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Government Explains Refugee Situation in Belize

Central America

Belmopan. May 10, 2016.   The Government of Belize wishes to clarify reports in the media that there is currently an amnesty program for irregular migrants or for persons who have illegal immigration status in Belize. There is no such amnesty.

The Refugee Eligibility Committee, which is established under Section 6(1) of the Refugees Act, Chapter 165 of the Laws of Belize, is chaired by the recently appointed Director of Refugees, Ms. Maria Marin, and comprises other members from the following organizations:

  • The Belize Council of Churches
  • The National Trade Union Congress
  • The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Representative of United Nations High Commission for Refugees
  • The Ministry of Human Development
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • A representative of the Solicitor General
  • A representative of the Commissioner of Police

The committee was reactivated in June 2015 after several years of dormancy.  Since reactivation, the committee has held five meetings to consider applications for asylum from persons fleeing from persecution, especially gang violence in their home countries.
To date the Committee has vetted and recommended 92 applications and these have been submitted to the Minister with responsibility for Immigration for the grant of refugee status or otherwise.
Help for Progress, a nongovernmental organization, represents the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and has the responsibility to receive applications from potential asylum seekers and conduct an initial interview. Those applicants who meet the criteria for refugee status are referred to the Immigration Department, where a second interview is done and the successful applicants are then given an appointment for a more in depth interview. The asylum seeker is then given a Special Permit which is valid until the time of the in-depth interview in order to allow him legal status in Belize.   It is only after the in-depth interview that the applicants’ documents are forwarded to the Refugee Eligibility Committee for consideration and, thereafter, those recommended for refugee status are submitted to the Minister of Immigration for approval.
To date some 40 files have been reviewed at the ministry but the Minister of Immigration has not yet granted refugee status to any person.
There is also a proposal submitted to the Government of Belize by the UNHCR for consideration of a Protection Transfer Arrangement in which Belize would act as a host country for groups of ten families at a time coming from the Northern Triangle (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador) but at this time, mainly from El Salvador, transiting to the United States of America for resettlement.   These persons would arrive in Belize and remain for a period of three to six months in order to finalize documentation enroute to resettlement.
At this time the Government of Belize has not given its approval for the Protection Transfer Arrangement.

Regional Experts assemble in Saint Kitts and Nevis for talks on Geothermal Energy Development in the OECS

GEOTHERMAL MEETING

OECS Member States are being further encouraged to consider the advantages of geothermal energy investing given the socio-economic benefits associated with that industry.

This comes as regional experts including regional policy makers and members of the International Energy Community assemble in Saint Kitts and Nevis for talks on Geothermal Energy Development in the OECS.
Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris expressed his confidence that the discussion will help realisegreat benefits for the people in the region: “Significant risks continue to inhibit geothermal development within the region, and these risks can be mitigated through partnerships.  That is why we welcome the wide range of representatives we have PM HARRIS WEBBIEhere representing the CDB, the IDB, the OECS and so on.  This Regional Geothermal Forum should build on the success of October’s Caribbean Round Table at the GEOLAC in Nicaragua withthe World Bank, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the CARICOM Secretariat and the OECS.  I am pleased to see so many government and development partners here at this special Forum, and I trust that the outcomes of this Forum will form the framework for the Regional Geothermal Strategy moving forward. I call on all of us, and in particular the participants in this Forum, to maintain a purposeful stance towards achieving energy security and energy independence for the Caribbean.  In closing, I wish this Forum every success and hope that the deliberations over the next two days will bear significant fruit.  Successful geothermal development can positively impact energy security within the Eastern Caribbean, indeed within the wider CARICOM community.  And I challenge you to make this event, which connects geothermal decision-makers and developers with key international experts, a watershed for a transformed energy future that delivers affordable, reliable, sustainable and clean energy to the citizens of the Caribbean region.”
IAN PATCHES WEBBIEAlso addressing the opening ceremony of the Regional Geothermal Forum at Frigate Bay in Saint Kitts and Nevis on Tuesday May 10th 2016, host Minister for Public Infrastructure, Post, Urban development and Transport Ian Liburd commended the collective approach by OECS Member States towards effectively managing the region’s Geothermal Resources: “Given the characteristics of geothermal energy and the fact that a majority of countries within the region, which are currently exploring geothermal options, share very similar energy and socio-political profiles, there is merit in pursuing a collective approach to geothermal development. Though countries are expected to maintain their respective national geothermal agendas, to include distinct national roadmaps, the collaborative approach can be beneficial to all of us.
I therefore applaud the CARICOM and the OECS Secretariats for collaborating and bringing together key stakeholders in geothermal development within the region at this particular Forum. These include governments, international financing institutions, development partners, private investors and other practitioners to identify and promote a regional strategy for optimizing the development of geothermal energy within the respective countries.”
Dominica’s Commissioner to the OECS, Ambassador Felix Gregoire, welcomed the Regional Geothermal Forumas an opportunity for the region to discuss and strategically plan how it can collectively accelerate the success of its geothermal projects: ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, from my understanding this forum is expected to provide an opportunity for us as a region to AMBASSADOR GREGOIRE WEBBIEdiscuss and strategically plan how we can collectively contribute to accelerating the success of our geothermal projects. Geothermal energy development has the greatest potential to transform the region’s energy landscape not only because of the quantity of resources thought to exist in the region but owing to the inherent characteristics of geothermal power. At a time when the global community is actively searching  for clean, affordable energy sources to replace fossil fuels, geothermal energy with its proven availability and reliability is emerging as an option worthy of exploration and investment for the region. It is therefore not surprising that seven out of the ten OECS Members States are following the example of Guadeloupe in trying to develop their geothermal resources. I therefore want to thank the Regional Council of Guadeloupe for their kind offer of sharing their experiences and providing their insights and lessons learned.
The quality of discourse and the final outputs of events such as this, is of course largely dependent on the participants and resource persons involved.  Looking around the room, I am therefore confident that at the end of the three days we would have come up with robust analyses and innovative solutions to our geothermal energy needs.  I therefore want to thank all of you participants from government, private sector and from partner institutions and organisations who have seen it fitting to be here today.’
Funding agencies the Inter-American Development Bank Barbados office and the Caribbean Development Bank reassured the gathering of their commitment to working with countries interested in Geothermal Development
The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), through the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance (REETA) Project, the Regional Council of Guadeloupe, as well as, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), through the Technical Cooperation on Sustainable Energy Deployment in the Caribbean are supporting this initiative.
The  second Regional Geothermal Forum for Eastern Caribbean States ends on Thursday May 13th 2016.

Belizean officers of the Ministry of Natural Resorces participate in land policy studies in Taiwan

Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan)

May 10, 2016, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE

The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is pleased to announce that to strengthen the exchanges and share experience with friendly countries, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) invited the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Natural Resources & Immigration to recommend an officer to participate in an Regular Session on Land Taxation and Valuation held from May 20th to June 17th of the current year in the International Center for Land Policy Studies and Training in Taoyuan City, Taiwan.  Mrs. Deogracia Chan an officer from the said Ministry who was recommended and invited to join the course. Mrs. Chan’s work field is related to the calculation of purchase price, lease transfer assessments, assessment on Land Tax, and assistance with Land Acquisition process. With this opportunity to attend the course in Taiwan, she hopes to develop her skill in Land taxation to benefit her section.  In March of this year there was another officer, Ender Jimenez, of the same Ministry also attended in the Seminar on Geographical Information System and Land Management of the said training center in Taiwan.

Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week launched to raise awareness on preventing Zika

Caribbean Mosquito Week - Carpha

May 10, 2016: Eliminating mosquito breeding sites, avoiding mosquito bites, and protecting pregnant women from Zika virus are the key messages of the inaugural Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week, launched today by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the CARICOM Secretariat.

With the slogan “Fight the bite, destroy mosquito breeding sites”, this first Mosquito Awareness Week, 9-15 May, will focus on Zika and the risks associated with the disease, especially for pregnant women.  The annual week was declared at the 17th meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government in November 2014.
This is the first year that Caribbean countries will engage in this campaign, a joint initiative between member states and the three organisations, that aims to raise awareness of the need to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and use personal protection to prevent mosquito borne diseases.
On 1 February 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, following the increase in neonatal malformations and neurological disorders associated with the circulation of the Zika virus. Local Zika virus transmission has been reported in 37 countries and territories of the Americas.
Cases of Zika virus were first seen in the Caribbean in November of 2015. So far the virus has been identified in 14 CARPHA member states, and eight other Caribbean nations as well as an imported case in one territory. As the rainy season sets in that number is expected to climb.
The most effective way to protect people from Zika is by eliminating places where the mosquitoes can breed in and around homes, workplaces and the local community.  This fight will require an intersectoral approach, collaboration between government agencies, organisations and businesses on all levels. Mosquito control and awareness activities need to be intensified as the rainy season approaches.
Actions that can be taken include covering tanks, removing stagnant water sources and individuals protecting themselves and their family from bites. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites and enlist the help of family, friends and neighbours to destroy breeding sites.
“The spread of dengue, Chikungunya and now Zika in the Region points to a big weakness in national and regional health, and economic security,” CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. C James Hospedales said. “CARPHA supports a community-based, technology-enabled approach in the fight against mosquito borne viral diseases and encourages all, especially youth to download and play our Zap-a-‘quito mobile game.”
“This is a week where we will focus on mobilising the community to take action to eliminate the mosquito that causes dengue, chikungunya and now Zika.  We want everyone to take part.  No action is too small. Just emptying water out of a garden pot can rob the mosquito of a breeding site,” PAHO director, Carissa F. Etienne said. “PAHO and the Caribbean have a long history in tackling mosquito-borne diseases. But we need to do more. And together we can do that.”
“Our region depends significantly on tourism for economic development and we are all aware that there have been and there might be more travel advisories for tourists, which can impact our economy. We are concerned about the cost implications,” CARICOM Assistant Secretary General Dr Slater said. “Although this Mosquito Awareness Week we are focusing on the Aedes Agypti we wish to address all mosquitoes that threaten our health and development.”
The week of activities includes a Mosquito Awareness Mini Fair at CARPHA headquarters. The mini fair is open during the week to school groups and the general public and will feature activities including exhibits, live demonstrations, interactive games and a “mosquito hunt”.  Throughout the week, events will be held across the Caribbean to engage communities and inspire local action on mosquito control.
 
To find out more visit: http://caribbeanmosquitoweek.carpha.org/

Soufriere by-election set for June 7

ballot paper

The Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, has issued the following statement in relation to the vacant Parliament seat for the Soufriere constituency.

“As of Tuesday, 20th April, 2016, the seat of the elected member for the Soufriere constituency became vacant as a result of his resignation.
“In accordance with Section 55 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, a by-election shall be held to fill the vacancy within three months of the occurrence of the vacancy.
“Pursuant to the above, I advised the President that the by-election be held on June 7th, 2016 and that Nomination Day be declared to be May 20th, 2016.
“In that regard and further to Section 12 of the House of Assembly Election Act, I further requested of His Excellency, the issuance of writs on May 9th, 2016 for the purpose of the aforesaid election,” he stated.

Grand Etang not for sale, says Grenada Government

Grand Etang - Grenada

ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, May 10, 2016 – GIS: The Keith Mitchell led government has rubbished suggestions that it is discussing the sale of lands at the Grand Etang Forest Reserve.

Senior government minister Nickolas Steele, on behalf of the government, has categorically denied that any talks are being held with investors.
“At this point in time, we can say categorically there is no discussion on lands for sale, in Grand Etang, lease of lands in Grand Etang, or for the future contemplation of any lands for sale for lease in the Grand Etang reserve area or any of the adjoining lands at all,” Minister Steele stressed.
“There is absolutely no discussion with any foreign investor or any local investor concerning Grand Etang lands”.
Minister Steele told a post cabinet news conference on Tuesday that there has been absolutely no discussion to sell or lease the Grand Etang lands to anyone.
“Absolutely no discussions and absolutely no intention by this government to contemplate, the lease or sale of any of those said lands”.

PM discusses litter act in context of Green Dominica

garbage clean up

Hon Prime Minister, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit has reiterated his call for a clean and green Dominica.

The Prime Minister was speaking at a press conference on Friday, May 9th, when the Ministry of Justice took new measures to make certain that matters of the courts are dealt with speedily.
The Dominica leader said the Litter Act will be one that will be executed very strictly.
“I indicated, towards the end of last year, that we will be putting in place a court to deal specifically with offenses under the Litter Act. Too many people are just dumping indiscriminately whether from their vehicles or their homes. We have to appreciate the environment and be conscious of our own individual and collective responsibility.
“We will be [sending] out litter wardens; the environmental health officers will need to continue to do their work and bring those persons who have no respect for the environment and are in violation of the Litter Act to justice. It is as simple as that because we are spending money to address the consequences of litter.”
Hon Skerrit says it is the public’s responsibility to keep the environment remains clean.
“The ravines are blocked because we dump our fridges and stoves; we have derelict vehicles all over Dominica and it has cost us millions of dollars to get rid of them. When we try to get rid of them, people are obstructing the law. If we are talking about tourism, foreign direct investment, eco tourism, Dominica being the Nature Isle of the Caribbean and fighting Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases, then we have to be mindful of the environment. I find that too many parts of this country are unsightly and people have to be mindful of those things.”
He said about the proposed court for environmental offenders, “This court will meet and it will meet to deal with these matters related to the environment.”
The Ministries of Justice and the Environment will work collaboratively for the overall goal of a clean and green Dominica.

Government of Saint Lucia launches major national initiative to tackle diabetes

diabetes

The Government of St. Lucia announces a major national initiative to improve the health of St. Lucian citizens today, by launching unique public-private partnership that will transform the fight against diabetes.

This project, launched by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Gender Relations in partnership with a non-profit entity supported by the Switzerland-based W Science, will create a new regional standard in diagnosing, treating and pioneering research into this chronic condition.
The initiative will be led by the newly established National Diabetes Coordinating Centre (NDCC), and accompanied in the forthcoming twelve months by:

  • A nationwide diabetes screening programme, which will provide immediate value for the community and the national healthcare service, as earlier diagnosis and timely treatment is key to preventing the development of debilitating long-term complications such as blindness, amputation, heart disease and kidney disease;
  • An educational awareness-raising campaign across the country, so that every generation of St. Lucians will learn not only about the consequences of the disease, but how to prevent and slow its progression through positive fitness, lifestyle and nutritional choices;
  • A world-class training programme to create a St. Lucian team of specialist diabetes nurses, on a par with diabetes care specialists anywhere else in the Caribbean region, who will further transform the management and treatment of diabetes in St. Lucia; and
  • A national registry of people with diabetes that will greatly enhance clinical care and research in St. Lucia and the Caribbean region.

Speaking at the launch event, Minister for Health the Hon. Alvina Reynolds said:
“Diabetes is an endemic public health issue in St. Lucia, and one of the leading causes of early death. Taking into account the myriad and long-term complications of this condition, its impact on public health resources, national finances and the fabric of St. Lucian society is enormous. It is a sad fact that almost everyone on this island has a friend, neighbour or loved one who has been affected by diabetes in some way. As such, identifying and establishing mechanisms to better prevent, diagnose and treat diabetes is one of the single greatest health priorities for this Government.” 
Today’s announcement follows more than a year of in-depth feasibility studies to identify an impactful response to the diabetes situation in St. Lucia. This has included a series of on-the-ground scoping exercises and stakeholder meetings in the past twelve months by W Science’s expert medical, research and information and communication technology (ICT) teams. The research team was led by Prof. Philippe Halban, a global authority on diabetes research with more than 40 years of experience in the field.
The NDCC will be directed by a team of national and international diabetes, healthcare and IT expert advisors. Clinical research at the Centre will drive improved treatment and care of people with diabetes in St. Lucia, alongside provisions for an immediate expansion of medical equipment and medication available through island-wide primary healthcare centres. This will include an increase in the number of lifesaving dialysis machines required to treat patients with serious renal failure, as well as additional funding for essential diabetes medication.
The Centre will be run by a team of newly-recruited local clinical and administrative specialists, who will coordinate all aspects of the project with full involvement from primary healthcare centres, Government ministries, regulatory authorities, academic institutions and non-governmental organisations.
The St. Lucian Government are grateful to W Science, who are supporting this collaboration with the intention that it delivers social and economic value; builds a network of leading partners; and establishes a sustainable medical infrastructure in St. Lucia. This diabetes initiative will be a unique and highly innovative public-private partnership devoted to chronic disease management, allowing us to pioneer a new model in the global combat against chronic health problems.
The Hon. Alvina Reynolds added:
“In 2014, there were over 10,200 people with diabetes in St. Lucia and possibly that number again not yet diagnosed. By making this investment in the country’s health and wellbeing now, this Government is expressing its determination to tackle one of the greatest obstacles preventing too many St. Lucians from living their lives to the fullest and achieving their true potential.  St. Lucia will and must lead the diabetes fightback, and it starts today.”

CARCIP to train 50 individuals in medical billing and coding

CARCIP

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS WORKS AND ICT, 6TH MAY 2016: Over the next few months The Caribbean regional communications infrastructure program (CARCIP) under the Ministry of ICT will be delivering a number of free training programs.

The first programs being delivered are in the areas of Medical billing and coding.
50 individuals will be selected to receive training in medical billing and coding. An informational session will be held at the ICT Centre of Excellence, Located at TAMCC Teacher Education Department on the 10th and 11th of May 2016.
Three sessions will be held on both days. These sessions will start at 1:30 p.m. 3:30pm and 5:30pm. Persons who are interested in the training are invited to attend one of the informational sessions.
The objectives of the informational sessions are
1) To provide a brief introduction to the fields of Medical billing and coding
2) The register persons interested in receiving the training and
3) to detail the selection process.
This program will contribute to the development of an ICT services industry in Grenada.

Parish Councils Finalising Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane

Parish Councils islandwide are currently finalising preparations and their readiness for the start of the 2016 tropical hurricane season on June 1.

The activities are being undertaken throughout May as part of ‘Hurricane Preparedness Month’.
Co-Chairman of the Association of Local Government Authorities of Jamaica (ALGA), Councillor Scean Barnswell, tells JIS News that Councils have concluded meetings with members of their respective Parish Disaster and Safety Committees regarding their response in the event of a disaster, as well as training for Shelter Managers and other stakeholders, among other engagements.
Councillor Barnswell, who is also May Pen’s Mayor and the Clarendon Parish Council’s Chairman, says drain cleaning is one of the areas of priority focus.
Additionally, he says Councils are seeking to identify more adequate and suitable locations for use as emergency shelters to house persons who may have to be evacuated from their communities.
“Most of our shelters are schools and were not designed specifically for that purpose; (in fact) some were not (deemed) suitable…based on (their) location, design and size. We have looked at (alternative) shelters and have made some recommendations….(and) we are going to be using the time to sign off on (these with) our Shelter Managers,” he advises.
Councillor Barnswell tells JIS News that steps are already being taken to ensure that Councils are adequately prepared to provide emergency supplies such as food and medication.
Additionally, he says residents are also being sensitised to the importance of making similar preparations.
“At community meetings in areas classified as vulnerable, we advise residents to take non-perishable items such canned foods, bottled water and crackers as well as a portable battery-operated radio and flashlight, and to secure important documents in ziplock bags,” he outlines.
The ALGA Co-Chairman encourages residents to take the necessary measures to protect themselves and their properties.
“If there are nearby trees that can become a danger to your house, you need to start pruning them. You need to inspect (the) roofs (of your homes) to (ascertain their) durability and strength and (determine) how secure (they are),” he suggests.
Additionally, Councillor Barnswell says persons who live adjacent to ponds or in flood-prone areas must “plan your escape route…and discuss it with others in the house.”

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