenses, amongst others.

During the session, Hon. Magali Marin-Young, Attorney General, along with other key staff of her ministry addressed the municipal councils. Mr. Jermaine Hyde, Court Manager for the Belize City Council, also presented during the consultation session.

In the coming weeks, the Department of Local Government will be holding consultation sessions with other relevant stakeholders.

Ends

For more information, please contact:
Ginee Neal
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government
[email protected]

Re-establishment of the Essential Services Arbitration TribunalBelmopan, June 27, 2023.Hon. Oscar Requena, the Minister ...
27/06/2023

Re-establishment of the Essential Services Arbitration Tribunal

Belmopan, June 27, 2023.

Hon. Oscar Requena, the Minister of Labour, received a letter dated June 9, 2023 from the Christian Workers Union (CWU) invoking a 21-day notice to institute industrial action against the Port of Belize Limited.

In their letter, the Union stated, โ€œDespite various attempts, including the involvement of your Ministry, there remains a live trade dispute between Christian Workers Union and Port of Belize Limited. This dispute stems from Port of Belize Limited refusal to abide by the Tribunalโ€™s Award directing that parties forthwith engage in negotiations to determine the terms of payment under the March 6, 2020 agreement.โ€

In July 2021, the CWU reported to the minister a trade dispute, including the matter of the redundancy package for stevedores. The minister, in accordance with sections 11 and 12 of the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act, referred the said dispute to the Essential Services Arbitration Tribunal for settlement. Having heard and determined the matter, the tribunal handed down its award in January 2022. The reported dispute in the Unionโ€™s letter dated June 9, 2023, is on the same basis as the dispute reported in 2021.

The ministry re-established the Essential Services Arbitration Tribunal on June 23, 2023, and the matter stated in the unionโ€™s letter dated June 9, 2023 has been referred to the tribunal for a decision on any questions as to the interpretation of the award in accordance with Section 14 of the aforementioned act.

The Members of the tribunal are:

- Attorney William A. Lindo, Chairman (Governmentโ€™s Representative)
- Fermin Olivera (Governmentโ€™s Representative)
- Wilfredo Galvez (Governmentโ€™s Representative)
- Marcello Blake (Employersโ€™ Representative)
- Hubert Enriquez (Workersโ€™ Representative)

The tribunal will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 in Belize City.

The ministry encourages all parties involved to continue to engage in constructive dialogue in order to resolve this matter in a peaceful and lawful manner. The ministry is confident that the tribunal will provide a fair and impartial decision that will benefit all parties concerned.

Ends

For more information, please contact:
Ginee Neal
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government
[email protected]

The Ministry of Rural Transformation continues to distribute water to the rural communities affected by the "dry season"...
23/06/2023

The Ministry of Rural Transformation continues to distribute water to the rural communities affected by the "dry season".

This week the Ministry refilled water tanks in the following villages:

๐Ÿ“ŒArmenia, Cayo District
๐Ÿ“ŒRingtail, Cayo District
๐Ÿ“ŒSt. Magaret, Cayo District
๐Ÿ“ŒYalbac, Cayo District
๐Ÿ“ŒMore Tomorrow, Cayo District
๐Ÿ“ŒCool Shade, Cayo District
๐Ÿ“ŒSanta Rosa, Stann Creek District
๐Ÿ“ŒSan Roman, Stann Creek District
๐Ÿ“ŒSan Vicente, Toledo District
๐Ÿ“ŒSanta Cruz, Toledo District
๐Ÿ“ŒBoom Creek, Toledo District
๐Ÿ“ŒSan Isidro, Toledo District

The Labour Team met with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Specialist for Social Protection and Occupational S...
23/06/2023

The Labour Team met with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Specialist for Social Protection and Occupational Safety and Health to have a fruitful discussion.

PRESS RELEASEBelize Discusses Finance for Development at CDBโ€™s 53rd Annual Meeting of Board of GovernorsBelmopan, June 2...
22/06/2023

PRESS RELEASE

Belize Discusses Finance for Development at CDBโ€™s 53rd Annual Meeting of Board of Governors

Belmopan, June 22, 2023.

Dr. Osmond Martinez, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Economic Development, and Mr. Valentino Shal, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government, represented Belize at the Caribbean Development Bankโ€™s (CDB) 53rd Annual Meeting of its Board of Governors in St. Lucia. The CEOs represented Belize as Temporary Alternate Governor and Temporary Alternate Director, respectively. The annual meeting is being held under the theme, โ€œMarshalling Finance for Development: Access to Adequate, Affordable Financing.โ€

The meeting brings together the bankโ€™s highest decision-making body and other high-level regional stakeholders for solution-based discussions on tackling the hurdles to accessing affordable finance necessary for driving economic growth and sustainability in the region. Hon. Phillip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, who currently serves as Chairman of CDBโ€™s board of governors, is hosting the meeting.

CEO Dr. Osmond Martinez delivered remarks during the session on behalf of the bankโ€™s borrowing member countries. He highlighted the vulnerability of Caribbean economies and their actions in reducing debt burdens, prioritizing climate action, and instituting disaster risk reduction measures. Furthermore, he stressed the urgency of collective action and collaboration at the regional level in addressing common challenges. Reflecting on the experience of Belize, with average annual losses of 4% of GDP to natural hazards, CEO Martinez challenged the bank to advance its effort to provide affordable finance, mobilize climate finance for loss and damage as negotiated at COP27, and provide direct support to borrowing members countries to develop comprehensive climate adaptation projects.

During the meeting of the board of directors, a new credit line was approved for the Development Finance Corporation in the amount of BZ$25 million to increase access to finance for small and micro enterprises. The board similarly approved a second replenishment of the Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF) in the amount of US$1.8 million from which Belize has benefitted in the past.

An important strategic initiative of the CDB that was discussed at this yearโ€™s Annual Meeting is the need for a more suitable official development assistance and climate finance architecture. This includes moving away from the gross national income to measure and track member countriesโ€™ wealth, which influences allocations of official development assistance. This conventional measure of development can provide misleading signals about the health and stability of an economy, thereby restricting access to concessional finance which can slow the pace of economic development. The bank is proposing new tools to better capture vulnerability and resilience conditions in its member countries.

In response to borrowing membersโ€™ request, Dr. Gene Leon, President of the CDB, committed to working with member countries to mobilize climate finance in a variety of ways, including pursuing climate finance, blended finance, and other forms of low-cost finance, and by deepening private sector engagement both as beneficiaries and partners.

The next Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors will be held in Canada after taking up the chairmanship.

Ends

For more information, contact:
Dr. Osmond Martinez
Chief Executive Officer
Ministry of Economic Development
[email protected]

Annual Public Service Information Day is being held across the country.Labour, Employment, and Rural Community Developme...
21/06/2023

Annual Public Service Information Day is being held across the country.

Labour, Employment, and Rural Community Development Officers from the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government are participating in the annual Public Service Information Day today and throughout the week to provide the public with information and services that the Ministry offers.

Rural Transformation continues to deliver water to communities affected by the dry season. The Rural Water Supply and Sa...
18/06/2023

Rural Transformation continues to deliver water to communities affected by the dry season.

The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Unit delivered water to the Cool Shade area of the Cayo District today, allowing residents to have access to clean water.

Yesterday, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Unit assisted the San Victor Water Board, Corozal District, by airlifti...
18/06/2023

Yesterday, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Unit assisted the San Victor Water Board, Corozal District, by airlifting and super chlorinating the production well so that residents could have access to clean and safe water.

Today, Mr. Adrian Cus, Rural Community Development Officer for the Ministry of Rural Transformation, collaborated with t...
18/06/2023

Today, Mr. Adrian Cus, Rural Community Development Officer for the Ministry of Rural Transformation, collaborated with the European Union's Representative to provide chlorination and minute writing training to the Santa Familia and Billy White Water Boards and Village Councils through the European Union Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (EU-GCCA+).

Two of the four sessions have been completed.

Mr. Clifford King, Director of Local Government, and Mr. Nemencio Acosta, Rural Community Development Officer, are curre...
16/06/2023

Mr. Clifford King, Director of Local Government, and Mr. Nemencio Acosta, Rural Community Development Officer, are currently meeting with the Caye Caulker Village Council to discuss property tax administration.

Today, Local Government Officers, Ms. Aurelia Cal and Ms. Lauren Cayetano, along with Rural Community Development Office...
16/06/2023

Today, Local Government Officers, Ms. Aurelia Cal and Ms. Lauren Cayetano, along with Rural Community Development Officer, Mr. Adrian Cus, conducted a training on financial reporting template for members of the National Association of Village Councils (NAVCO) and District Association of Village Councils (DAVCO).

Following the completion of these trainings, all village councils will utilize this upgraded, standardized, and detailed template to generate effective and efficient monthly revenue and expenditure reports.

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Season's Greetings ๐ŸŽ„

The Hon. Oscar Requena Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government along with the Hon. Ramiro Ramirez, Minister of State and Mr. Valentino Shal Chief Executive Officer express their sincerest gratitude to all during this holiday season.

Have a safe and merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!๐Ÿฅณ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS 2021
Rhaburn Ridge is a small community in the Belize District that will be supplied with water for the first time to meet the basic needs of the people who live there.

Our Well-rig team assisted the community by drilling a well and installing a hand pump.

Six of our Labour staff have been recognized and congratulated for their hard work and dedication.

Our staff at the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government work diligently to provide high-quality services to our stakeholders and the general public.

The Ministry appreciates our staff's dedication and hard work and encourages them to continue meeting the needs and expectations of our established goals while maintaining a high level of professionalism and integrity.
Today, our Local Government Officers, Ms. Aurelia Cal and Ms. Ashantelee Sutherland, assisted Dangriga Town Council by conducting a board of survey to consider the write-off of an asset that has become unserviceable.
Mr. Valentino Shal, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government, met with the Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister of Belize, today, December 8, 2021, to discuss upcoming plans and projects.
Back in April of this year, the Ministry launched its first Stakeholders Recognition Award. This ceremony was to highlight the outstanding contributions from different stakeholders in assisting the Ministry to pursue our Mission in service to the Belizean people.


Punta Gorda Town is now undergoing road works.

Following last week's meeting with the Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government, Hon. Michael Espat, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment and Area Representative for Toledo East, Mr. Valentino Shal, CEO in the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government, and Dr. Osmon Martinez, CEO in the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment along with the Punta Gorda Town Council, a plan was developed to assist the Council in addressing the street issues.
Mr. Clifford King, Director of Local Government, held a meeting today with the District Association of Village Councils (DAVCO) in Orange Walk District to discuss Trade Licensing Reform.
The Ministry of Rural Transformation is installing a new pump in the water system in Trio Village after a long wait.

In addition, the Ministry provided pvc pipes to replace the corroded metal pipes. For several weeks, the village has been without water, and the Ministry was transporting water to ensure that residents could satisfy their basic necessities.
Today, the Ministry of Rural Transformation team assisted the San Isidro Water Board, Toledo District, in airlifting and super chlorinating the well in order to continue providing clean potable water to the residents.
The Ministry of Rural Transformation is serious about enforcing safety precautions for our Well-rig team while they are out in the field.

As a result, the Ministry purchased and presented the necessary safety gear and other equipment, allowing the team to have the tools needed to ensure safety comes first.

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